Posted 08/27/2008 at 11:53:14pm

More interesting is the SLI-capable 9500GT.  If you SLI two of the 9500GTs, you'll get around half the performance of a less expensive 9600GT.  And we would buy the 9500GT because why??

Thankfully, the DVI/VGA configuration shown above is not a GPU limitation.  EVGA makes a dual, dual-link DVI 9400GT for $60.  This is the card for professionals seeking to power two 30" LCDs.  However, the DVI ports are way too close together for Apple 30" displays, and you'd have to slice the Apple DVI connectors (ouch!) to use them with that card.  So, for those lucky bastages with two Apple 30" displays, your best bet would be a dual, dual-link DVI card with a tv-out connector between the DVI connectors.

-Six

Posted 08/26/2008 at 12:00:06pm

What can I say?  I was so smitten with Tricia's performance that I took on her character as my online handle.  Tricia, if you are reading this, you are an outstanding actress and you were a great asset to the BSG series.  I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Sincerely,
Number Six, a/k/a [Ch]amsalot
Maximum PC Magazine Forum Admin

Posted 08/25/2008 at 06:14:35pm

I use Das Keyboard.  No "Page Up/Page Down" printed on any keys.  In fact, there's nothing on any of the keys whatsoever! :D

Posted 08/25/2008 at 02:01:25pm

I wish Maximum PC would have tested my FHD2400.  It has both the component inputs and the height-adjustable stand that the FHD2401 lacks.  While on paper, the stats of the 2401 seem better, it looks to me like Gateway started to cut corners with their "1" version.  At a price difference of $30, it clearly looks like the FHD2400 is the better buy.

-Six

Posted 07/16/2008 at 10:30:00am

Add one point for Dell's chat-based notebook support.  Apparently there was a painting screw up on my Inspiron 9400's cover-plate which you remove to access the memory modules, and the paint bubbled and peeled off from the heat.  Using Dell's chat-based tech support, I was amazingly able to have the problem resolved without actually having to reboot my notebook ten times and change the screen resolution, or go into the BIOS, or format my harddrive and reinstall windows.  In fact, the rep took me at my word that this was a physical paint problem having nothing to do with the operation of the computer.  Wow.  And in chat no less.

In well under 48 hours, I have the replacement part.  Dell's chat-base tech support r0x0rz this time around.

-Six

Posted 06/23/2008 at 03:53:52pm

Product does NOT receive my seal of approval. I did not find any of the range and throughput benefits that MPC found. Not sure if my unit was defective (it didn't really appear "factory fresh" and could have been someone else's return), but I would not recommend this product. -[Ch]ams

Posted 03/05/2008 at 10:43:14am

Panasonic's plamsa are great, however, those in the know realize the Pioneer was the best. I blame Consumer Reports for promoting inferior Panasonics over the Pioneer, especially in the 50" category where the 5080 (720p) kills even Panasonic's highest-end 1080p sets, due to its superior black-level. Sad that one magazine can destroy an entire brand, and thereby hurt videophiles everywhere. Oh and by the way, even the best LCD sucks compared to the latest Pioneer and Panasonic Plasmas. Don't take my word for it, just read reviews from reputable magazines.

Posted 02/26/2008 at 03:53:06pm

To test it out... I hope Dell unlocked the FSB in the BIOS ;-)

Posted 02/14/2008 at 10:30:19pm

I approve!

Posted 08/24/2007 at 09:19:05pm

...to have unencrypted open APs. That's why I like to help people in my neighborhood secure their APs by logging in to their routers (with default passwords of course), enabling the highest level of encryption possilbe (WPA2 if available) with a randomly generated key, changing the admin password, changing the SSID to something clever like, "Secured by your next door neighbor Joe." When possible, I'll even upgrade the router's firmware with a custom version that doesn't have a DHCP Server. I just love being helpful. -[Ch]amsalot