Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
OpticalDrive
ASUS DRW-24B1ST DVD writer
(
http://www.asus.com
)
DVD burners are so inexpensive nowadays that it makes little sense to save $5
by installing a read-only DVD-ROM drive. If nothing else, you'll want the writer
to back up your system. Among the many inexpensive DVD writers available,
we chose the ASUS DRW-24B1ST for its combination of features, performance,
reliability, and price. Similar models from LiteOn or Samsung are also good
choices.
KeyboardandMouse
Logitech Deluxe 250 Desktop
(
http://www.logitech.com
)
Personal preference outweighs all else when choosing a keyboard and mouse.
So many personal factors determine usability that no one can choose the
“best” keyboard and mouse for someone else.
That said, we had to pick a “budget” keyboard and mouse for our budget sys-
tem. We wanted something in the sub-$20 range that included a decent key-
board and a reliable optical mouse. Our favorite among inexpensive keyboard/
mouse combos is the Logitech Deluxe 250 Desktop, for which we paid $17. If
you prefer Microsoft keyboards and mice, the Microsoft Basic White Value Pack
2.0 or the Microsoft Wired Desktop 400 is also a good sub-$20 choice.
Speakers
Logitech LS11
(
http://www.logitech.com
)
Even a budget system needs a decent set of speakers, but we can realistically
spend no more than $15 on speakers. In that price range, we recommend the
Logitech LS 11 2.0 speaker set. Note, however, that many LCD displays include
built-in speakers, which adds little or nothing to their price and can eliminate
some desktop clutter. Display speakers are generally small and produce only
0.5W to 1W per channel. That's acceptable for most uses, including watching
videos and so on. The $15 standalone units provide somewhat better sound
but about the same wattage. We opted for speakers embedded in the display
for our budget system.
Rachel Head Comments
Neatly recouping the extra $15 spent
on the hard drive!
Display
19”:
ASUS VW193TR
(
http://www.asus.com
)
ASUS VH196T
ASUS VH198T
Hanns.G HW191APB
(
http://www.hannsg.com
)
20”:
ASUS VH202T-P
