Once upon a time laptops were "as big as a house" and equally as heavy. Today they are ultra-thin and as light as a feather, yet they have all suffered from the same design shortcomings: poor cooling and poor audio reproduction. The cooling problem becomes more of an issue when you step into the performance and gaming realm. The thermals from a high end CPU and lack of innovative cooling solutions can make for an uncomfortable combination to have sitting on your lap. The industry has made some strides in audio reproduction, but for the most part, the sound systems of even the best notebooks fall short of creating immersive experiences. Most are flat and lack range, so that even watching a Youtube video is less pleasurable. There are possible solutions to these problems in the form of standard notebook coolers and add on speaker systems. Each of those have their own draw-backs outside of not being able to address both of your problems by themselves. This is what brings us here today. We have a combined solution in the form of the Deepcool M6 notebook cooling and sound system. The Deepcool M6 combines the form and functions of a standard notebook cooler with the immersive quality of a 2.1 stereo sound system. Has Deepcool solved all of these notebook/laptop woes?

Eagle Tech has been around since 1993 (20 years) bringing the PC community PSUs, external hard drives, and other PC components. Eagle Tech has since expanded to include Bluetooth audio systems, game console, mobile, and tablet accessories. Today we will be looking at the Eagle Tech:Arion ET-AR306-BK 2.1 Compact Speaker. The Arion series are part of Eagle Tech's signature line of products. The Arion ET-AR306-BKs are driven by 2x5 watt RMS 3-in mid-range satellites with a 1-in passive radiator and a 15 watt RMS subwoofer all inclosed in a wooden enclosure to actually amplify overall sound levels. The Arion ET-AR306-BKs produce a total of 25 watts of RMS power with a peak power of 50 watts and a frequency response range of 50Hz to 18kHz. This speaker system is small and compact with only 25 watts of power, giving me a preconceived notion they might not fit the bill. Continue reading to find out if it was wise for me to make such a snap judgment.

Gigabyte is one of those companies that when you hear their name you know they will have something good. We all know Gigabyte for producing some of the top motherboard and GPU's on the market today, but Gigabyte has stepped into new territory with the Gigabyte Fly headset. This one is designed for the music lover in mind, not the gamer or PC enthusiast. The Fly is a lightweight headset designed for style and comfort as well as audio fidelity. The Fly has a stylish aesthetic, from the rhombus pattern on the headband to the brushed metal ear cups. It lets you make a statement while listening to some good tunes. The Gigabyte Fly weighs in at only 79g for long use without fatigue. The Fly sports a 40mm Neodymium driver that has a frequency of 15000-20000 Hz with a sensitivity level of 122 dB/mW. Before we start this review here is a word about GIGABYTE.

For gamers having great visuals and performance in a game is something you always strive toward, so a high-end video card is of paramount importance. Of course, the audio experience should not be over-looked, because it also plays a significant part of the total gaming experience. With recent technological advances we are now capable of hearing sounds on a multidimensional sound stage that includes center, front left/right and rear left/right. When we listen to any type of audio in a two-channel mode especially when gaming, we can sometimes lose a certain depth of field for what surrounds us. Capturing that is the crux and objective of every audio experience, whether its high end speakers on your stereo system, or a high performance gaming headset. A gaming headset is precisely what we get to look at on the test bench today. We are very excited for our new arrival, the Genius GX Gaming Cavimanus 7.1 channel gaming headset. The Cavimanus headset brings many exciting features to pro gamers along with 7.1 Channel audio. The headset comes with a vibration function that adds to the heavy base and is designed to rock your world. The volume control and microphone is conveniently positioned on the left ear cup, and you can fold the microphone away during games that don’t require a mic. The vibration feature can also be cancelled with the push of a button. Read on as we put it through its paces to see if the Genius Cavimanus 7.1 gaming headset can become a weapon in you...

