Ninjalane News

Intro To The Solid State Drive - Consumer SSD Benefits

Published: Monday, December 12, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

For those of you who may not know what a SSD is, or why you do or don't need one, this article is for you.

Laptop computers are now sporting a new option that is going to amaze most as a result of the visible speed improvement and many will never really understand why.  Some will boast of  how quick their new laptop starts while others will read the fine print to see that there is this new thing called a solid state drive which has replaced the hard drive. The latter will most likely comprise of those reading this article and wanting to know what a SSD is and how it does what it does.

Our article today hopes to be the beginning of efforts to tackle many of the questions surrounding solid state drives and today’s report will examine what exactly makes the SSD so special in todays world of computing.  Follow-up reports will be added regularly to tackle the many questions the ‘new SSD enthusiast’ has about this new technology and we encourage comments and questions which will, in turn, form the direction we follow in assisting with your SSD education.

While I can see the benefits of SSDs they are not always the best option for overclocking since high BCLK speeds tend to cause the controller to go rouge and destroy your data.  

HP to make WebOS an Open-Source Project

Published: Friday, December 09, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Web

This might be one of the most expensive Open Source projects in existence, but you know, I think it is the right move.  Not much is known about how open the source will structured one thing is for sure android might have a little competition if the project takes off.

Dec. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Hewlett-Packard Co. will turn its WebOS software into an open-source project, aiming to get outside developers to embrace the struggling operating system it acquired in last year’s $1.2 billion purchase of Palm Inc.

WebOS will be offered under an open-source license, meaning developers and hardware manufacturers can tinker with it and bring their own versions to market, the Palo Alto, California- based company said today in a statement. Hewlett-Packard said it will remain active in developing and supporting WebOS.

Sadly I missed out on getting a TouchPad when they were offered up on uber sale and won't be taking advantage of the ebay refurb sales but I would say if you can get one, you should.

Microsoft confirms Windows 8 public beta slated for February 2012 launch @ Slash Gear

Published: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 - By: Garrett
News Source: Web

Ready for a (hopefully) more stable taste of next version of Windows?  Looks like we get a chance in a few months! 

Microsoft has just confirmed that the public beta release of Windows 8 will come in February of 2012, a date that was danced around tentatively, and which we covered previously. At this rate, it’s looking pretty good for Microsoft in terms of hitting its development milestones for their tablet-ready new operating system. Now they just have to gear up in hopes of reaching their projected sales, whatever that might be, and which probably will be announced in the near future by the technology giant.

While I am excited that a new version is around the corner, I am still getting used to Windows 7.  But the idea of an OS that covers multiple platforms might be worth the early upgrade.

Gigabyte X79 UD7 review @ Guru3D

Published: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

What is orange and black and difficult to find?  Yep you guessed it the Gigabyte X79 UD7 motherboard designed for the enthusiast in all of us.

Gigabyte X79 UD7Gigabyte as well launched several X79 motherboards like the G1.asassin, the UD3, UD5 and sure .. the UD7. That last one we'll be looking at today. A very complete motherboard I must say, with all kinds of gadgets and fresh looks.

You will see four PCI Express x16 slots, the rest of the expansion options available in the X79-UD7 include three PCIe x1 slots, four SATA 3Gbps ports, as well as a good six SATA 6Gbps ports. The rear I/O bracket shows a pair of USB 3.0 ports and 7.1-channel audio with digital S/PDIF out, but also a special OC button, a CMOS reset switch and much more.

Be sure to check out our preview article featuring the X79 UD7.

Thermaltake Overseer RX-I @ techPowerUp

Published: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

New case from Thermaltake based on a case familar to us, the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I.

The Thermaltake Overseer RX-I is positioned just below the Chaser chassis. It costs slightly less, is slightly smaller, but still has a very similar feature set. We take a close look if there is more to it than meets the eye or if the Overseer RX-I offers the same price/performance value as its bigger counterpart.

Not sure why they added a window but to each their own.

NL: Review Block - Cases and Coolers

Published: Monday, December 05, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

This particular review block has become quite common in recent months, not sure why but I would bank on these reviews being the lull before the storm. wink smile

Coolers
- Noctua NF-F12 Focused Flow fan @ Hardwareoverclock  (maybe the coolest fan ever!)
- Funky Kit Review: Jou Jye BW-1225P-LV Low Voltage 120mm Fan
- Prolimatech Lynx CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
- be quiet! Dark Rock Advanced CPU Cooler Review on Technic3D

Cases
- NZXT Phantom 410 @ techPowerUp

So sad, just one case this time

Configuring a LAN party network @ LanOC Reviews

Published: Monday, December 05, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

There are several things to consider when setting up a LAN Party and one of the most important is the network.  Proper planning of this crucial element can make or break the event though don't be suprised when nobody swings by to congradulate the network guy when everything rolls off without a hitch

Nearly five years ago when we hosted our first LAN party we had no idea what to expect or any idea on how much it would grow in the future. Research online as far as what other LAN’s were using was one of the most helpful things. Because of that, as we prep for our 10th event I wanted to give everyone a look behind the scenes at our network. This should help give you an idea of what to start with if you plan on growing in the future.

Of course power would be a close second if not the first most important thing to plan for, nothing like tripping a breaker in the middle of a match to get everyone all pissed off.

AMD FX-8150 CPU reviewed in Metku

Published: Sunday, November 27, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

Some say this processor is a total failure, while others say it simply is too "different" to compete.

The Bulldozer has to be one of the most anticipated PC hardware launches of recent times, and now, after being "just around the corner" for ages, it's finally here! Now testing the flagship of the 8 core lineup - the FX-8150!

