XCM 1080p Mega Cool VGA Box
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from ConsoleSource / Buy from Amazon
Price: $79.90-120.00


Overview : Connect any Component Video source to any VGA monitor for the best resolution possible! Supports up to 1080p HDTV resolution! New sleek design.

Features :

• Supports PC video display resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200 @ 75 Hz) or HD TV (up to 1920 x 1080)
• Supports 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p
• Display pictures from your console (Game Cube, Playstation 2, Xbox, PSP Slim, Wii , Xbox 360, Playstation 3) on your PC monitor (up to 1600 x 1200) or HDTV (up to 1920 x 1080)
• Supports SDTV, HDTV, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA video formats.
• Works on both PAL & NTSC systems.
• Easy Plug and play installation.
• Connect any compatible YPbPr (component video) device to your VGA monitor via Integrated YPbPr to RGBHV converter.
• Applications: TFT LCD monitor, CRT monitor, Set-top box, Display projector
• Works on LCD TFT monitors
• Video output: VGA
• Automatic video source mode detection (film/graphic)
• Motion-adaptive interfiled de-interlacing
• Uses the power from your USB port, no extra power supply needed!

Quality/Usability : I dont like to have lots of wires dangling or have to constantly plug/unplug cables so I opted to use the XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3. The XCM 1080p Mega Cool VGA Box is housed in a sturdy chrome casing with component cable input, VGA input and output, stereo speaker input and USB power input. The top of the XCM 1080p Mega Cool VGA Box contains a SOURCE button as well as directional pads. The SOURCE button lights up when in use (blue for component and green for VGA) and allows you to switch between your computer/laptop or consoles. The directional pads allows you to change resolution and frequency on your monitor.

Below is a video of the Mega Cool VGA Box being used with the Multi-Console Component Cable.


I connected my PSP Slim, Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Dell computer to the Mega Cool VGA Box and to my Dell 24" 1080p Widescreen monitor. All worked flawlessly without a problem. Pictures displayed just like it would on a TV/monitor. There were no lags or distortions. I liked that you were able to change the resolution and refresh rate from the VGA box rather than going through all the menus on your monitor/TV. What I dont like however is that it only supports 1 component cable. Luckily, I have the multi-console cable but others might not and this may be an annoyance.

When switching devices, it does not remember the display resolution. So you'll have to go and change it each time. Its not a big problem but would be nice if it remembered the previous setting. I like the fact that it gets it power through the USB. Having multiple consoles, TV, satellite box, computer and other devices plugged in, I am running out of sockets in the surge protector. So using a USB port from either the Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 or PC is a PLUS in my book. If you're not using that device that the VGA box is connected to, it wont be powered. So you'll have to turn it on.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM 1080p Mega Cool VGA Box works great but as mentioned, it only allows for one component input. So if you have a PS3, Wii and Xbox 360, you can only connect one. If you want to play a different console, you'll have to unplug the cable and insert the other one. If you're like me and want to make your life easier, I suggest looking into XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3. One cable that has all the connections for all consoles. When you want to use that console, just move the switch to that corresponding console and you're ready to go. No unplugging or plugging needed.

Would be nice if this was extended to incorporate additional component cables and turned into maybe a selector?

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ZAGG invisibleSHIELD Macbook
Manufacturer: invisibleSHIELD
Site: Buy from invisibleSHIELD
Price: $54.95 (full body coverage); $39.95 (standard coverage); $24.95 (wrist rest coverage); $17.95 (battery coverage)


Overview : Your search for a(n) Apple MacBook 13 inch case, skin, or cover is now over. The invisibleSHIELD™ is an exceptionally clear and virtually indestructible film that will protect your MacBook 13 inch from unsightly scratches. Our exclusive nano-memory™ technology covers and shields your device, keeping it as pristine as the day you took it out of the box.

