Zhelezyak Planet, pilot release

       Greetings to all the Hawkers! Recently I calculated how many reviews I have written all the time - I was surprised and thought a lot. On the one hand, there is still a desire to continue, but on the other hand, the vocabulary without repetition should have ended long ago.

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       But more and more recently, I began to think about how to do, if not a new post format, then at least something new for myself, unusual for you. While I called all this " Planet Zhelezyaka " - evaluate what happened?

       What do I plan to write about in such posts? Honestly, I myself have not completely understood yet, but I know one thing - I want to get rid of meticulous specifics. Why describe everything that can be seen in a photograph? Why count the number of ventilation holes in the device, if everyone knows how to count :) Joke.

       Most likely, these will be periodicals about various devices and near-computer things, about which for one reason or another I did not decide to write in more detail. There can be many reasons for this: somewhere there is a fog of ignorance (with which I prefer to fight), somewhere I saw the device for very short time and did not have time to sort it out carefully, somewhere - a little off topic Habr, but somewhere just laziness or primitively I want to sleep off) And sometimes they just tell me " Damn, Burum, it's good to tease writing about pieces of iron that no one can afford - be realistic!". In general, there are really many reasons. By the way, here’s another one - many more and more just started looking at the pictures (I saw the glossy screen in the photo? Report it first in the comments - there will be pluses) rather than reading into the text, which sometimes I carry in whole Yes, and I ... I can’t figure it out and act as a “device advocate,” laying out all the information, as if I’m some kind of guru. I want a dialogue, not a monologue ... sometimes I want to ask questions myself, find out something together, to share something. In general, I will try to save your and your time, and do it for the benefit of all.

       I can only say that the detailed reviews will not go anywhere, and in the digests I will continue to write only about what I personally met. Those. there will be no reviews of iPhone 4 (the day after the announcement) from pictures from the electronic gadget and other “articles” for the rating. But the announcements of the most interesting new products - I do not rule out. I also do not exclude that I will talk about some useful programs, Internet services, and maybe even games - let's see, because my horizons are not limited to devices alone, but there is always something to say. Maybe we’ll talk about ways to solve certain problems / problems, with the ability to ask questions - because now just asking a question by creating a separate topic is deadly) Or, perhaps, organize the reception of such stories and questions in a personal? Okay, let's see - send your crazy ideas - we will discuss, but something will definitely grow with us! In the meantime, it’s clear that nothing is clear yet, so let's not pull the cat by the tail and move on to a short story about a couple of devices.

    Today in release:

    - Mouse, mousepad, and laptop stand by Cooler Master
    - Logitech Kinetik laptop bag
    - Audio-Technica ATH-A900 Headphones
    - Cowon A3 Portable Media Player

    Mouse Cooler Master C-PM01-W2


       Where, ask, so much "cooler master"? And I will answer - in the spring there was an event from the top of a well-known magazine where this company was one of the sponsors. Competitions, prizes - in general, a little effort and I, too, came under a small hand - I won a mouse, a game mat and something for a laptop.

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       This, by the way, is not so much Cooler Master as Choiix - a subsidiary company manufacturing all kinds of peripherals. The relationship of these two companies can be found on the websites of both manufacturers or on the packaging of any product. Therefore, the mouse is also found at the request of Choiix C-PM01-W2 - god, who just came up with such a name.

       The mouse is primarily intended for a laptop - this is evidenced by the modest size and a USB cable that retracts into the secret compartment at the bottom of the device. If necessary, the wire (it has a “ribbon” shape) is easily taken out - it can be “shortened” or, on the contrary, extended (up to 0.75 m) - all manipulations are fixed by some kind of internal mechanism. Such a solution is much more practical and more pleasing to the eye than winding the wire onto the gutter at the base of the rodent, which is found, for example, in Logitech.

