Code, coke and coins

So the Intel QX6700 is upon us, for those not in the know, it’s not really a true ‘quad’ core processor, but a dual-dual processor. Two separate pieces of silicon (each containing an E6700 Dual core CPU) on a single physical package. But for all intensive purposes it is four physical CPUs in one drop-in [...]

Like many I’m sure, I run my PC for long periods of time, on many occassions it runs 24/7 for particulary long downloads or FTP server access when I’m away. All this time the CPU is buzzing away, doing nothing for the large part, except comsuming power and generating heat.
One thing I was suprised with [...]

Back in March I wrote about SFF PC’s, I’ve had my mind set on getting one for sometime. It’s taken this long for me to purchase one, as I’ve never been completely at ease with the specifications available, there always seemed to be a compromise.
Then, while trawling the net, I stumbled across Shuttle’s plans to [...]

Since my initial introduction to LightScribe I’ve not had a great deal of time to do anything with it, real life has been getting in the way. In the meantime my desktop has become awash with Visual Studio Express downloads amongst other things, time for a little DVD/CD burning this weekend.
Keeping all my Visual Studio [...]

Shuttle has been the de-facto SFF PC for some time now, it’s not difficult to see why. The cases are small, elegant and I believe most importantly – customisable to an extent (i.e. you can select from various standard components to build a machine).
However with the advent of the Mac Mini, Shuttles are starting to [...]

I recently upgraded my ageing Pioneer DVR-106D DVD/CD burner, to something a little more up-to-date, a Philips SPD3200 external USB2 unit. Simultaneously, I upgraded Nero to version 7.
The writing speed boost for DVDs is bliss, 4x to 16x is a sizable leap. That’s not to say the drive hasn’t been without problems, this is the [...]

I’ve been looking for a new USB flash drive for a few weeks, my old 256MB model has served me well but I’ve a need for more capacity – time to upgrade.
I took a look at Issue 132 (October ‘05) of PC Pro magazine, which had a review of USB flash drives. I’m always a [...]