Datalux TURUC review

read full review here.

This keyboard truly is a space saver. These were supposed to be Cherry MLs, but they look to me like MXs. If they are, I am going to try to replace them with blues. Can anyone help me identify these switches? they say MEI or something on them.
The manufacturer claims full n-key rollover, and I have confirmed this with GeekHack’s n-key rollover test. The manual includes a full schematic for this keyboard- a nice touch.

The keyboard has a cover that can be purchased for $18.

The keys are the same the same 3/4 height and full width keys as the ones http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=288 here.

Overall, this keyboard feels stiff, but not stiff enough that it’s unusable. I miss an audible click of any sort, and I HATE the fact that they switched the caps lock and ctrl keys, it really threw off my shortcuts. The escape key is really weird, but not unusable. The 1 key above the tab key is elongated as it has a jumper under it, for switching between AT and XT signals, odd as this keyboard has a PS/2 connector.
This keyboard is very light and it includes cheap metal wire feet, something I didn’t expect on a keyboard that retails at $130. Not a bad keyboard, but I came from a Model M keyboard, and some of my observations may be unfounded.

UPDATE 1.-Fri Jun 12, 2009:  Keyboard has been sanded down to blank the keycaps and the Escape key has been painted red-orange to match Realforce ‘boards.  Once Broken in, the keys feel fine.  I’m starting to like the lack of a click…

Budget PC Build Part II

I used Newegg this time instead of TD, and came across some cheaper parts than the mid-range parts I configured on TD. Here’s my new Newegg list: (again, I didn’t include a case or PSU)

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Brisbane 2.2GHz OEM

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103214

Motherboard: JetWay JM26GT3 MicroATX AM2 motherboard- Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153073

Memory: 2x(2GB)- Corsair XMS2 1GB kit (2×512) DDR2 675 (PC5400) Dual Channel -Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145539

Video Card: Biostar GeForce 8500 512MB PCIe 16x 128-bit HDCP – Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141065

Hard Drive: Hitachi DeskStar 7k160 SATA 160GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive- OEM

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145162

Optical Drive: Samsung 20x DVD Burner IDE -OEM

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151161

Heatsink/Fan: Mascool 80mm Ball CPU cooler

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150087

Fans: 2x SYBA 80mm Case Fan- Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835199009

Thermal Grease: Tuniq TX-2 Thermal Compound- Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003
Total Build Cost: $266.29

Total Cost with shipping: $292.29

Not using my Exofire/x10 hosting account anymore

Because of the stupid fact that you must login to their stupid forums every 2 weeks to keep your account active, I will be moving back here for the time being until I can find a suitable replacement.

$271 PC Build

DOES NOT INCLUDE Case/PSU, I already have one… and I’m not taking your needs into consideration

NEW BUDGET BUILD:

CPU: AMD Athlon X2 3600+ (2.0 GHz) $40
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3496495

Motherboard: MSI K9VGM-V Motherboard $50
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2366197&CatId=2320

Video Card: HIS Radeon X1650 Pro IceQ Video Card $45
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2568900&CatId=1558

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE 160GB Hard Drive $50
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3285366&CatId=139

RAM: US Modular Dual Channel 2048MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz Memory (2 x 1024MB) $35
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1779570&CatId=2261

DVD Burner: Philips SPD2415BD SuperAlwrite Internal Drive DVD Retail $25
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3606229&CatId=89

Heatsink: Thermaltake TR2-R1 / AMD Socket AM2/939/754 / Aluminum / 92mm Fan / CPU Cooler $15
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2604150&CatId=2545

Thermal Grease: Masscool – Thermal Gel Resealable Tube 4x Applications $5
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=480215&CatId=503

Case Fans: 2x Masscool 80mm Sleeve Bearing Case Fan $3 (each)

TOTAL BUILD COST: $271

ALL PARTS FROM TIGER DIRECT (combined shipping)

Mini vMac

Here is my emulated Mac Plus with 4 MB of RAM, running an (emulated) m68k processor on a 24 MB disk image. I used the tutorial on nothickmanuals: link. Haven’t found a use for it yet… but it sure is nastolgic. If anyone can find a website for old software (currently running 7.0.1 will be updating to 7.5.5 soon) that would be great!

Review of the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000

It was The Optical Blue vs the Wireless Laser 5000. Wireless Laser won. With it’s 1000 DPI sensor, white laser, wireless, and side scrolling technologies this mouse was worth the extra $15. The Wireless laser mouse has a scroll wheel with side scroll capability, two side buttons, HiDef laser, very heavy weight :-p, soft gliding pads, and a 6 foot range. The mouse is Black and gray with silver accents on the buttons and such. It has a textured bottom piece and a smooth gray top shell that is very glossy. A smooth scrollwheel accents the top. The scroll wheel is nice as it doesn’t give that “Clicky feel”, instead giving a nice fluid spin motion. Side scroll works be pressing the wheel to the left or right in it’s little caddy. The mouse takes two AA batteries (included) . Microsoft states battery life is six months. The mouse has a 5 year warranty.

WE HAVE MOVED

This BLOG has ceased operations and has moved to my new website, here. Hoping for your continued support, Zachery Maloney

I think I’ve fallen in love…

I just purchased a used IBM Model M keyboard dated 1.29.90, all I can say is- why couldn’t I find one sooner?  I have found several, but none in my price range.  I was scouring the local thrift shop looking for old, used, and abused tech (and the occasional bargain) looking for good deals when under a stack of used keyboard what do I find?  A gargantuan 6 pound monster of a keyboard!  I flipped it over, and sure enough “Model 1391401″  One of the originals, and not one of the cheap “Manufactured for IBM by Lexmark” models.  (I find the build quality of the Lexmark models inferior to that of the IBM manufactured Model M keyboards)  The sweetest part of this:  My new 18 year old keyboard- only $10.  I came home with a the world’s most reliable keyboard, with the best tactile response of any keyboard I have ever owned.  Its uncommon that you find a keyboard that you like, let alone an 18 year old keyboard that feels great and feedback-wise, feels like it was just manufactured yesterday.  I was tempted to buy one of the Unicomp models (after all, I spent $50 on a mouse… If you are wondering, it’s the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse available here.)  I saved $59 waiting and purchasing an “authentic”  Model M keyboard.  (I hold the same opinion for the Unicomps that I do for the Lexmarks.)  This keyboard has the longest cord I have ever seen.  My extra wide desk with my rig sitting next to it used to pull my keyboard cabling taut, but my model M has a cord that has a length of thick cabling and and area of “telephone” style curled cabling in the center… I can extend my keyboard drawer all the way out!  I’m getting tired so I’m going to sign off- Zachery Maloney NOTE:  For more Model M keyboards try Clicky Keyboards: http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm

My Speed Test Report

A Wise quote

“Linux is not a code base. Or a distro. Or a kernel. It’s an attitude. And it’s not about Open Source. It’s about a bunch of people who still think vi is a good config UI.” I found it on someone’s Sig in a forum