Desktop PC Reviews

BY: J.R., DesktopReview.com Editor
Given the prevalence with which USB flash drives (or keys) have been introduced into the market, it’s becoming harder and harder for manufacturers to differentiate their products.  Enter LaCie’s pun-tacular iamaKey flash drive.  Is this a case of style over substance or are LaCie’s three new keys worthwhile purchases?  Read on for our full review.

Specifications

• Interface: USB2.0 (backward compatible with USB1.1)
• Capacity: 4 - 8GB
• Dimensions: 2.24 x 0.94 x 0.12 inches (LxWxH)
• ReadyBoost compatible: Yes
• System requirements: Windows 2000 or higher, Mac OS X v10.3.5 or higher, Linux
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

The 4GB version of the iamaKey, which is reviewed here, carries a suggested retail price of $17.99.  The 8GB version runs $27.99.

Build and Design

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BY: J.R., DesktopReview.com Editor

While we covered the release of Apple’s new and improved desktop lineup just a couple of weeks ago, it appears that Apple isn’t quite finished.  Mention of a new iMac model has appeared on their education sub-site, with a 17″ display and an $899 price point.

The new 17-inch iMac is listed to start at $899, though whether that’s the price the public will pay or education applicants (the education site lists the Mac Mini as starting at $549, which is the price after student discounts) is another matter.  No specs are listed aside from size of display, though it wouldn’t be too far out of reason to suggest that they’ll likely be very close to the base 20-inch model. Read the rest of this entry »

BY: J.R., DesktopReview.com Editor
Apple recently upgraded their entire desktop line, including the oft-forgotten Mac Mini.  Almost two full years since the last update, Apple finally upgraded almost every aspect of the “most affordable Mac ever”, including the processor, chipset, RAM, hard drive and graphics system.  With a starting cost of $599, can the Mac Mini really compare to its more expensive Apple brethren or even their PC equivalents?  Read on for our full review.

Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 @ 2.0GHz (3MB L2 cache)
• Memory: 1 GB DDR3 SDRAM @ 1066MHz
• Hard drive: 120GB SATA @ 5400RPM
• Optical drive: DVD+/-RW SuperDrive
• Sound: Integrated audio
• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics with 128MB shared memory
• Networking: Gigabit Ethernet
• Wireless networking: 802.11a/b/g/draft-n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Operating system: OS X 10.5.6 Leopard
• Power supply: 110 watt external
• Warranty: 1 year limited hardware warranty with 90 days phone support

As configured, the Mac Mini carries a suggested retail price of $599.
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BY: Kevin, DesktopReview.com Editor

The Kensington SlimBlade Trackball combines the precision input of a trackball with useful multimedia and image manipulation controls. With the press of a button you can switch modes on the fly without taking your hand off of the device.  The SlimBlade also offers a unique low-profile shape that is comfortable to use without a wrist pad, requiring less space on your desk surface. Read on to find out how useful this trackball is in real-world situations and if it is worth purchasing over competing products. Read the rest of this entry »