Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008?

Zardon · Dec 6, 2008, 05:44 PM

Im curious guys, of all the things you bought, or would like to have bought in 2008, which rated no1 for you. Also, tell me why?

This can be anything. It could be a screen, a keyboard, a chassis, power supply, CPU.

Me? I am going to annoy a lot of people by saying it was the Macintosh Airbook. Why? Well I reviewed it on DriverHeaven and I actually ended up buying one I liked it that much. (Im not pimping the review you can find it by a search in our review index if you want to check it out).

It is an ultraportable I can live with 24/7 Full sized keyboard, which is backlit and wonderful for low light conditions, has a great LED screen with a good resolution. I use both Vista and OSX on it. It has good battery life of over 4 hours and is my partner when im on the move.

Not only that but the 1.6ghz Processor is nippy enough to handle anything I need on the move and I use it with DVI out to a HD tv in my spare room with Mako speakers as a media centre with remote control. (1TB HD attached).

So, share your views on 2008 for Hardware....

WhO_KnOwS · Dec 6, 2008, 05:46 PM

Would have to say that my Macbook has so far given me by far the greatest time... Not sure if it is the hardware, OSX or the combination, but this thing has made me leave Windows behind for all but gaming.

Coming in at a close second would have to be my GTX 280... Never in my life have I enjoyed a gfx card this much. Not even the Radeon 9700 I owned was this great.

humonous · Dec 6, 2008, 05:54 PM

I have to be very boring and say my iphone. I know they seem to get a lot of grief online but I love mine. Such a cool gadget! Use it for everything.

brutusmaximus · Dec 6, 2008, 06:05 PM

Is this thread sponsored by Apple?

Tough one to call. I would say my Dell 3008 screen. cost me a small fortune but the desk space and quality is just mindblowing, still.

Asmoday · Dec 6, 2008, 07:33 PM

I must say my XFX GTX 280.. that I got a extremly good deal on...

BlueMak · Dec 6, 2008, 07:35 PM

I would say 2.

The first is my 4870X2. Never ever before was a graphics card when released so good for the games already out. This is so powerful that it makes me cry. Ok, not really, but I couldn't be happier about a graphics card. Even the high temps don't bother me, in very demanding games I put the fan at 70% (barely over 60C) and I can barely hear it with the sound effects and music coming out from the speakers :-p
I am so glad ATI is not dead yet.

The second is my Sony Walkman NWZ-A826. It's an mp3 player that can play video files (have to encode them to a stupid specification unfortunately). The sound quality is just out there. It is beautiful to look at, very light at about 50gr and over 30 hour battery life. I use it every day and it is my favourite mp3 player since my first philips discmp3 player. (the very first one released in 1999-2000)

Iria · Dec 6, 2008, 07:44 PM

My iPhone 3G, once they ironed out the issues w/ the 3G reception ...

RobertBruce · Dec 6, 2008, 08:10 PM

Q9450. (course I bought it immediately so I paid a bit too much...) But it's given me the kick in the butt I needed to learn video editing.

Neshi · Dec 6, 2008, 08:22 PM

I only bought one piece of hardware this year so it's the only possibility:
my case, the Cosmos S. I've put fans in all possible places except for the bottom, and it cools perfectly! Lots of space to get upgrades or expand in the future (even watercooling is a possibility!) in there and it's just a very robust, sturdy, cool looking case. I think this case will stick with me for at least several years, or something terrible has to happen.

mkk · Dec 6, 2008, 09:06 PM

For me it was the year of RAM, as 8GB of DDR2 got very affordable and having lots of system memory is good for any type of computer. Well okay if you're putting together a browser system for your parents you might leave it at just 4GB.

Necrosis · Dec 6, 2008, 09:45 PM

I can't say my Storm since I won't have it until Monday. So please don't laugh but my blu-ray burner. Nice finding blanks for about $4.25 a pop too!

Liqourice · Dec 6, 2008, 09:52 PM

Had it been last year I would have said my Samsung 20" LCD, it's probably my best buy ever. But, for this year I guess it has to be my HD3870X2. It has delivered some great gaming since I got it and it has never let me down and it performs wonderfully.

Getting the Phenom was great too but since it's running a bit hotter than I'd like it puts it down a bit so the gfx card wins for this year!

**Mousey** · Dec 6, 2008, 10:49 PM

Sony Ericsson W580i, my new mobile

2007 model but i absolutely love it to pieces, the headphones are fantastic quality and still haven't broken down on me besides an alarming amount of copper wiring being visible.

OldBuzzard · Dec 7, 2008, 12:48 AM

Kinda tough one.

8GB RAM after upgrading to Vista 64

Canon MP530 Printer...love the sheet feeder for copy/scanning

Logitech MX 5500 Revolution KB/Mouse needed a KB, and it came with the bluetooth version of the MX Revolution Mouse which I liked.

Sapphire 3870 X2. First time I've ever had the fastest ATI card going (which it was at the time).

Koolance waterblock for the 3870 X2. Keeps it cool, and eliminated the fan sound.

I guess of all of them, the 3870 X2 coupled with the Koolance waterblock would be the favorite.

Of course, there's always the CM690 case that houses all of that.

Can I just call ALL of them my favorite

Zelig · Dec 7, 2008, 01:13 AM

My hardware purchasing has gone way down while I pay for school.

Actually, I think the only piece of hardware I've bought since the start of 2008 is my X-Fi Prelude, which I'm happy with, regardless of its lack of competition.