The precision pre-cut invisibleSHIELD applies directly to your MacBook 13 inch, providing the toughest, most durable protection you will find. The invisibleSHIELD has its origins in the military, where it was used to protect high-speed helicopter blades from dust, dirt and debris. Now you can use that same powerful technology to protect your MacBook 13 inch.

The invisibleSHIELD is only .2 millimeters thick making it the slimmest MacBook 13 inch skin or MacBook 13 inch cover of its kind. It is so tough that we back it with a lifetime guarantee. So, if it ever does wear or scratch, we will replace it for free, for the life of your device. And if you ever need to remove the invisibleSHIELD, no problem; it comes off clean and leaves no sticky residue.

If you're still not convinced, check out our demo video and see for yourself how strong the invisibleSHIELD™ really is.

Features:

• Full Body coverage: Top, bottom, wrist rest, track pad and mouse button(s).
• Standard coverage: Top, wrist rest, track pad and mouse button(s).
• Wrist Rest coverage: Wrist Rest only.
• Battery coverage: Battery only.

Quality/Usability : I thought I would spice up the reviews with something not gaming related.

I've been wanting to protect my 13.3" Black Macbook from scratches or marks and possibly give it that glossy look but still keep its cool black color. Since its black, its more visible and noticeable if it there was a blemish so I thought I'd give ZAGG's invisibleSHIELD for the 13" Macbook a try. You've probably have either heard of invisibleSHIELD or seen some form of their advertisement such as key scratching ipod, pen trying to go through invisibleSHIELD. They protect everything from your precious iPods, to cellphones to cameras and even your PSP.

invisibleSHIELD comes in a cardboard tube. Inside the tube are two complimentary bottled solutions (just water), squeegee, instructions and 3 invisibleSHIELD sheets. One sheet contains the cover, second sheet contains the battery and bottom and the third sheet contains the wrist rest, button and trackpad. All invisibleSHIELD products are clear giving you the ultimate protection without changing the looks.

I've installed numerous DecalGirl skins on consoles and those were easy. Even if you messed up, peeling and reapplying was easy. So I thought this would be a walk through the park....boy was I wrong. First, they suggest washing your hands so that your fingerprints arent all over the sticky side of the invisibleSHIELD. OK, I have no problem with that. Next, spray your fingerstips with the SHIELDspray (its just regular water) and peel the invisibleSHIELD off the paper backing. Once peeled off, hold the invisibleSHIELD in your hands with the adhesive side up. Lightly spray the front (instructions states to spray back also, why? I dont know) of the invisibleSHIELD. DO NOT spray on the laptop itself. Once you have applied water to the invisibleSHIELD. Apply it to your laptop and slide it into place. STOP! What they didnt mention is that this method is for glossy Macbook's. My Black Macbook is matte. Its not glossy like the white ones. Had it been glossy, installation would have been a lot smoother. So sliding into place on a matte surface would be very hard to do as the invisibleSHIELD grips onto the matte casing. Since I can not slide into place, I had to lift up the invisibleSHIELD. Use the squeegee to push the excess moisture and bubbles away from the center to the edges. Again, it was impossible with the Black Macbook.

Since I'm a perfectionist and a bit anal when it comes to things like this, I had to lift and re-align the invisibleSHIELD multiple times on the cover. Just when I thought I had it, it was uneven. So I had to take the whole part off and reapply. Doing this also stretched out the invisibleSHIELD. So when I finally had it aligned correctly on three sides of the cover. The fourth side was too long. No way for me to even it out.

The battery was easier as the invisibleSHIELD piece was small and easier to handle. Same goes for the rest of the bottom invisibleSHIELD. But you would think that the wrist rest, button and trackpad would be even easier. Wrong. The illustrated image at the top from invisibleSHIELD shows that the wrist/trackpad area should be four piece. The piece I received was one big piece. I couldnt even take the trackpad or button piece off. You can see the indentation or semi-cut out but was unable to remove ...