With all the content now available to us on or computers we are always looking for simple ways to share and display that content, not just from our laptops or computer screens, but also on a big screen TV. With bulky set top boxes and cable connections we can do just that. However, there are alternatives. Today I have the pleasure of reviewing a device from Diamond Multimedia that is one such alternative. We have their WPCTVPRO VideoStream Wireless USB PC to your TV device on the bench and are going to put it through its paces. The Diamond Multimedia WPCTVPRO VStream wirelessly streams HD video and internet content to your HDTV. Enjoy and share your home computer content and stream movies from your laptop from sites like Hulu®, Netflix®, Boxee, iTunes® and YouTube from the comfort of your own living room. Watch 1080P video and 6 channel HD 5.1 audio content, share pictures, presentations, office documents, web content and other types of data, on your HD display without wires. Read on and let’s see how well the VideoStream from Diamond performs on a larger size display streaming video and content without any cable limitations.

Trendsetting ideas for e-Sports, technology and digital lifestyle, providing fun and entertainment for people on the go are being introduced by Thermaltake Group with its three brands － Thermaltake, Tt eSPORTS and LUXA2 at the CeBIT 2013 during 5th to 9th of March in Hannover, Germany (Booth number: F12 in Hall 15). The highlight of the opening day today was the debut of the “Level 10 M headset”, which is celebrating its world premier with BMW Designworks USA. With the new “Level 10 M headset”, Tt eSPORTS, the division of Thermaltake Group is entering a new era, its continuous design history goes all the way back to the Level 10 case in 2009 and the Level 10 M mouse launched last year at CeBIT2012, could in fact tackle the future in a stylistically and technologically advanced design. Also celebrating world premieres, are the new Thermaltake Urban and Chaser case series, the Water3.0 all-in-one Liquid Cooling Series, NiC air Cooling Series, and GOrb II NB cooler, Toughpower Grand Digital power series and high-end PSU－Turbocharged PSU Evo Blue 2.0. A further show highlight from Tt eSPORTS is the new pro-gaming headset CRONOS, CONSOLE One, ISURUS DUB and CHAO DRACCO series. For gaming keyboards “MEKA G1″ and “MEKA G-Unit” with adjustable backlighting; MEKA G-Unit Battle Edition and MEKA G1 PRIME Edition, which are also being seen by the broader public for the first time at CeBIT2013. Other stars at CeBIT2013 are LUXA2′...

Compact all-in- one Speaker Sound Bar 2.1 with built-in subwoofer delivers room-filling high fidelity audio City of Industry, CA – February 26, 2013 – Sceptre, superior manufacturers of world class LED and LCD HDTVs and PC displays, unveils the SB301523 Speaker Sound Bar 2.1 with built-in subwoofer, the all-in-one sound solution for budget-conscious users seeking a dynamic home audio experience without sacrificing space and design. The SB301523 Sound Bar 2.1 produces heart pumping surround sound through dual 20 Watt speakers and a built-in 40 Watt subwoofer. In addition, integrated technologies such as High Efficiency Amplifier, SRS WOW audio and sculpted bass response deliver a more natural audio with a wider sound field and raised sound image. The perfect replacement for expensive and bulky home theater systems, Sceptre’s newest Speaker Sound Bar 2.1 eliminates wires and the need for a separate subwoofer; and is compact enough to fit on any shelf or in front of any HDTV. Elegant enough to become a centerpiece, it features a touch sensor control panel to easily adjust volume, preset modes or sound sources and an LED screen that displays all settings. “Sceptre’s new Sound Bar 2.1 with built-in subwoofer gives users the ability to enjoy high quality sound without the hassle of purchasing and installing expensive entertainment systems,” said Sceptre’s Vice President of Operations, Cathy Chou. “This all-in-one unit provides a much richer sound than traditional...

