Publication Date: May 7th 2004
ISSN 1445-1360
In this issue you will read:
Editorial: May 7th 2004
Bargain Bin: ZipZoomFly
Definition: ATX
Hardware Heaven: Fudin Micro ATX PC Case
Software Savvy: PC-Telephone 5.0
Quotable: Quincy Jones said...
Web Site Review: Koodles Network
The Great Australian Joke
G'Day Blokes and Sheilas!
Well another issue with some good news for NetBloke. NetBloke is going to be available through the Koodles Network of sites. There are still some bugs to iron out but basically my goal is to increase the readership, which in turn will help me help you more. I shall talk more about the Koodles Network in this weeks Web Site Review.
I failed to mention a couple of important things with my new Vonage VOIP Telephone service. Firstly it has the most incredible rates for calling overseas, with Australia only costing me three cents a minute. There is no flag fall, monthly long distance plans or minimum call charges. This means I can talk to the gang back at home for an hour for only $1.80. Secondly I failed to mention that there highest plan (at $34.99) includes unlimited long distance within the USA and Canada. Let my Aussie readers note that I am trying to find a similar service I can review for you, however with the telephone companies owning the broadband services there I do not like the chances of them letting a similar service steal away their customers.
Have a bonza day!
Nathan Allan
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This has to be one of my favorite computer hardware sites. Formerly known as GoogleGear (not associated with Google though, hence the name change) this site is "E-tailer of the Year". The customer service is fabulous, and I know this from first hand experience. To boot they have a Savings Center that features Open-Box items and a Rebate Center. However best of all is nearly everything can be delivered with Free 2nd Day delivery! Visit: ZipZoomFly TOP
Another technical term this issue. ATX. This is the term used describe a particular type of computer motherboard. Based on the Baby AT it rotates the orientation of the board 90 degrees, in turn giving the more room for expansion slots. It also allows the CPU and drive connectors to be closer to the power supply.
The Micro ATX motherboard is simply a smaller version of this design where you loose most of the expansion slots.
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I have started working out a specification for a new portable gaming machine for myself. As always I am trying to do it on a budget, however this time portability and power are critical factors in the design.
About two years ago I built a Shuttle SG41 for my then mother-in-law. I believe it still is a slick little machine that runs very nicely. The brief for that machine was portability at a low cost, as my mother-in-law was a travelling nurse. So the Shuttle was perfect when teamed up with a flat screen.
The Micro-ATX case market has gone gang-busters since then with Shuttle still being the mainstay, but new players like MSI coming to the party as well. Talking of parties with the popularity of LAN parties it is no wonder people want small portable yet powerful machines.
So with some research and luck I sourced a Fudin case from Fry's. Unlike most micro cases this has two 5.25 slots, Soltek is another that offers such a case, however at the moment just about everywhere is out of stock on these. The Fudin case is light and stylish, with a black mirror finish. It includes a noname 200 watt power supply, which shall do the job for now, but may need upgrading at a later time.
I was lucky enough to get a great deal on this case at only $59.99. In coming issues I shall review and source the other components necessary to get this machine up and running.
Visit: Outpost.com: Fudin Case
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Make FREE pc-to-pc and pc-to-phone calls over Internet and ISDN/PSTN telephone networks. PC-Telephone is a powerful communications software application that enables you to exploit the full communications potential of the Internet and public telephone networks ISDN/PSTN.
Name: PC-Telephone
License: Shareware $35
Version Reviewed: 5.0
File Size: 1116 KB
Supported Operating Systems : 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP
Software Savvy by FileClicks
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I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth."
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I have followed the progress of the Koodles Network for a few years now. It is an interesting collection of sites, with my favorite being Fileclicks, their download and file site. There are also News, Gaming, and Freebie sites within the Network.
These sites are well designed, making them easy to navigate and read. The articles, reviews and opinions are easy to understand and not overly technical.
Note that they are launching My Koodles on May 12th. This user pays service will include such benefits as Direct Downloads and a Notification System for program updates.
Visit: Koodles Network
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Lets see if this weeks joke doesn't cross the line of decency with anyone. Everyone likes a good fart joke!
The Lady and the Lexus
A lady walks into a Mercedes dealership. She browses around, then spots the perfect car and walks over to inspect it. As she bends to feel the fine leather upholstery, a loud fart escapes her. Very embarrassed, she looks around nervously to see if anyone has noticed her little accident and hopes a sales person doesn't pop up right now. As she turns back, there standing next to her is a salesman.
Good day, Madame. How may we help you today?
Very uncomfortably she asks, "Sir, what is the price of this lovely vehicle?" He answers, "Madame, if you farted just touching it, you are going to crap your daks when I tell you the price."
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