Talismoon HDMI Auto Switch
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $29.95


Overview : Tired of Switching? Here is the solution. Talismoon HDMI Auto Switch lets you connect 3 HDMI devices to your screen and switches automatically to the device YOU want! For example, if no device is turned on and you power one on, it will automatically switch to it. Turn a second one on, and it will jump to that new device. Turn it off, it will go back to first one etc. No need to waste time finding the remote and switching back and forth all the time, the HDMI Auto Switch does the job for you.

A small (easy to hide) and smart HDMI 1.3 switch that make old HDMI switches pointless! Excellent performance characteristics allows source devices to be used with HDMI cables up to 15 meters away using AWG 28 HDMI cables at resolutions up to 1080P FULL HD!

This product is confirmed and tested to pass 1080p FULLHD and the new Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio loss-less audio formats found on Blu-ray.

Features :

• Compact in size (only 5cm x 5cm).
• 3 HDMI/DVI-D (hdcp) inputs.
• 1 HDMI/DVI-D (hdcp) output.
• HDCP compliant.
• No IR Remote needed.
• No Power Supply needed in most cases.
• Auto selects any active input signal from the three inputs to the single HDMI output.
• Manual selection button (for manually selecting an input if needed).
• Signaling rates up to 10.2Gbits in support of 1080P Full HD displays.
• Powerful receiver equalization to compensate for 15m HDMI cable losses.
• Pre-emphasis to compensate for PCB losses.
• Each HDMI port supports HDMI or DVI inputs.
• Dust covers provided for unused inputs.
• Smart Function (Auto Selection)
• HDMI signal to the display. As result of this functionality, user could use simple method of power off/on sources to choose the desired HDMI signal. If several sources are powered on, the last powered source will be chosen. This allows the switch to still be used with sources that are always on such as cable TV and satellite receivers.

Quality/Usability : Having my DirecTV, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 all hooked up via HDMI, it sometimes gets annoying and time consuming having to switch my video output between my 3 devices. Each device is connected to a HDMI port on my 32" Samsung. Luckily for me, I have 4 ports while for others, you may have 1 or 2 ports whether it be on your HDTV or computer monitor.

The Talismoon HDMI Auto Switch can help you give you additional HDMI ports and helps you switch between HDMI sources with a press of a button. As of late, I've been watching more TV than playing games so I have my DirecTV receiver plugged into INPUT1. So when a friend calls me up to hop online to play some games, all I would need to do is turn on my console and the HDMI Auto Switch will automatically select that INPUT and my console is now displayed on my HDTV. No need to go to the TV or to pick up the remote to change input. Simply turn on console and thats it. When you turn off your console, the HDMI Auto Switch will automatically switch back to the first device.

Next to the OUTPUT port, there is a small selector button. This allows you to cycle through the INPUTS if you have all 3 devices turned on. So I can have my 360, PS3 and DirecTV all turned on. I can be downloading a movie or an update on one system while playing online with the other. To check the status, I would just press the "SELECTION" button to select the input that I want to display.

The switching between inputs is fairly quick with minimal lag/delay.


Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon HDMI Auto Switch is a great product if you have less than 2 HDMI ports on your TV or hate having to change the input on your TV. Each input port has a dust cover for when it is not in use. Its great that it automatically switches to the newest input and goes back to its original when the newest input is turned off. Its also nice that they included the ability to select your input if you have more than 1 device turned on.

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Shinobii Console Toolkit
Manufacturer: Shinobii
Site: Buy from Shinobii / Buy from Amazon
Price: €19.99 / $24.99


Overview : This 19-piece toolkit contains everything you need in order to disassemble all the latest consoles such as Wii, DSi, PS3, XBOX 360 and PSP 3000. Of course, we havent forgotten about classic console owners therefore this kit also includes tools for opening up older consoles such as DS, DS LITE, PS2, PS1, XBOX, PSP1000, PSP2000, GAMEBOY, GAMECUBE, PSTWO, N64, SNES as well as Game cartridges and cellphones.

