Easy to install USB 2.0 PCI card
Review of Archos PCI USB 2.0 PC Expansion Card by
volcano
Advantages: Easy to install
Disadvantages: None
...I have bought this PCI card a week ago.
Reason: I have got a MSI K7T266Pro2 motherboard that only offer USB1.1 ports (1.5Mbytes/s maximum transfer rate).
Since I have got devices that uses USB2.0 and without breaking my piggy bank to upgrade my computer, the most economical way is to install a PCI card that offers USB2.0 connections (up to 480Mbits/s or 60Mbytes/s, 40X faster than USB1.1) for 1 internal port and 4 external ports.
Before you buy a USB2.0 PCI card, make sure that your motherboard got version 2.2 PCI slots which are USB2.0 compatible.
If your motherboard hasn't got version 2.2 PCI slots or higher, don't bother. You need a motherboard upgrade.
Also, your operating system needs to be windows 2000 service pack 4 or windows XP which provides appropriate drivers to support USB2.0. For the other operation systems...
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08.11.2004
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god send
Review of UC 100 pci to usb controller card by
nicky69
Advantages: provides 2 usb ports cheaply
Disadvantages: none
...we have a relatively old system now even though its only 18 months old and bought a web cam the only problem was we needed a usb port which our system had not got so were advised to buy this pci to usb controller card which gives your system 2 usb port to use.
Its very easy to fit just slots into the pci slot and away you go once you have found the driver leaving you to be able to plug your web cam or any other item which has a usb port rather than a pci slot.
It cost around £15 which is a lot cheaper than having to buy a new board and alot easier so would recommend this card to any one who does not have a usb on their system....
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30.09.2000
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Griffin PowerMate: USB Multimedia Controller
Review of Griffin PowerMate: USB Multimedia Controller & Input Device by
matt_fantastic
Advantages: an extra gizmo on my desk...
Disadvantages: an extra gizmo on my desk...
...Can't remember where I found out about this thing, but immediately wanted one, and thanks to a very helpful German Ebay chap, it was in my possession soon afterwards !
Made of high-quality machined aluminum - I opted for the "limited edition" stealth black model - the Griffin Powermate looks like a solid volume knob pulled right off the front of a world-class stereo ! That's it's "default" function, as an external volume knob for your computer, plus mute/un-mute by pushing it, but it does so much more !
It's programmable, so you can quickly and easily configure it with the simple interface - see my uploaded picture - to execute any key dommand, in any application. You can also adjust the sensitivity (eg scroll speed) for maximum control.
There are 5 functions - rotate left, rotate right, click, "long" click click & rotate left...
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18.04.2006
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SITECOM USB PCI CARD - So Many Connections
Review of Sitecom CN USB adapter by
penguin1052
Advantages: Plug and Play Connectivity and Easy To Use
Disadvantages: Need Some PC Knowledge To Install
...STABILITY
Extremely stable. Just plug your USB device into it and it works every time I’ve never had a problem with it. The only problem I could foresee would be if you were running Windows 95 or Windows 98 First Edition because these didn’t support USB. There are patches that you can download to get round this but I’m told that they are unstable although I’ve not used them myself so I can’t be sure on that.
SPEED
This is a USB 1.0 card which has a data transfer rate of 12mb a second which is far faster that serial which I believe is around the 4mb (although that may be wrong). However it is far slower than the new USB 2.0 which runs at just over the 450mb a second and that is even faster than Firewire (aka IEEE 1394) which runs at about 412mb a second.
EASE OF INSTALLATION
You will need;
One spare PCI slot
One USB card...
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15.01.2004
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Shuttle remote control
Review of Shuttle PN31 Infrared Remote control for PC multimedia by
miss_d_bus
Advantages: saves time, ideal for turning your computer into a TV
Disadvantages: makes you lazy
...This remote control is ideal for the most lazy shuttle users or for people who want their shuttle to be more like a TV. The shuttle mini computers have been designed in mind for computer game players who like to carry about their computers to different venues but also people who want computers to form a part of their home entertainment system. This includes linking up the shuttle computer with their TV, DVD player, skybox and to be able to record stuff off the TV directly onto the computer.
The remote control is wireless and it talks to the USB receiver module so you can happily operate the 19 keys on the remote control.
Features
=
* System power off control - turn off your computer without getting out of your chair! Its like the stand-by button you get on TV remote controls though there is a BUT. The power button can only...