       The mouse is made of glossy plastic of white color, with gray accents - pleasant to the touch and not easily soiled; the green wheel looks like a pistachio stuck in a delicious ice cream. It is difficult to make something ergonomic in such sizes, therefore it is already there, as it is; immediately after connecting to the USB port, the mouse starts to work - the click is quite quiet and elastic. Despite the name Choiix (which for some reason I involuntarily associates with all sorts of Abibos), there are no hints of Chinese consumerism.
       In fact, the mouse has nothing more than two buttons and a wheel. Oh, and also an optical sensor at 800dpi. But thanks to such minimalism, it is not very inexpensive - about 600 rubles (though it’s not so easy to find the mouse itself).

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       If you have a laptop whose touchpad does not suit you, then the mouse will become a very reasonable purchase. The size and design of this mouse will easily allow you to take it with you, but otherwise, this is the most ordinary mouse without any frills. For example, I can no longer without the "forward / back" buttons.

    imageClickable Pros and Cons Pleasant in appearance and to the touch; Adjustable wire length; the wire itself can be removed; Equally suitable for both right-handed and left-handed; A small price For continuous dragging, the cover would not hurt. It is a pity the wheel cannot be sidestepped Price : from 600 rubles Review of another laptop mouse - Razer Orochi

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    Rug Cooler Master CS-M Weapon of Choice M4


       Another axillary fighter - from a faceless cardboard box; he is already from CM Storm - another division of Cooler Master, which creates devices for computer players. The dimensions of the carpet 405x285x3 (mm) are almost the same as the largest (Alpha, 444xx355x4.3 mm) Razer Goliathus. Recently I wrote about gaming carpets , and if we draw an analogy with the same Razer Goliathus, then this one is a cross between Speed ​​and Control. With careful consideration, the repeating weaving structure is clearly visible, however, it is quite smooth to the touch - mice with Teflon and ceramic legs glide perfectly. The lower part is made of rubber and holds the grip well with the table.

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       The image is applied to the coating (automatic M4A1) and the text, which, in my opinion, can scare away some buyers - such a carpet is perfect only for players who do not hide it at all) Mud will not be noticeable - it’s also a plus ... but the same Goliathus look much “older”. But the price for the "machine" is the most average market - from 700 rubles apiece. And that, like flash drives - a very versatile gift.

    imageClickable Pros and cons. Large area, good grip on the table. Perfect for any type of sensor. Drawing for an amateur Price : from 700 rubles I recommend to view the post " Fighters of the axillary front "

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    Cooler Master Ergonomic Metal Sleeve Laptop Briefcase Stand


       In general, it is also from the Choiix division and on the site is called as a “cover for a laptop” - in principle, everything is so. The design is very simple - a fairly thick sheet of brushed aluminum is bent at right angles and it is he who is the “outer” side or the main protection of the brittle filling. Everything else around is made of durable fabric, which is repeatedly sewn and in general is very reliable.

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       Hinged fabric "Velcro" pass from above and to the sides through the slots in the aluminum sheet - they do not allow the laptop to fall out, but at the same time they allow it to be reached from either side. Another plus of this design is that the thickness of the "portfolio" can be adjusted. For example, so that the laptop does not hang inside like a pencil in a glass, or so that you can put a couple more thick magazines. A kind of universal folder.

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       But this all has one more application - if you pull out the laptop and put it on a metal surface, you get a real stand. Without any additional features - just a stand that can be put on your knees, which can be placed under a sheet of paper. So the stand is very mobile - the laptop is worn right in it, unlike most other stands.

       With this briefcase, I recently went to St. Petersburg to the Nokia conference - yes, with this briefcase alone. Tests passed - very convenient.

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       There are several colors - brown, pink, blue and light green.

    imageClickable Pros and Cons Simple but reliable design The laptop is worn inside, i.e. no separate stand space needed

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         +Adjustable folder thickness
         -Not enough “compartment” or eyelets for at least one pen
         -Everyone will know for sure that your laptop is there
         -Under the rain

    Price : I haven’t found it anywhere, but it is unlikely to exceed 500-1000 rubles.

    imageGlacialTech Cooling Pad Overview .

    Logitech Kinetik Laptop Bag


       I can’t imagine what the comments might be if I wrote a separate review of a laptop bag) But the matter is, in fact, more than serious and responsible - when it comes to choosing this one, you understand that you don’t understand anything about this. Or that the whole selection is limited to Chinese crafts from the nearest store.