Perhaps you want to replace a defective drive, burnt out laser lens, scratched or cracked screen or any other defective part. Maybe you want to add an internal fan providing less noise and more cooling? No matter what, as most gamers already know, the console makers really give you a hard time when trying to open up their units and it`s a real challenge to find all the right tools to get the job done at least without damaging your console. The solution is the Console Toolkit™ from Shinobii.

All tools are precision machined from heat treated chrome vanadium steel and have chrome finish.

Console Toolkit™ includes: (Tools marked with a * are tamper resistant.)

• T2
• T3
• T6*
• T8*
• T10*
• T15*
• T20*
• PH#0
• PH#00
• PH#000
• PH#1
• Triwing#00
• Triwing#01
• Hex 0.05
• Slotted 7/64
• Linehead Nut Setters #6
• Linehead Nut Setters #8
• 360Tool
• Tweezer
• Anti-slip Rubber Handle
• EasyGuide Plastic card (explaining what tools to use)

Quality/Usability : So the fine folks at Shinobii sent me their newest product, the Console Toolkit™. The tool kit consists of 19 pieces needed to disassemble everything from the Wii, DSi, Xbox 360, PS3 and PSP3000 all the way to old school and semi-old school products like the Xbox, DS, PS2, PS1, GameCube, N64 and even the SNES. The 19 pieces are placed inside a small black plastic case. Underneath the cover are 10 tools and tweezers. The bottom holds a 360 tool and anti-slip rubber handle.

All 10 tools are held in place by a rubber holder that prevents any of the falling out or. On the top of this rubber holder is a loop that allows you to pull the bits out and on this rubber holder are numbers. This lets you identify what tool is what by looking at the EasyGuide card. Incase you forgot where they belong, the numbers are also printed on the pieces themselves as well as Shinobii's company name. All the bits/pieces has two ends of them except for two (Linehead Nut Setters). So the end that is not used will be inserted into the anti-slip rubber handle and the side that is needed, is exposed.

Each piece is about 4½" long. When inserted into the rubber handle, approximately 2¾" is exposed. The rubber handle is just shy of 3½" long and 1" wide. The pieces insert smoothly but may feel a little loose at times but will not fall out unless you heavily shake it out. Each bit is also magnetic so you will be able to pick up screws without having to worry about dropping them or using a second hand to help you hold the screw in place while the other holds the handle. The bottom of the handle has grooves/curves that help assist you in gripping the handle better and tightening or loosening screws.

I'm not the type to go and open up perfectly working consoles unless I really have to but since I had some busted up and non-working electronics laying around, I thought I would give it a try. The handle felt good in the hand and removing screws was very easy and didnt require any effort. I was able to grip onto the handle thanks to the anti-slip rubber. I'm the type that has sweaty hands so this is a plus. I had an old PS1 that stopped working and was going to recycle it in the trash but was too lazy. Once I took the console apart, I didnt want to stop. I tried finding other electronics such as my old handheld TIGER devices, old cellphones that stopped working (fit the screws on the cellphones I had) and eventually, I couldnt find anything else. Now, I'm left with gutted and disassembled electronic casings and chipsets.

Conclusion : Overall, the Shinobii Console Tool Kit is a very nice product. It eliminated some of the bulk but putting a piece on each end rather than have 19 different pieces and makes fairly easy to carry and dropping it in your bag. I love the fact that the handle has grooves for your finger/thumb to allow you to have a better grip for turning and for someone who has sweaty hands, I didnt loose my grip. I also like that each piece is magnetic so the screws cling on to the piece for easy removal and insertion without the need for a second hand. However, I would of probably liked to see the anti-slip rubber handle be slightly bigger. Those with big hands may find the handle a little small for their grips.

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XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Amazon
Price: $39.99


Overview : Finally a way to charge all your valuable electronics with one device!

