Whenever the subject of vacuum tube amplifiers is brought up, it is most likely that someone is discussing expensive hi-fi audio equipment. SonicGear brought this category of amplifiers to the computer world. Their i-Steroid 2.1 system represents a unique attempt at integrating “old-fashioned” vacuum tubes into the cold electronics and high-tech world. The name itself is obviously an allusion to iPod players and that becomes even more obvious by taking a glance at the device itself.
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Very often short descriptions in manufacturer manuals for displays are: exceptional design and excellent performances which is the case with Samsung T220. If some monitor looks nice we can see that by ourselves when we take it out from the packaging, but when it comes to other manufacturer’s promise (about performances) we need to check them by ourselves for its authenticity. Samsung T220 satisfied the first half of its description from the moment we put it on the table.
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This point-and-shoot camera gives impression of reliability and well built product. Canon IXUS 80 IS has all standard and expected functions without unnecessary “fancy” stuff that some manufacturers implement with intention to attract customers. Canon intended this model for users who desire modern, reliable and quality photo camera without any unusual functions (with limited usability). ...
SanDisk, as one of mayor flash memory manufacturers, naturally has big USB flash drive portfolio. It’s very hard to stand out, when there is a huge amount of different USB flash drive models from different manufacturers on the market. Generally speaking, you can only recognize a specific type only by its different USB casing. Design of casing is something that all manufacturers pay attention to attract more customers. On the other hand, in the eyes of final user a big plus is always bigger capacity and speed of data transfers.
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This time we’ve compared two CPUs: Core2Quad Q9300 (this is the bottom model of current lineup) and Core2Extreme QX9650 (the top model of current lineup). We have experimented with QX9650, bringing down its multiplier so we got whole palette of Core2Quad processors from Q9x50 generation. To make evaluation of performances we have included in test even Core2Extreme QX6850 which is the top model Quad CPU from previous generation (65nm).
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Prestigio in Europe is predominantly known as a notebook brand. Besides that, their manufacturing lines are aspiring life to numerous different products, mainly very good in design. This time we are encountering very interesting product with peculiar characteristics. First of all, we have to say it is an excellent idea, but its realization is somewhat strange. Given we are facing computer placed into display chassis, Mac products are first we can think of.
Still, unlike them, Prestigio Officer is not primarily focused on design itself. Price is play trump, and we salute it, because our modest market is far more eager for favorable solution than unrealistically expensive design. However, design of Officer 375 is not bad after all. It has several faults, but we are still facing fine final processing and design unlikely to repulse anyone. Tested model has 17-inch display, but we think of 19-inch monitor as a realistic optimum.
Prestigio 375 Highlights
* 2-in-1 computer on the back of the LCD display
* Excellent ergonomics
* Very small footprint
* 17” LCD display
* Intel® Core® Duo, Core® Solo or Celeron® M processor
* Up to 2 GB memory
* Up to 750 GB hard drive
* Slot-in DVD/RW
* Smart Stand
* Space saving due to all-in-one design of the powerful desktop PC
* Stylish design for modern office
* Green design - no wires hassle and electric shock risk, no CRT emission and fan noise
* Wide offer to fit any performance requirement
By looking into list of components, we immediately acknowledged purpose of this computer. Configuration placed in somewhat deeper display chassis is personification of classical office PC. Processor is phenomenally selected Pentium M at 1.7 GHz and we frankly salute this. Due to this, Officer 375 is powering through adapter, similar to those designed for notebook computers. There is only 1GB of Kingston RAM installed, leaving space for upgrading up to 2 GB which might significantly facilitate operation, with minimal investment, because DDR2 533 MHz modules are cheaper than ever. Data storage space is entrusted to Hitachi’s Deskstar 250 GB HDD, quite suffice. Optic device is DVD-RW, performing quietly its task, thus enabling DVD-R media burn at 16X speed.
There is also a card reader, as well as stereo 2x2 W loudspeakers. The package includes mouse and keyboard, as well as mouse pad outlined by blue neon light, acting as USB hub with four connectors. Mouse has strange design and cannot be treated as the best possible ergonomic solution. Along all of this, there is WiFi antenna, for additional mounting on right upper edge of display. Unfortunately, display viewing angles are slightly smaller than usually, and rest of it is pursuant to level of plain 17" TFT displays with 8 ms response time. It is also worth noticing that there is two year warranty period.
Before everything else, we have to say that this is complete device prepared for operation immediately upon removing from the box. Facility of putting into operation is incredible, which is important for office machines. Entire computer is powered through adapter, meaning through single cable. Keyboard and mouse require two additional cables, and that’s about it. Everything is ready to go. After booting to Windows XP, we drew conclusion that work is exceptionally comfortable, image good and entire machine very quite.
All necessary accessories, i.e. ports and card readers are present and considerably facilitate work. Slight objection goes to lack of Bluetooth connection, although this may be additionally solved with USB adapter. Another objection goes to display base, given it is not the toughest possible solution, and designing solution is nothing special. Concretely, it should be prettier and firmer. Front positioned commands for image adjustment are given in form of set of buttons with central main button for computer start/shut down.
Performances during playing are not on very high level, but to make one thing straight right away, it’s not a point. While you are in sphere of playing less demanding (read: older) and flash games, everything is fine. Of course, all attempts of playing modern games will result in one-digit frame rate. Regarding performance of other office tasks, surfing, watching movies and similar daily errands, this computer is able to provide you with all of this. It is done with minimal space occupation and great convenience.
Likewise, if you are considering purchasing this computer for domestic purposes, and you are deprived of gaming aspirations, we warmly recommend you this solution, yet advise you to choose 19-inch version, because it is far more reasonable size for watching movies.