       Bag Logitech Kinetikfrom the most famous peripheral giant and is diametrically opposite to the Choiix mentioned above. Dark gray, almost black - one of the sides is made of fabric, and the second has a harder surface resembling a soft touch. It can be worn by the handle, but as an option - worn on the shoulder, attached to the carabiners a long soft belt from the kit. The suitcase is formed by three independent departments, each of which is designed for something specific.

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       In size in the photo (and in reality) - the most ordinary case, neither large nor small. But it's hard to believe what is inside it: two netbooks (10``), two chargers, a communicator, a portable media player, a desktop mouse, three thick magazines, an equally thick organizer and a 350-page manual for the camera; a bunch of pens and pencils, flash drives, a Skylink modem, a couple of filters on the camera and something else. Moreover, all this is very neatly laid out in their places, but there is still space for any trash!

       Inside, everything is finished with orange synthetics - there are a lot of Velcro compartments, on each of which there are icons (if things are laid out on them, then it will be much easier to navigate). The compartment under the laptop is central and this is correct - so that it is equidistant from both sides; it is made of a fabric that is pleasant to the touch, which will not damage even the most delicate laptop - the latter can additionally be fastened with a special strap.

       Each lightning has two metal sliders, which, being with each other, rattle strongly. But the offices open almost around the entire perimeter - that's good.

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       I use it not so actively for two reasons - I hang out more and more on my balcony, where I don't seem to need a bag) And the second reason is that I am a supporter of sportswear with which this suitcase does not harmonize at all. And yet, somehow he fetters the movement - a backpack behind his back is much more convenient (by the way, such a modification of kinetics also exists). The bag is designed for a laptop with a diagonal of up to 15 inches, but it also fits in a slightly larger size. As far as I remember, there was a more compact version before, but, unfortunately, there is no more information on the official site.

       Really high-quality thing that may well come in handy for any business person. Well, or even to a student - after all, inside that just does not fit.

    imageClickable Pros and Cons Sharpened specifically for a laptop

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         +High quality workmanship, reliable materials
         +3 compartments, incredibly capacious
         +Waterproof
         -“Hard” side will be scratched irrevocably over time
         -Metal sliders click when walking
         -High price

    Price : from 3000 rubles

    Headphones Audio-Technica ATH-A900


       I have repeatedly written about the headphones of this Japanese company - so something, but they know how to make them. They were expensive audiophile ATH-AD1000PRM or “cheap” and well-proven ATH-ES7, and today - the middle ground in the mentioned price range.

       Headphones Audio-Technica ATH-A900belong to the Art Monitor series - monitor, dynamic. The headband is formed by two curved arches, and between them are two soft movable pads - all this allows you to reliably hold the headphones on your head in almost any size and shape. The metallic blue cups are incredibly large - no less large speakers (membrane diameter - 57 mm) are hidden under massive ear pads in them. When you put headphones on your head, your ears are completely and completely placed in the ear cushion. Soundproofing is quite good, it is mostly formed due to the closed structure; basses, unlike the same AD1000PRM, are fully present. Even if you sit in them for a long time, then there is no discomfort.

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       The most important thing in any headphones is the sound quality, but you should not talk about it here - it is at the highest level. Of course, I have already forgotten how the "thousandth" version sounds, but with a good sound source (I had an ASUS Essence STX sound card), any owner will be satisfied - for several hours listening to different sound material (including at a very high volume ), I did not find anything serious that could be faulted. None of the players (iPod touch, Cowon S9, Cowon D2 +) could unleash the full potential of the headphones, which, in fact, is not surprising.
       I want to praise the wire as a separate paragraph - it is woven and extremely flexible. Its length is 3 meters - it also ends very interestingly: with a 3.5 mm mini-jack, on top of which you can literally wind a 6.5 mm jack.
       Total - great expensive headphones for the home. But again - they are just huge!

    imageClickable Pros and Cons Good workmanship, a reliable wire and the design as a whole Stable on the head, good noise isolation Excellent sound quality Very large in size High price Price : from 8500 rubles Other headphones reviews: ATH-ES7 , ATH-AD1000 , Razer Megalodon

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    Cowon A3 Portable Media Player


       You can’t call it a novelty in any way - this device is already not so easy to find for several years and even on sale (the manufacturer has released new models that I still hope to write about). But the ability to play the role of a pocket-sized media player - for which reason his device hasn’t gone anywhere.