Introducing the Multi-Charger from XCM. This unit will charge your iPhone, PSP (all PSP series from 1000-3000 series), Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, PS3 Wireless Controller, NDS (all NDS series, including NDS, NDSL and NDSi) and more.... (all devices using USB 5v input will be supported, such as the Nokia mobile phone series etc) with ease. No more lugging around multiple chargers, this one does it all. Made with the high quality craftsmanship you've grown to expect from the XCM brand, this charger will surely provide the power you need for many years to come!

Features:

• 4 USB ports
• Supports any USB 5v input

Compatible with:

• PSP (1000-2000-3000)
• NDS, NDS Lite, NDSi
• iPhone
• Nokia mobile phones and many more

Includes:

• PSP USB cable
• DS Lite USB cable
• DSi USB Cable
• iPod/iPhone USB Cable
• US AC plug
• EU AC Plug
• Australia AC Plug
• BS AC Plug

Quality/Usability : I must admit, I'm a gadget freak. I have surge protectors daisy chained to each other. There just isnt enough outlets! I'm surprised my house hasnt burned down with all these wires. If I find an open slot in my surge protector, I'll charge my DS, PSP, camera battery, cellphone..thats if I'm lucky to find 1 spot. If I cant, I use my USB port on my computer. Now, my USB ports are starting to become scarce as more portable devices start to use them. Yes, you can purchase a USB hub but majority of the time, they arent powerful enough to charge the device and you get an error message on your computer. Even the ones that come with power plugs gives me an error.

XCM has released a stand alone Universal USB Multi-Charger. No need to plug this charger into a computer or USB port. Choose your AC plug and connect plug it into a socket (AC 100-240V) and the other end into the Multi-Charger. The Multi-Charger has a square glossy white casing with a small LED light that lights up when plugged into outlet and the logo on top. The logo uses a Walt Disney type font. On the front of the Multi-Charger are 4 USB ports. Since it draws its power from the socket, you wont have to worry about overdrawing power or having to wait 5 hours to fully charge a device when it should only take 1 hour or so.

The Multi-Charger measures 5 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick and comes with four (4) AC plugs (US, EU, UK and Asia). The plugs are short in length so you will not be able to place it on a table or next to your computer. Wires measure about 16 inches long from tip of plug that inserts into XCM Multi-Charger to the base of AC plug (not the prongs). Also included are four (4) USB plugs (PSP, DSL, DSi, iPhone/iPod). You're not limited to using only these devices. I was able to charge my Blackberry device, Bluetooth headset, PS3 controller, Xbox controller, USB battery, pretty much anything I can think of that uses a USB to charge the device. The charge time is about the same time it would take if you use the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) chargers that came with the device.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger is a great product. I do not have to use all my USB ports nor do I have to leave my PS3, Xbox 360 or computer on just to charge my USB devices. Since some wall chargers are huge and can cover up an empty socket, this also eliminates the amount of wall chargers and bulk. I was able to charge all my devices without a problem. My only complaint is the lack of cord length on the AC plug for the Multi-Charger. I was not able to place the Multi-Charger on a desk. I had to place it on the floor. This is also a drawback for those who need to plug this in the back of a shelf or entertainment center. You can use an extension cord but do you want to go out and buy one or even find one in the house? The price was originally $70 but it was wayyyy to overpriced for a 4-port USB charger. But it seems XCM has lowered the price to a much more affordable price range. However, $40 is still a little pricey. I think $25-30 would be a nice sweet spot.

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Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo US
Price: $30.99

Universal Travel Charger (for non-EU users)
USB Power Travel Charger with Plug Converters / Travel All-in-One Universal AC Adapter with USB Power / Universal Travel AC Adapter Plug


Overview : More than a universal all in one charger, the Overlife will store energy to reload any devices independently. It is your ideal nomad companion. Overlife is a small, black shiny design nomad battery.

Just plug it to any USB port or wall plug, and you can directly charge any Motorola - Samsung - Nokia - Sony Ericsson - Samsung - iPhone - iPod - Mini USB - NDSL - NDSi and all PSP models. You can also store energy in, so you can charge any of your devices on the go.