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29.04.2004
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SuperG Wireless USB Adaptor
Review of Siemens Gigaset USB Adaptor 108 by
robosapien
Advantages: Small, easy to use and relatively stable
Disadvantages: Poor support and old drivers
...the Gigaset does crash too, it's less often and only under extremely heavy load.
I tried contacting Siemens through their Gigaset website about the crashing issue, but they sent an email back saying they only supported telephones, not internet devices - which I found a bit odd. I can live with the crashing problem because it's so infrequent - but their support team should really learn which devices they sell.
I have found that disabling the Aegis protocol (in the adaptor's properties), disabling the Gigaset Adaptor Monitor (in the Startup folder) and letting Windows control the device results in greater stability and ease of use.
Further use of the device revealed that it can only really be relied upon for browsing the web. File transfers are too unreliable. I have since upgraded to a PCI solution which in my opinion is a must if you...
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12.12.2007
(23.12.2007) |
Logitech Premium USB Headset 30
Review of Logitech Premium USB Headset 30 Headset by
switchback
Advantages: USB for plug and play
Disadvantages: Limitation of soundcard
...After standing on my old head set and breaking the microphone I was forced to go out and buy a new Microphone or new headset. Whilst browsing my local computer store I found this pretty and cheap Logitech headset. At less than 30 pounds and connecting using USB I thought I would give it a go.
The head set is a very nice and stylish design with a robust feel and feels very good round your head. With soft cushion padding around the headphones there is an aesthetic feel to the design making it very comfortable to wear. With an acceptably long USB cable it manages to reach to the back of my desk and down to the back of my computer. The main control centre and amplifier for the head set is on the cable about half a foot away from the USB jack, meaning that the head set is a lot lighter than other USB headsets and a lot more comfortable...
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01.04.2005
(03.04.2005) |
Take control of your PC
Review of Microsoft Remote Control and USB Receiver for Windows Media Center PC by
grooveriw
Advantages: Easy to use, even if your not familar with PC's
Disadvantages: Shape of the remote
...I built my own Windows Media Centre PC, so naturally I wanted Microsoft's own remote to go with it.
When you first open the box the remote comes in, you get the feeling that someting is missing, all you get is:-
1. The Remote itself.
2. The USB reciever.
3. 2x AA Batteries.
4. A leaflet about warranty.
So thats it, no software CD and no instructions.
Luckly installation is a breeze, simply put the batteries into the remote, then plug the USB reciever into a spare USB socket on your Windows Media Centre PC. Thats it, Windows just reconizies it and away you go.
A simple press of the large green media centre button in the middle of the remote and media centre launches straight away.
From there on its just like using any other modern DVD or TV remote, 4 large buttons, up, down, left & right control the on-screen menu...
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30.08.2006
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Belkin Wireless USB adaptor
Review of Belkin Wireless G USB Network Adapter Network adapter by
craggybuk
Advantages: Simple to set up and use
Disadvantages: Software is not the greatest
...I bought this USB network adaptor for my son when he still had his Windows 98 machine as the PCI card that I reviewed previously was too advanced for his hardware. This USB adapter was bought to connect to my Belkin wireless router meaning that I now had a wireless network consisting only of Belkin hardware.
--Whats in the box--
On opening the box, there were no real surprises. There was the USB adapter, a stand which would allow you to place the adapter on your desk if you didnt want to have it plugged directly into the back of your PC, the antenna, a quick installation guide and a CD which contained the drivers and a full manual.
--Installation--
On reading the quick installation guide, it was apparent that the software had to be installed before the adapter was plugged in. The reason for this was because, when the hardware...
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14.06.2007
(28.09.2007) |
5 USB 2 PORTS - FRONT & BACK
Review of Trust 5 Port USB 2.0 PC Upgrade Kit & Hub - hub - 5 ports by
penguin1052
Advantages: USB FRONT AND BACK
Disadvantages: Fitting For Novices
...Now this is similar to the other Trust Front USB panel review I have done. However with this product we find an additional USB PCI card. Ok so what does that mean to me I ask you hear. Well basically with the other front panel you had to have existing USB ports on the back of your machine and use those for the panel with a link through lead. With this one you install a new USB card into a spare PCI slot (the long white slot inside your motherboard) and then run an internal cable to the front panel. This then means you have an additional two ports on the back for products such as an ADSL modem and printer that would be permanently connected, while you also gain three ports on the front for various other products that you may want to remove from time to time or just plug in now and then such as a digital camera or a joystick. All...
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25.01.2004
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