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       The player is built on the basis of a hard disk (the maximum volume of which is 80 GB) - almost the entire front side is occupied by a 4 ”inch screen with a high resolution of 800x480 (16: 9, 16.7 million colors). Apparently, it is the hard drive that makes up the bulk of the device - it is almost 300 grams with a non-removable battery. The latter, by the way, lasts for 6-7 hours of video, and with less intensive use - up to 15-18 hours.
       At first, you don’t notice so many things on the sides - because of the plug on the left side. If you open it, then all the richness of the player’s interfaces becomes as follows: USB host, power connector, line-in (writable) and output, video input (writable) and video output. Moreover, most of the necessary wires are already included.

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       The device turns on very quickly - soon a colorful and intuitive menu appears before the user. At first, it’s unusual that the screen is not touch-sensitive - all control is carried out by a 5-position joystick and three buttons, each of which is associated with a particular function in different menus.

       The speakers of the device (there are two of them - on the lower edge) are quite loud, but headphones will most likely be used more often - there are no problems with this either, all in the best traditions of Cowon. The player lost most of the unconverted video files, but there were problems with some high-bitrate and high-resolution ones — they could not be played, slowed down, or out of sync. But otherwise, there are no problems and the omnivorousness of the device is simply amazing - MP3 / 2/1, MP4, ASF, WMA, FLAC, OGG, M4A, MATROSKA (MKA, MKV), TTA, APE, MPC, WV, WAV, AVI, WMV, ASF, MPG / MPEG, DAT, MTV, TXT, JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF, BMP (up to 15 mpix) and subtitles in SMI, SRT, SUB (text) and DivX bitmap formats. The only thing that is also too tough for the player is the VOB format.

       In addition to multimedia functions, the player can serve as a device for reading electronic books - just set the minimum brightness (to save battery) and a suitable design style, of which there are plenty.
       There are a lot of settings and everything is in a little clumsy Russian - flexible screen settings, sound and recording quality, subtitles and text scrolling speed, alarm clock and much more. It is possible to change the firmware - the device connects to the computer (like a regular USB flash drive), system files are thrown, reboot ... and you're done. After loading, you need to specify the USA region, then the volume will be larger.
       Such a player is perfect for the road - it can fit a huge amount of information. But, again, the device is already quite difficult to find on sale - the same company Cowon released no less interesting new products in this class.

    imageClickable Pros and Cons Good workmanship Nice and intuitive interface Beautiful color screen, large and bright Incredible omnivorous; the possibility of flashing; Excellent sound quality, including without headphones ; Heavy; The screen is not touchable. You need to be very careful with the hard drive and memory cards are not supported. Some files are too tough for the player (VOB; high-resolution video files) Price

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    : from 10,000 rubles for a version with 60GB Viliv S5

    image MID review Overview    By the way, this is one of Anatoly Wasserman's favorite gadgets. At a recent meeting, he was pleased to talk about him, demonstrating the screw of the device almost completely clogged with content. Actually, this is precisely why I decided to “recall” this player in the first issue of the digest - judging by a recent review, Anatoly should bring good luck to the post and my undertaking as a whole :) It’s a pity that he hasn’t decided to join the site yet - he’s very busy. Pay attention to the photo at the very beginning - a unique moment when Anatoly Alexandrovich without a vest :)



    The end


       Well, perhaps that's all for today. Interesting? If so, then I will try not to delay with the next release. In the meantime, he is preparing, I accept ANY wishes (in format, writing, photographs, design, informational content, links, etc.), suggestions, tips, criticism and all-all-all. You can in comments, in PM, on twitter, ICQ, I’m open for communication everywhere)

    “Planet Zhelezyaka”, “Ferroom”, “HabraDigest”, “Digest”, “Iron forged here”, “Iron Felix” ... even with the name was not decided ...

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