A blue LED indicator shows you the level of charge and the charging status.

This perfect nomad companion will avoid you traveling with numerous bulky chargers, and provide emergency power in any situation.

Features:

• High capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack style
• Charge anywhere, recharge anything - standard USB input and output
• Inter-changeable connector heads charging different mobile phones, MP3/MP4 player, iPod, iPhone, PSP, NDS, etc.
• Power indicator LED shows battery capacity level.
• Impressive 2500mAh storage (recharge your devices and gadgets several times)
• None memory effect, short circuit protection
• Powerful power supply is enough for even the most power-hungry mobile devices.

Specifications:

• Battery Type: Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery
• Capacity: 2500mAh
• Input Voltage: AC 100V-240V/50Hz-60Hz DC 5V / 1A
• Output Current: 1000mA (Max)
• Output Volts: 5.4V (+/-0.2V)
• Output Current: 1000mA (Max)
• Charging time: 3 ~ 3.5 Hours.
• Cycle Life: At least 500 times
• Operating Temperature: -10°C / 40°C
• Storage and Transportation Temperature: -20°C / 50°C
• Dimension: 92.5 * 57.3 * 13.8 mm
• Weight: 80g

Quality/Usability : Sometimes I forget to charge my PSP, DS, iPod and most importantly, my Blackberry cellphone. Its worse when you're not near a wall outlet, computer or have your charger on you. These days, majority of portable devices can be charged via USB. Talismoon has developed a product to help give you enough power to beat that boss on the last level or to help you get through you long commute with your music/movie or even that last minute call to your wife/mother.

The Talismoon Overlife Charger has a nice piano black gloss casing but can be a potential to be a fingerprint magnet and scratches. The front has a "CHECK" button. Around this button are 4 LEDs. When you press the "CHECK" button, blue LEDs will light up that will display whether the battery is LOW, HALF or FULL. If Overlife is fully charged, all three blue LEDs will be lit up. As the charge slowly dissipates from charging other products, the LED next to FULL will get dimmer and dimmer. As more charge is drained from Overlife, the LED will get dimmer until it is fully discharged. The fourth LED is when the Overlife is in use (USE) and lights up blue as well.

I personally dont know why Talismoon choose this method of display when you check the status of battery. I would of preferred a single LED to tell me if its full, half or low. Having the LEDs dim can get a little confusing considering its a little hard to tell by the brightness of the LEDs. Or even a single LED that changes color to let me know how much power is left.

The charge time on this is a little disappointing. It takes about 3 hours from a drained Overlife to a fully charge Overlife. I can live with 1.5-2 hour charge but 3 hours is a very long time. To charge the Overlife, you can use the included USB cable. However, this USB cable has two purposes...one is to charge the Overlife and one is to charge other devices. Simply connect the USB cord into the USB out port at the top of Overlife, attach one of the heads to the other end of the USB cable and start charging! The USB out port has a rubber cover to protect it. Unfortunately, this cover doesnt come out or pull out. You will have to pull it back. Sometimes, this can get in the way. Would have been nice if it came out further.

I've tried charging a completely dead Sony PSP using the interchangeable head and Overlife, the charging indicator on both the PSP and Overlife constantly blinked on and off. I charged the PSP and at 10%, the Overlife still blinked and the power status light on the PSP didnt change orange but stayed green but you can slightly see orange blink. Despite the LED indicators, the PSP's power source now stated "external" but was not charging (when PSP is turned on). So it seems that Overlife is not powerful enough to charge a completely dead PSP since it probably requires more power in the beginning. You only get a steady orange light is if the PSP is on, you connect the charging cable and you put the PSP to sleep. If you turn on the PSP, it turns on and than turns off. You'll have to unplug the charging cable in order to turn ...

