Posted 08/02/07 at 07:05:39 PM by Katherine Stevenson

We assessed the Asus DRW-1814BLT--and we approve!

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Posted 08/02/07 at 06:03:58 PM by Katherine Stevenson

Lite-On LH-20A1S will burn DVDs without burning a hole in your pocket.

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Posted 08/02/07 at 04:34:42 PM by Katherine Stevenson

Initially we thought Samsung’s 226BW might rise above the pack in the 22-inch category. This LCD boasts 16.7 million colors, suggesting superior 8-bit technology. But when we did side-by-side testing next to the Hanns.G model, we were mightily surprised by the similarities. Sure enough, further inquiry revealed the 226BW to be a 6-bit panel just like all the others. But Samsung says its special Hi-FRC tech surpasses conventional FRC in color reproduction.

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Posted 08/02/07 at 03:14:33 PM by Katherine Stevenson

An LCD’s spec sheet isn’t likely to mention the use of 6-bit color with frame-rate control; it’s up to you to deduce it. In some cases, you’ll find that the color spec isn’t even mentioned. This in itself can be a clue, but it’s not proof––dig further. If a spec is mentioned, bear in mind this distinction: An 8-bit panel is capable of producing 16.7 million colors; a 6-bit panel produces just 262,144 colors but uses FRC to create approximations of more, up to 16.2 million shades.

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Posted 07/05/07 at 04:05:03 PM by Katherine Stevenson

Like the Plextor PX-B900A and the IO Data BRD-UM2/U that we reviewed in December 2006, the d2 is actually a Panasonic-manufactured Blu-ray burner. The drive is encased in a LaCie-branded brushed-metal shell that offers both USB 2.0 and FireWire connectors. Roxio’s Easy Media Creator 8.2 comes bundled with the package.

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Posted 07/05/07 at 01:31:14 PM by Katherine Stevenson

As far as Blu-ray burners go, Lite-On’s Triple Writer comes across as the most forward-looking, with the simple inclusion of a serial ATA interface—a feature that’s been sorely lacking in all the other Blu-ray drives we’ve tested. Really, it should be standard issue with any so-called next-gen device, as parallel support will only get more scarce over time.

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Posted 06/19/07 at 02:05:02 PM by Katherine Stevenson

Money can't always buy you love, and ViewSonic's VG2230wm proves the theory.

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Posted 06/14/07 at 07:31:25 PM by Katherine Stevenson

HP W2207: the 22-inch monitor that will make your PC look good.

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