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Factual errors abound in ExtremeTech commentary
Several of you have passed word to us concerning an opinion article by Jim Lynch, a "journalist and community manager" from ExtremeTech. He recently wrote a piece concerning the "Ten Reasons World of Warcraft Sucks". If you would like to laugh a bit, I'd go over and check it out.I don't want to rip into him for his opinions. He's entitled to them. Opinions are things like "they need new battleground maps," or "Paladins are not good tanks." While we might vehemently disagree with them, they are opinions nonetheless, and they are not facts. Facts are things like "Blizzard can put in new battleground maps," or "Paladins can tank."What I can do is correct some of his facts. First, he says that a player must spend 5000g to get a flying mount. It only costs 1000g. He suggests a price of 1200g as an appropriate amount to charge for a flying mount, looks like he's 200g too high.
ExtremeTech points out 5 HDTVs with quality HD & SD pictures
Standard definition, something your Grandma's TV can produce effortlessly, is sometimes the hardest signal a HDTV to processes. Jagged lines appear, colors can roll vertical on the screen, and everything just looks crappy. Unfortunately for every HDTV owner, not every station is broadcasting in high-def so when you wanna watch, lets say FX, ya' have to deal with the crappy picture. In fact, most of the time that picture looks better on Grandma's TV but fortunately, ExtremTech has posted reviews of 5 HDTVs that deal with SD favorably: NEC Multeos M46-AVT, Sony KDS-55A2020, Vizio VP42, Pioneer PRO-940HD, and AOC Envision L32W461 - wanna place a bet for the best performer? Anyone? Obviously, the Pioneer Elite plasma came out on top but the other four served-up standard-def well enough. Most people don't buy an HDTV with SD in mind but consumers need to understand that not everything on their new, sexy flat-panel is going to look hot. [Image via DigitalConnection]
Razer's DeathAdder gaming mouse reviewed
So you've thrown down some major cabbage and gotten yourself a serious gaming PC for the new year, and now you want a mouse just as fitting -- well look no further than Razer's DeathAdder, say the guys over at ExtremeTech. They took the sinisterly-named peripheral for a spin, all the while pitting it against their previous fav, the Logitech G5. Well after some grueling rounds in the pits, the DeathAdder eked out a tie with the champ, garnering a 10/10 rating and the lofty distinction of being one of the best mice they have ever used; Team ExTech loved everything about the slithery rodent, from the feel of the rubberized shell to the perfectly placed thumb buttons to the fully customizable drivers. So based on the review, it seems that any gamer even remotely serious about their ranking should be considering, if not knocking down the doors to add this glowing glory to their arsenal -- if they can deal with "only" five buttons, that is.
Logitech's G11 gaming keyboard reviewed
If you've got no use for the LCD-equipped G15 keyboard, but still lust for dozens of extra buttons to push, you might be interested in the slightly less costly G11. Logitech's self-proclaimed "gaming keyboard" sports the same basic features as its more luxurious sibling, but omits the LCD in favor of bringing the price down to a more respectable level. While it may not be immediately evident what makes the 'board so "gamer-centric," ExtremeTech took a long look at the G11, and unearthed a lot of potential for coders and macro-freaks as well as late-night MMO gamers. While noting that the device boasted the usual assortment of keys, the crew was thoroughly impressed (albeit a bit overwhelmed) with the 54 "G-keys" that could record any macro imaginable. It was noted that keystrokes, although comfortable, rendered a slight "click" when depressed, and they were occasionally sidetracked by mistaking a lower G-key with the Control key. Nevertheless, the illuminated keys (and media controls) were deemed "worthwhile," and the superbly implemented Keyboard Profiler software allowed for on-the-fly macro recording including pauses and combinations. Overall, reviewers felt that the G11 was nothing more than "a shiny keyboard that glows in the dark" if you weren't obsessed with macros, but insinuated that it was a solid value at $70 if you used the bevy of G-keys as frequently as ASDF.
Logitech MX Revolution laser mouse reviewed
The most telling line from ExtremeTech's review of the $99.99 Logitech MX Revolution mouse -- which we also got our hands upon recently -- is: "The MX [comes] with a learning curve". The reason for this? An inordinate number of features that results in a mouse that takes some getting used to. Starting with the scroll wheel, Logitech has devised a way of integrating both the ratcheted type of scroll with the free-spin variety: by default, the mouse will switch between the two modes depending on how fast the user is scrolling. Users can tweak the speed at which the mouse will switch into free-spin mode, and yes, there's a ratcheted only option. The next notably new feature is the "document flip", a second scroll wheel located just above the thumb rest that functions as an application switcher if you decide not to change the software settings. Finally, there's a dedicated search button on the top of the mouse that will either, a) start an internet search for a selected word or, if you don't have anything selected, will b) take you to the homepage of your preferred search engine. In practice, the reviewer found the new features to be in need of a little polish: the scroll wheel was a little too eager to switch into free-spin mode (and doesn't double as a middle mouse button), the document flip felt a little redundant, and the one touch search button bugged-out a few times. Underneath all the features is a relatively basic, multi-buttoned cordless laser mouse -- the 800 DPI sensitivity is nothing to write home about -- but the ergonomics and design live up to the high standards we've come to expect from Logitech. The reviewer concludes that the extra features probably aren't necessary, but could in the long term increase user productivity if prospective buyers spend some time customizing the button functions and getting used to the new features. If you think you can do without the new features, you might consider picking up one of Logitech's other no-frills gaming mice, which feature much higher sensitivities and equal, if not lower, prices.
LCoS Shootout part deux
If you are interested in the nitty-gritty of HDTV projections sets, this article is for you buddy. This is Extreme Tech's round two of their LCoS Shootout where they go in detail about the testing. And let me tell you, they did extensive testing. Before they just shoot numbers at you, they explain in full detail what and why they are testing it. For example, they explain the brightness level and why it's set so high when it comes right out of the box. It is, of course, because of the sales floor and making it stand out from the other TVs.Take some time (15-25 mins) and read over this article.