XCM HDMI Blaster Converter
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from Amazon
Price: $99.99


Overview : The XCM HDMI Blaster will allow you to connect any Component Video Source to your HDTV via HDMI inputs to save those valuable Component Video Inputs for other devices or for use with sets that do not have component video inputs but do have HDMI inputs.

Features :

• Finally an HDMI converter for older (hdmi-less) consoles that brings the analog signal into the digital age.
• Converts your old analog signal to the new High Definition standard digital signal (HDMI).
• Compatible with Wii, PS 2, Original Xbox consoles, Gamecube, PSP Slim and more.
• Also compatible with any component (YbPbR) signal (ie: DVD Player, DVB, Cable Box, Satellite Receiver, etc).
• Experience the Brilliant, Colorful and Sharp video output on your HDTV.
• Supports any device with VGA output. Input resolution for vga is 800x600, 1024x768.
• Works on any HDTV or Monitor with HDMI or DVI inputs.
• Fully automatic power supply management. When there is no input signal, the power supply will shut off automatically for energy savings.
• Includes DVI to HDMI adapter.

Quality/Usability : XCM has been pumping out a lot of audio/video adapters for video game consoles whether it be VGA or DVI/HDMI. The newest product from XCM is the HDMI Blaster. The HDMI Blaster lets you converter analog signal to digital signal. It claims to be compatible with the PS2, Original Xbox, GameCube, PSP Slim and many more. However, older consoles dont have HDMI so you'll need a YPbPR (Component) cable. Since older consoles never came with these, you would have to purchase them separately whether they be OEM cables or XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3.

In the package, you'll get the HDMI Blaster, HDMI Male/Male cable, HDMI to DVI Converter, Power cord and supply and instruction manual. Since I rarely read the manual to any of my electronics, hooking up the HDMI Blaster was pretty much straight forward and simple. You simply plug the component cable to the HDMI Blaster, plug the power to the wall and turn on your video game system and HDTV. The top of the HDMI Blaster contains a switch. This switch lets you toggle between Component output and VGA.

Component signals are outputted at 720p and resolution of 1024x768 on VGA. Although low even though you might have a display/console that can output 1080i/p, the quality is excellent. Since I got rid of my launch PS2 and original Xbox, I had to go and borrow one from a friend who actually likes to keep everything. I did however, have some games left since the PS3 and Xbox 360 are backwards compatible.

The colors were vibrant. From a normal and distant distance, the quality looks great. Of course, if you look up close, you will see jagged lines and pixels. Some will say that component will give just as good of a visual but if you're connecting component cable to the HDMI Blaster and connecting it via HDMI to the monitor, the quality is actually improved and better.

Since I was testing some older consoles, I thought I would try the Wii since it outputs at 480p. Yes, I can use component but wondered how it would look. After connecting the Wii to the HDMI Blaster, the quality was a lot better just like the older consoles. I was impressed. The PSP also produced great quality but was hampered with the length of the cord so you would be sitting close to the display.

Those looking to use VGA on this or computer monitor, I would not recommend this option. Using VGA would result in the quality being blurry and stretched out. If you're looking for a VGA adapter, I suggest taking a look at XCM 1080p Mega-Cool VGA Box. I would solely use the HDMI Blaster for component and DVI/HDMI.

Here is a video of the HDMI Blaster Converter in action...


Conclusion : Overall, the XCM HDMI Blaster is a great product for those looking to connect their old consoles and Wii via HDMI. Consoles connected via component will look great coming out of the HDMI Blaster. Unfortunately, the highest output for the HDMI Blaster is 720p and resolution of 1024x768 on VGA regardless if your console or monitor can display 1080i/p. Hopefully, XCM will release a 1080p version of this.

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Razer Arctosa USB Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Razer
Site: Buy from Amazon (Silver) / Buy from Amazon (Black) / Buy from Razer
Price: $49.99


Overview : Engineered with industry- leading gaming technology from Razer, the Razer Arctosa comes with outstanding features like fully-programmable Hyperesponse™ keys with macro capabilities, customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching and 1000Hz Ultrapolling™, giving you the competitive edge to perform faster and better in-game.

