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Tag Archives: Hardware

Hardware Review: Asus Wireless Headset

The Asus Travelite HS-1000W Wireless Headset (which interestingly enough is categorized as a sound-card on the ASUS website) is a great, wireless headset. Many reviewers complain that the charging cable is too short, and they are correct. A 3 ft cable is not enough for the average user. I am lucky because I have a powered USB Hub sitting roughly 2.5 ft away from where my head is during normal computer use, but any USB to mini-USB cable will charge the headset. Battery life is consistently around 8 hours of use although load does not seem to affect it either direction. The wireless range is ~50 ft, ~30 ft through walls, and up to 75 ft in a mostly-metal building (the signal bounces off the walls resulting in a better signal).

The only downside I’ve found to these headsets is that my first one broke after 14 months of very careful use. The plastic just separated for some reason. I have yet to talk to the warranty department at ASUS (they keep telling me they will call me back and then I never hear from them again), I’m hoping I’ll still get it replaced because ASUS sound-cards have a three year warranty. But still, for $50, and the freedom a wireless headset provides, it’s not too bad to replace every two years or so.

Update: After getting in contact with ASUS support they will not replace my headset (classified as a “sound card”) except for manufacturing defects. I used superglue to put it back together and, while it was hard to prop it up while the glue dried, it is now fully functional again. If my new headset breaks in the same way I will demand they take it back as a manufacturing defect and hopefully they’ll have it fixed for the next generation of the device.

Hardware: Upgrade

Thanks to a friend, I now have an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.5Ghz Slgur Malay processor. As soon as I can figure out how this new heatsink, I’ll install it. Until then, see my hardware page to see the rest of my specs.

Hardware Review: iRocks Backlit PC Gaming Keyboard

iRocks Backlit PC Gaming Keyboard

Typically keyboards are the kind of item you need to try before you buy, so it was with some reluctance that I bought an iRocks Backlit PC Gaming Keyboard this past January. For the price, it’s a great item. It’s not one of those fancy ergonomic or silent keyboards, but it fills it’s duty very well. The backlight is surprisingly bright and there is absolutely zero light leakage around the keys. The etching of the letters is very precise and the only irregularities are caused by the angle of viewing and is only noticeable if you are really looking for it.

While this keyboard is very compact, my medium sized hands fit very comfortably and, as advertized, works great for gaming. :) The biggest downside I’ve discovered is that the Page Up and Page Down buttons are positioned to the left of the arrow keys and those are nestled very tightly between the Ctrl, Shift, Enter, and number pad. The only other feature I would have liked to have seen would be a set of media buttons (for controlling music while in-game), but for the price, they had to leave something out!

It uses a standard 6′ USB cable which means you won’t be running through batteries and has your standard kickstands which are slightly smaller than most, but that’s not a big deal breaker for me. There is a hardware button/switch to turn the backlight on or off.

Summary: If you are looking for a backlit keyboard, or just a keyboard in general, this is a great buy for the price. Highly recommended.