MSI Creates a Bang Sound Blaster Cinema - the new audio standard for motherboards MSI, the world’s leader in motherboards and graphics cards has chosen Creative Sound Blaster® Cinema™ audio technology for its new motherboard lineup. Sound Blaster is the leading brand in PC gaming audio and MSI is excited about the prospect of providing class-leading audio technology with its motherboards. Thanks to the Sound Blaster Cinema suite of audio technologies, gamers can enjoy upgraded surround sound through their stereo headphones, enhanced gaming sound effects and Smart Volume™ control for long gaming sessions. When using Sound Blaster Cinema, gamers will be able to hear their opponents more clearly and easily while enjoying the competitive advantage of accurate positional audio to reveal the precise location of their opponents. Sound Blaster Cinema will first be introduced on MSI’s new Gaming motherboards, on display at CeBIT 2013in Hanover from March 5th to March 9th. Sound Blaster Technology “We are very excited to provide MSI with the latest in Sound Blaster sound technology on its new gaming motherboards”said Low Long Chye, general manager of audio for Creative. “This is the next step of our great ongoing relationship where MSI introduces new standards of Sound Blaster audio technology designed specifically for motherboard products.” Sound Blaster Cinema Armed with the technology of the biggest name in PC gaming audio, gamers can leverage Sound Blaster Cine...

Bluetooth is a secured wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices. The concept was created in 1994 by Ericcson with the intent of connecting headsets and other small devices to cellular phones. After joining forces with nine other technology companies to develop the standard and the transformation of the modern day smartphone, Bluetooth is now found in millions of devices. One of the companies taking advantage of Bluetooth technology is Eagle Tech with its Arion Foldable headset. Eagle Tech sent us the Arion ET-ARHP200BF headset for review today. Thanks for the opportunity.

San Diego – February 19, 2013 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced that the F.R.E.Q.7 Surround Sound Gaming Headset featuring Dolby® Headphone Technology is now available for pre-order. Part of the Company’s range of GameSmart products, the F.R.E.Q.7 is compatible with a wide variety of devices and is expected to ship in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Ideal for use with gaming, movies, music and more, the F.R.E.Q.7 features Dolby Headphone Technology and Dolby® Pro Logic® IIx technology, expanding stereo and 5.1 audio to rich 7.1 surround sound, perfect for empowering gamers with a competitive edge. In addition, PC gamers can instantly toggle between surround sound and stereo to ensure they have the right audio for their game or music. Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. stated, “Part of our GameSmart initiative, we believe the F.R.E.Q.7 offers uncompromising levels of performance and versatility which will resonate with the passionate gamer.” The F.R.E.Q.7 features software driven EQ, providing multiple settings for gaming, voice and music as well as the ability to separately adjust chat and game volume levels. The detachable in-line cable allows for easy conversion from USB to 3.5mm to support stereo audio on iPhone®, tablets and most Smart Devices. The F.R.E.Q.7 ships with a desktop stand and will be available in matte black, gloss black, gloss white and gloss red ...

Wirelessly Connects to Your Smartphone, Tablet or Notebook for an Enhanced Audio Experience February 7, 2013, Chino, California – Genius, is pleased to announce a portable Bluetooth® speaker – SP-960BT. The SP-960BT connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone, tablet or notebook, enhancing your music and audio listening experience.Ideal for home, the office or a day in the park, the 195mm x 82mm x 82mm SP-960BT is convenient to use and can connect to your Bluetooth enabled device from a range of 30 feet. Two 2” drivers provide four watts of output. The SP-960BT is easy to use. Listening to loud, crystal clear audio and music is as simple as pressing the play/Bluetooth button to sync. A blue LED indicator on the front of the SP-960BT blinks when your device is paired. Volume and track changing can either be controlled from the SP-960BT itself or from your Bluetooth enabled device. Additional devices without Bluetooth capabilities, such as MP3 or CD players, can be connected via the AUX-in jack. Convenience is key. The Genius SP-960BT is compact enough to be easily carried around with you, and can play without being plugged into a power source. This speaker can play continuously for up to fifteen hours thanks to its built-in 1800mAh lithium-ion battery. When the battery does run out, the SP-960BT can be fully charged in no more than 4 hours via the included USB cable. A red LED indicator on the back of the device informs you of low battery and charging status. The Geniu...