Say goodbye to amateur hour; your gaming abilities can be brought to the next level now.

Slim Keycap Structure with Hyperesponse™ Technology
The Hyperesponse™ keys of the Razer Arctosa reduce key latency and maximize response for critical actions during competitive gameplay ensuring fast, accurate and consistent actuation response in the intense frenzy of competitive gameplay.

Selective anti-ghosting capability around WASD gaming cluster
The Razer Arctosa addresses "ghosting" signal failure that occurs when you press multiple keys simultaneously on traditional keyboards. Selective anti-ghosting around the WASD gaming cluster on the Razer Arctosa allows more commands to be entered at any one time without the "ghosting" signal failure.

Fully-programmable keys with macro capabilities
Too many keystrokes to enter and too little keys? Sometimes we wish we had more fingers (or maybe an additional arm for that can of soda or beer while we're in the middle of a raid.) The next best thing would be fully programmable keys with macro capabilities that enable instantaneous, multiple commands with a single keystroke. Buy armor and weapons or execute complex manoeuvres with a single key with the Razer Arctosa. Some things are better than extra fingers (or arms).

Specs:

• Fully-programmable keys with macro capabilities
• Selective anti-ghosting for WASD gaming cluster
• Slim keycap structure with Hyperesponse™ technology
• Easy access media keys
• Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key
• 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response time
• Detachable wrist rest
• Approximate size:
  
  • 470mm (length) x 165mm (width) x 20mm (height) - without wrist rest
  • 470mm (length) x 222mm (width) x 20mm (height) - with wrist rest

System Requirements:

• PC with built-in USB
• Windows® XP / x64 / Vista / Vista64
• CD-ROM drive
• Internet connection (for driver installation)
• 35MB of free hard disk space

Quality/Usability : Although this keyboard is mainly for PC and PC gaming use, this review mainly revolves around console gaming with the use of XFPS 4.0 Force for PS3 and Speed for Xbox 360. This can also be used with XFPS Rateup for PS3 and XFPS Sniper Plus for Xbox 360.

The Razer Arctosa came in a very nice packaging. The keyboard was packed in black cardboard box with a black sleeve case in the middle of the box that holds the manual, software CD on the back of manual, stickers and inserts. You can install the software on the CD (which the program connects to the internet and downloads the latest software) or download from Razer's support website. I personally prefer to download from the support website since it usually contains the latest updates. I'll discuss a little further about the software below. The keyboard is well built and excellent quality. The keyboard is black as well as the lettering on the keys. Black on black looks nice on cars but not so good on this keyboard. It makes the letters difficult to see in low light conditions. Holding the keyboard at a certain angle, you can see the letters and numbers since it shines. Since I have a desk lamp on top of my computer desk and my keyboard on a keyboard draw on my desk, its hard to see since the top of the desk overshadows the keyboard and blocks the light from the desk lamp.

The Arctosa is a very sleek looking keyboard with a nice profile. On the bottom top of the keyboard are feets/stands that flip out to provide some height. The palm rest can be removed by loosening a few screws. I wonder why the used screws to hold it in place rather than clips.

On the top right corner of the keybard are three (3) LED indicators for Caps, Number and Scroll lock. These LEDs are really bright and can be blinding when looked at. Beneath these indicators are eight (8) media buttons. At first glance these buttons are not raised or protruding and you would think maybe they were touch sensitive but when you press on them, they click. The media buttons consists of play/pause, stop, previous and next on the left side and volume up, down and mute on the right side. There is also a Razer logo in the center of the that acts as a button which is used for switching macro profiles. The buttons work well so as long you're in the right application. When you have the software installed, it provides a menu to tell it what program you use to listen to music or watch movies with such as Windows Media Player, iTunes and Real Player. Using the keyboard for normal tasks such as web browsing, Word document, ...