I say you can't go wrong with 8 cores but it had better be faster than the 6 core version. happy smile

Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition Review @ Techgage

Published: Sunday, November 27, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

I was one of the lucky ones that had to buy this processor for launch, but you know I don't mind.

To those looking to build the biggest, baddest high-end PC around, the wait for Sandy Bridge-E was no doubt painful. But, it's finally here, and much to our expectations, Intel has once again solidified its position as the performance leader. So let's take a look at what it offers, and compare it to the i7-990X, i7-2600K and AMD FX-8150.

Sandy Bridge E is, by far, the most powerful architecture available but with only marginal overclocking ability.  With any luck you'll be able to see this in our next motherboard review.

Happy Thanksgiving

Published: Thursday, November 24, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Ninjalane

For those of you in the United States Happy Thanksgiving. big grin smile. There will have some news items a little later today. In the mean time go eat some Turkey, watch the game and look forward to a great day of shopping tomorrow.

On a related note Darren and I will be recording the next podcats in the next couple of days.  If you have any questions be sure to send them in.

Organization of the Artist - A simple management concept that works

Published: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Web

Here is a concept that I tend to live by when it comes to running web dev projects for my clients.  It was never very popular with them since it didn't give them the opportunity to voice their opinions during the development stage but it allowed me to concentrate on delivering a good product and within their budget.

Gehry initially developed the concept of the organization of the artist as a reaction against what he calls the "marginalization of the architect/artist." Gehry explains:

There's a tendency to marginalize and treat the creative people like women are treated, 'sweetie, us big business guys know how to do this, just give us the design and we'll take it from there.' That is the worst thing that can happen. It requires the organization of the artist to prevail so that the end product is as close as possible to the object of desire [the design] that both the client and architect have come to agree on.

While architecture isn't exactly the same as web development the concepts are almost identical, and you wouldn't believe how quickly projects can go sideways when your clients start asking for chances from the initial design.  Yes, sometimes these changes are a good thing, and should be celebrated but that is not always the case.  In those instances I have to ask, "if you are such an expert why did you hire me?"

ASUS X79 Rampage IV Extreme Socket 2011 Motherboard Review @ Hardware Canucks

Published: Monday, November 21, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

Very much a pretty motherboard.

With Sandy Bridge E processors finally hitting retailer's shelves it was high time that we began looking at some X79 motherboards.  The ASUS Rampage IV Extreme is currently one of the most expensive Socket 2011 boards around but it holds to the Republic of Gamers  pedigree  by offering a long list of features, some of which we have never seen before. 

Of course the expansion card layout is almost identical to the Gigabyte X79 UD7 with a few "high-end" editions such as eight memory slots and the normal compliment of ASUS hardware and features.

Pay special attention to the OC Key since that might be the future of real time hardware based overclocking.

Blue Snowflake Microphone Review @ Tech-Reviews

Published: Friday, November 18, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

We use the Blue Yeti when recording the Ninjalane Podcast and while the Yeti is the ultra-high-end the Snowflake (and snowball) was on the list for consideration.

A good microphone can be used in all types of scenarios whether it’s recording a commentary on a Battlefield 3 video to just chatting to a friend on Skype. Today we have Blue Snowflake microphone to review. It’s a professional microphone in a very small package, so let’s see how it performs.

The nice thing about the Snowflake is its size and ability to be hidden away when not in use.  Try to do that with the Yeti. wink smile

QNAP TS-219P II Network Attached Storage Review @ APH Networks

Published: Friday, November 18, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

It has been awhile since we last featured QNAP products so I'm glad to see they are still alive and kicking stuff around.

Normally I wouldn't bother posting this but the "quote" the review site sent over is rather comical.

According to Google, success is broadly defined as "the accomplishment of an aim or purpose". But what does it specifically mean to you? Back in the day, I have heard many individuals craving for lots of money to live well. Others have dreamed of owning many exotic cars. As for myself, I like to follow Albert Einstein's formula. "A + B + C = Success, if A = Hard Work, B = Hard Play, C = Keeping your mouth shut." If any one of those elements were taken out of the formula, success does not exist in my world. Personally, this has been very applicable with many tasks that I accomplish, especially when it comes down to important work that must be done, whether it be at school or at work. Missing hard work would lead to a low quality end product. Having no "play" will simply drive you up the wall. Lastly, keeping my mouth shut is how I personally get things done without getting distracted. Writing papers and delivering presentations with appropriate content is what makes the audience keep reading and paying attention from start to finish. When it comes down to technology, I apply the same concept in consumer products I obtain. I look for products that pack both quality and fun together, while being advertised in an elegant and presentable way. What we have here today is QNAP's TS-219P II network attached storage system. While maintaining its clean looks, it packs quite a big punch with the amount of features loaded for the end user. Despite its size, I'm sure this little guy wow you just as much as other products in the line such as the QNAP TS-559 Pro II reviewed by my colleague Jonathan not too long ago. Curious to what the TS-219P II can do? Keep reading to find out!

Oh ya. and really LONG..

A Look Back: 3dfx Graphics Cards @ ThinkComputers

Published: Friday, November 18, 2011 - By: Dennis
News Source: Email

This reminds me of a "joke" review I did a few years back for April Fools.

I don’t know about you but when I first started to build my own computers all I wanted inside was a 3dfx graphics card. I’m not sure what it was, the awesome advertisements in PC magazines, the high price, or just the hype. Luckily I was able to build a few systems with 3dfx graphics cards before they went bankrupt and were eventually acquired by Nvidia. 3dfx definitely helped change PC gaming. 3dfx will probably always be remembered by computer and gaming enthusiasts so today we take a look back at the 3dfx graphics cards.

Some good info there for those of you looking down memory lane.