When it comes to headsets we have a great deal of choices that are available from a wide variety options. While we have headsets that are dedicated to gaming and others for music and movies, its always nice to see a headset with the options to do both. Today we are excited to share a new line of gaming/media headset that has recently hit store shelves. We had a chance to take a look at two models from Oblanc: the NC-2 U.F.O and NC1-1 Cobra headsets. Just from the exterior packaging of the headset when they arrived for review, we noticed the designs from Oblanc were unique to say the least. We are looking forward to seeing what this new entry into the market is all about. Before we dive in to the review, here's a little something about the company.

Give Your Desktop or Laptop A Voice December 20, 2012, Chino, California – Genius today is pleased to announce the SP-U115, a pair of USB powered speakers in stylish color options. These affordable and compact USB speakers can be connected to your desktop or laptop in a matter of seconds, giving you the volume boost needed when listening to music or watching movies. The two glossy SP-U115 satellite speakers with 2-inch driver units ensure an audible volume level for home entertainment use, which built-in laptop speakers often fail to provide. Everybody can find their favorite from the four classy and vibrant front color schemes available – shiny black, sapphire blue, ruby red and grass white. The different colors of the SP-U115 give a nice touch to most environments, ranging from the home office to the bedroom. The SP-U115 speakers only need to be connected to your computer: no extra wires are needed. The speakers can be directly connected through a USB cable and a 3.5mm jack. When needed, these two short wires can be easily hidden behind your system. The volume control on the side of one of the SP-U115 speakers is a simple way to adjust the sound output. This saves you from the trouble of adjusting the volume levels in your operating system. The SP-U115 USB stereo speakers are now available in the US and Canada in four front color options for the suggested retail price of $14.99. Technical Specifications: Total output power: 1.5 watts (RMS) Driver Unit Satellite: 2-in...

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced today the shipping of the TRITTON PRO+ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset, an upgrade to the Company’s award winning TRITTON AX Pro. Compatible with both the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system from Sony, the TRITTON PRO+ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset is available for purchase today. “The AX Pro pioneered multi-driver Dolby Digital surround sound gaming headsets. We believe the PRO+ will be an important part of our growth and enable us to maintain our leadership position within the high-end gaming headset market,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “The PRO+ innovation in audio and design further demonstrates our commitment to the category and is part of our strategy to bring market leading products to passionate gamers.” The PRO+ is capable of delivering an authentic Dolby Digital 5.1 experience though the use of eight individual drivers (four in each earcup). Advanced speaker separation and improved bass response drive precise audio effects to the gamer, ideal for competitive gaming. The PRO+ features a redesigned in-line Remote and Selectable Voice Monitoring (SVM), allowing users to choose if they hear their own voice through the headset, as well as sporting a new lightweight and flexible design. Additional information and purchase options are available here.

Genius is pleased to announce the SP-HF800A, classically-styled 3-way speakers. Designed for use with desktops, notebooks, tablets and MP3 players, these wood cabinet speakers are perfect for listening to music or watching movies. Nine inches tall, these dual Genius speakers can be placed on virtually any table or desk. Further, the classical maple wood color design lets the speakers blend unobtrusively into the environment. The SP-HF800A provides clear and balanced sound with 20 watts of output. Each speaker unit has two 2-inch woofer drivers for extended bass and one 1-inch tweeter for soft and smooth treble. The cones of the drivers have an elegant copper-coated color and golden plated rings for an even more classical aesthetic appeal. Users can adjust the volume or the treble and bass according to taste with the two control knobs on the front of one of the SP-HF800A speaker units. The extra line-in jack, also found on the front, lets you attach another source of sound, such as a MP3 player, to the speakers without needing to unplug the SP-HF800A from your PC. The SP-HF800A is currently available in the US and Canada for the suggested retail price of US$54.99. Technical Specifications: ● Drive Unit Dimensions: woofers (2″), tweeter (1″) ● Frequency response: 80Hz ~ 20kHz ● RMS: 20 watts ● Signal-to-noise-ratio: 75dB ● Body weight: 2,142g ● Dimensions: Speakers: 94 x 224 x 130 mm Package Contents: ● One pair of speakers ● Multi-language user&#...