Category Archives: Hardware

Category containing all information relating to hardware.

Windows 7 standby issue…

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What’s up with Windows 7 standby?

I have a real problem with Windows 7 at this point in time. It has a really annoying bug that drives me insane!

It seems to be an issue that occurs with ATI drivers – and since I have an ATI Radeon HD 4550, I get the issue.

When you standby your computer, the system goes into standby as normal. However, when you wake the system the Aero glass interface mysteriously disappears. For some reason, the DWM (desktop window manager), which deals with the Aero management, crashes. The only resolution to the problem is to reboot the PC – you cant fix it any other way.

It slightly defeats the point of using standby on Windows. The problem doesn’t seem to occur if you hibernate the system, but it’s still very annoying.

I tried contacting ATI but their customer support didn’t seem to understand the issue.

Is it just me or is the problem common with other systems as well?

With 2TB memory cards on the way in the next 2 years, hard drives may become superseded!

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Just browsing through the various tech news going round at the moment – with CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) dominating posts, I noticed that companies are aiming to have 2TB memory cards on the shelves in the next 2 years.

Now when you think that the most common hard disk size at this moment in time is 250-500GB, it makes you realise how quickly memory cards are growing in size and how quickly they could take over hard drives.

At the moment the biggest memory card you’ll find on the shelves is about 32GB – at most 64GB – but recent technology has enabled companies to rapidly expand the amount of storage on one memory card.

Obviously there are some factors will slow down the use of these bigger cards – cost being the biggest. It’s unclear how much these supersize cards will cost and therefore hard drives will probably continue to dominate the market for the next 24 months, at least.

However, with the larger cards now available, it opens up opportunity for Linux builders to start optimizing their operating system for memory cards  – so computers without hard drives can boot and run their operating systems with ease.

In addition, it will hopefully expand the netbook even further as the small memory cards will help to free up space for better batteries that last longer. It also solves the annoying problem of the lack of memory space in some netbooks.

So overall, the new memory cards coming in the next 12-24 months will hopefully bring new hope to computer users as they are much more convenient than big, bulky hard drives.

Very nice PlayStation remote controller developed by individual

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Yes, I know, GEEK! doesn’t usually talk about news related to games and games consoles, but this something I really wanted to mention.

Just spotted this on the internet (see below). It’s a remote PS3 controller which has been handmade by an experienced individual.

It features a 5” wireless LCD, sound, all the controls you’d expect, a 1.2GHz wireless controller, a mini-USB input, charger input, and headphone port.

For a handmade product, it does look pretty amazing.

Image

Sadly, the creator doesn’t mention the wireless range (or at least not at the time of writing).

Still, it’s a pretty fantastic concept that will probably interest many gamers. According to the creator he will be selling the device as soon as a minor sound issue is fixed. Any guesses on what it might go for?

My new homebuilt PC – is it worth it?

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Well, after many months of wanting to do it, I have finally built myself my own computer. It was great fun – for a tech nerd like me – and it also saved me a lot of money!

Here’s what I bought myself:

  • An AMD Entry Level Barebones PC kit costing £140 – that includes the case, motherboard, a dual core AMD processor and 2GB RAM
  • A 512MB Gigabyte HD4550 graphics card costing about £35
  • A 250GB hard drive costing about £25
  • A DVDRW drive costing £18
  • A 19″ LG monitor costing £92
  • A Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse set costing £17

That was it. If my calculations are right that comes to £327 and in my opinion that is a bargain. I’ve got a really good spec PC and a nice monitor and keyboard/mouse set to go with it. Perfect!

It does go to show how much cheaper it can be to go for the build your own PC option. It is much cheaper so is perfect if you’re on a tight budget, plus it can be really good fun if you enjoy working with computers.

I wouldn’t recommend this way of getting your hands on a nice new PC if you consider yourself a novice with computers. You do have to be careful – put the wrong component in the wrong place and you’ll be adding costs for replacements. Also, make absolutely sure that you have some sort of anti-static kit for your hands. Static electricity and internal computer components do not mix!

If you like a challenge and have a few hundred pounds to spare give this a go! You might be really pleased you bothered!

    Review: Topcom USB Wireless Skype Phone (Butler 4012)

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    I recently decided that, as I use Skype frequently for general phone calls to standard landline calls, I should get a proper Skype headset.

    I found the Topcom Butler 4012 on eBay brand new for £14.99, which is a bargain considering that its RRP is about £70.

    I have to say I’m very impressed with the handset. It’s really easy to use and works very well. There are a few pros and cons which I’ve outlined below:

    Advantages:

    • Battery life is very good
    • Works very well with Skype using the USB interface
    • The drivers work with Windows Vista and Windows 7
    • It comes with a selection of ringtones and customizable features
    • The sound quality of the calls is very good
    • It works just as if it were a normal landline phone
    • Wireless range is very good

    Disadvantages:

    • You have to dial the country code when making a call, even if it is in your local country (ie 0044 before the number in the UK)
    • Must be plugged in via USB, no ethernet port
    • Comes with EU plug (that is probably just the eBay seller, but it is probably worth mentioning)

    Other than that I think it is a product that will prove very handy. I use it frequently now and I have to say it hasn’t played up at all yet.

    So if you’re looking for a good value Skype phone, try the Topcom Butler 4012 Skype handset.