Desktops

Ugh...looking back. And here we thought this industry was only supposed to move forward. Still, it's only fair that since we made such a stink about Dell's XPS 700 last year, we ought to give it credit for addressing one of that system's key problems, even if it is 10 months later.

If you'll recall, the Dell XPS 700 and XPS 710 shipped with Dell's own version of Nvidia's 590 SLI chipset. The Dell hardware lacked that chipset's support for BIOS-based overclocking of Intel's Core 2 Duo Extreme chips, as well … Read more

We admit we're pretty excited about the idea of SideShow, Windows Vista's secondary display capability. Not really so much with laptops (although we're sure someone will find a way to put that to good use) but more for what it could mean for driving Vista Media Center from your couch. Microsoft tabbed Ricavision to make the hardware that will eventually become the official Microsoft-branded SideShow remote. Ricavision says that a major computer vendor as well as one top-tier retailer have contracted to rebadge as well. Interlink, Phillips, and other vendors have also promised their own SideShow designs.… Read more

Perhaps the best part about yesterday's report that we'd once again have Commmodore-branded computers on the market are the blogs that reported it, which dug up some pretty great images of the original, classic Commodore 64. Sure, we're eager to see what details come out on March 15 at CeBIT (Europe's massive annual tech show, held in Hannover, Germany), when the new Commodore Gaming PCs make their official debut. But really, what's more fun than browsing through all of the cheesy old-school console shots? We think we found a good one, but be sure to … Read more

Performance testing might not be the first thing you think of when you read product reviews, but it often plays an important role in helping to evaluate how some products stand up against their competition. CNET Labs takes performance testing very seriously, and it's sometimes a lot more difficult than you might think... When we encounter testing problems in the lab, we often turn first to the manufacturers to help us troubleshoot the issue. We like to give the vendors the opportunity to address the issues and offer explanations or solutions, in part to make sure we're not … Read more

Have you been jonesing for the top-tier version of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista Ultimate, but not willing to part with $400 of your hard-earned cash? Does spending half that amount make taking the plunge more palatable? If you can do without the fancy packaging and user manuals, consider instead Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit for System Builders, selling for $200 at Amazon.com, Newegg.com, and other e-tailors. The license agreement for this particular version states it is meant specifically for "system builders." Paragraph one of the license agreement provides several definitions of who a … Read more

We've been logging some long work days of late--deadlines, you know--and the experience has given us the opportunity to make a few observations. First, most desks are just no good for geeks. In addition to the normal paper detritus, a mess of peripherals, accessories, and their attendant cords can quickly turn a desk into a disaster zone. Second, when you sit for a long time in the same desk chair, no matter how ergonomic your setup, your hip joints will threaten to fuse together in a permanent L shape.

The Milk Desk, though, looks to solve both those problems … Read more

This one definitely falls under the category of What Took Them So Long? Universal remotes have claimed (dubiously) to do everything under the sun, but they've gotten increasingly difficult to use by cramming in more keys and buttons, not to mention indecipherable commands.

Sharp has responded to that frustration with "the world's first remote controller with a touchpad," according to Gearfuse, for its updated line of Aquos TV-PCs. The design overhaul means 40 percent fewer buttons and computer-like navigation on the remote.

The new products appear to be available only in Japan for now, but we'… Read more

If you're thinking of building or buying a home theater PC, you might consider looking for a motherboard that has AMD's new 690G chipset, announced today. The reason is because the new chipset will come with both a DVI video output, as well as an independent HDMI output for connecting your computer directly to an HD television. It also comes with HDCP support built directly into the new, onboard ATI Radeon X1250 graphics chip, which should ensure digital encryption compatibility for playing HD-DVD or Blu-ray movies.

The other model in the new series, the budget-oriented 690V, is more … Read more

With monitors breaking the 30-inch mark, a 20.1-inch LCD seems downright puny--which may be one reason Europe's Formac is taking a distinctly aesthetic route to market its new displays. It makes good sense regardless of size because the "Gallery 2010 Xtreme-5" is aimed at professional designers and photographers, with a "unique controller board" for color rendering, according to PCLaunches.

As companies continue to expand their thinking on monitors, we've seen designs that look appropriate for settings ranging from architect's offices to museums. As long as they don't take the form of … Read more