http://www.splashrate.com/ 73-5 http://www.splashrate.com/component/content/article/14-pcs/73-hp-xw8600-workstation Like its little brother the xw4550, the xw8600 features horsepower and plenty of it. And, once again, it's packed in something less than the most stylish case. Nevertheless, this HP will handle any business task you can throw at it. All this comes at a price, though. This HP will probably set you back more than $4,000. Ouch! ]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:07:11 -0400 72-4 http://www.splashrate.com/component/content/article/14-pcs/72-hp-workstation-xw4550 We've seen one of these HP powerhouses used as a server in a small business network. That tells you something about its reliability and power. Its case, however, is cutting edge industrial design - circa 1992. Hide this under a desk or in a server room and enjoy it's power where it can't hurt your eyes. ]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:43:03 -0400 27-3 http://www.splashrate.com/component/content/article/12-macintosh/27-apple-imac-white It's been almost three years and the white iMac keeps on ticking. When I purchased it, it was almost the top of the line. A fast Core Duo chip made it run faster than any computer I'd ever owned. An easy upgrade to 2 gigs of RAM has made the iMac a consistent performer to this day. Even have almost three years of hard use, this iMac still satisfies. It runs the latest OS X Leopard software, and all the apps I want with a problem. Using boot camp, it will start up in Windows XP, making this model iMac a Swiss Army knife. I've since begun using both a new MacBook Pro 2.4ghz laptop and a sparkling new 2.4ghz iMac at the office. In the best testament to the white iMac's capability, even though both of these newer machines are far more capable on paper, the older iMac still holds its own -- I don't feel any lack of speed or capability when I work on it as compared to the newer hardware. For intense processing tasks like video editing in Final Cut Pro, I am sure there would be a difference, but for the average home user, will more than suffice. In addition, someone thinking about getting a computer that will drive an entertainment system should think about checking out a use white iMac -- it comes with the awesome Apple Remote and Front Row software that powers iTunes from a distance. Add a TV tuner and this iMac becomes a very capable DVR. For an all around great computer, at a great price, it's hard to beat the first and second generation Intel powered iMacs. ]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:15:14 -0400 11-2 http://www.splashrate.com/component/content/article/14-pcs/11-vostro-220-mini-tower I only recommend this computer if you're looking to do basic web-browsing, email, and microsoft office. 2gb of DDR2 memory is not alot to run my day-to-day tasks, but for a light user it would suffice. The machine looks nice but is definitely bigger than the machines put out by HP. I was pleased with the 250gb harddrive that it comes with out of the box. However, upon opening this bad boy up I was bombarded with the BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death) and had to reformat to get it to work properly. Could be a very isolated incident or a sign of the child slave-labor Dell is using to produce these machines. All in all I'd say it's a decent machine for the average home user, but for a business put the extra money into it and get some machines that are more future-proof. ]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:55:32 -0400 7-1 http://www.splashrate.com/component/content/article/12-macintosh/7-20-inch-imac I've used the iMac for a year and it is a really good machine. It does everything I want. ]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:59:18 -0500