Knight_Breed · Dec 7, 2008, 01:30 AM

Well I think my fav is the NZXT case I was sent to review I am still using it .. I LOVE IT !!

My OCZ ReaperX PC8000 rocks gets me 2k higher in 3dmark6 even running a simple 9600gt. Well when run @ 2.45V and 1120 .. don't tell OCZ guy the EVP on this RAM is 2.15V

Dyre Straits · Dec 7, 2008, 07:49 AM

I would have to say it's my cellphone. After getting one a few months ago that has unlimited Text, E-mail, Internet, etc., it would be very difficult for me to go without one now. As most everyone knows, I'm nearly deaf. And, the Text Messaging is the main reason I got it but, I also get my email on it. With the email, I'm notified immediately for each transaction on my VISA so I know at every transaction just what my available balance is.

With even a couple of my grandkids now having their own CPs, it's really cool to keep tabs on what the kids are doing and they seem to love hearing from 'granpa', too.

So, as nice as my PC stuff is, the Cellphone really gets my vote for best of 2008.

Cow_160483 · Dec 8, 2008, 09:44 AM

I would have to say my NEW HD 4850 by sapphire getting it today so i am dam excited cant wait .

Ps:expect a thread soooooooonnnnn!!!

Erroneus · Dec 8, 2008, 10:10 AM

I'm guessing consoles are not included, but if so I would have to say my PS3 as the amount of excellent games for it, has been crazy this year.

dawgXdenta · Dec 8, 2008, 10:12 AM

Fotseke Cow. Bloody hell so jealous

!! Congrats anyhow will see it today.

dawgXdenta · Dec 8, 2008, 10:22 AM

As for my fav hardware out now. I cant say. Too much stuff has come out which was real good. But my life saver is my 8gb ipod and creative headphones.

I can shut out whatever is goin on in this crazy world. Especially since I have to use public transport a lot.LOL

larissa · Dec 8, 2008, 01:08 PM

my core 2 duo e8200, i spent almost half of my paycheck when i bought it

and now..now...i`m almost sick when i see at what price can i get one

..
so..let`s just say this is my no1 piece of hardware

Vikingod · Dec 8, 2008, 02:30 PM

Intel Q6600. Four cores, overclocks well even with a middle tier HSF, and the price can't be beat (at least when I bought it). Never once had a problem with it and performance during gaming is great, even on demanding titles like Crysis and GTA4. I don't see myself replacing it any time soon, even if I could.

Zardon · Dec 9, 2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erroneus

I'm guessing consoles are not included, but if so I would have to say my PS3 as the amount of excellent games for it, has been crazy this year.

Yeah they are included, if its tech hardware, doesn't matter !

I like my PS3 as well. modded it quite a bit too. custom paintjob and 500gb of storage.

**Mousey** · Dec 9, 2008, 08:56 PM

Oh, i also think my HD3850 was the smartest purchase i made this year, love it as much as i love my phone

Lowfat · Dec 9, 2008, 09:03 PM

Favourite released hardware that I haven't purchased? The new MacBook. Such a sexy unit.

Favourite thing I've purchased is likely my Haupppauge HD-PVR. Extremely buggy with BeyondTV, but not missing the dozens of shows I watch a week, it is worth it.

Judas · Dec 9, 2008, 10:27 PM

i'm torn between the intel i7 and the samsung LN52A650 hdtv

Shaga · Dec 9, 2008, 11:01 PM

My hyundai 37" LCD television, by far.

Just to mention a bit which competition it had for this poll: benq 21,5" 16:9 FullHD, Acer Aspire One and ATI HD4850.

swimtech · Dec 10, 2008, 12:51 AM

See system specs at left - built (with help

) this past spring! My first build from scratch for myself ever. I'm still just so tickled...

Of all the pieces, the 22" Asus MK221H is my favourite - it being also the most recent component. Second is my PSU (the PCP&C 610) - now how geeky is that?

Zelig · Dec 10, 2008, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

My hardware purchasing has gone way down while I pay for school.

Actually, I think the only piece of hardware I've bought since the start of 2008 is my X-Fi Prelude, which I'm happy with, regardless of its lack of competition.

I totally forgot about my new camera. The Canon Powershot 720 IS was getting discontinued for a model with fewer manual controls, so I picked one up on clearence, and have been thrilled to have a useful photo-taking apparatus.

Dec 6, 2008, 05:44 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Im curious guys, of all the things you bought, or would like to have bought in 2008, which rated no1 for you. Also, tell me why? This can be anything. It could be a screen, a keyboard, a chassis, power supply, CPU. Me? I am going to annoy a lot of people by saying it was the Macintosh Airbook. Why? Well I reviewed it on DriverHeaven and I actually ended up buying one I liked it that much. (Im not pimping the review you can find it by a search in our review index if you want to check it out). It is an ultraportable I can live with 24/7 Full sized keyboard, which is backlit and wonderful for low light conditions, has a great LED screen with a good resolution. I use both Vista and OSX on it. It has good battery life of over 4 hours and is my partner when im on the move. Not only that but the 1.6ghz Processor is nippy enough to handle anything I need on the move and I use it with DVI out to a HD tv in my spare room with Mako speakers as a media centre with remote control. (1TB HD attached). So, share your views on 2008 for Hardware....

Dec 6, 2008, 05:46 PM	#2
WhO_KnOwS The Knows Mister Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Slovenia, Europe Posts: 409 Rep Power: 0	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Would have to say that my Macbook has so far given me by far the greatest time... Not sure if it is the hardware, OSX or the combination, but this thing has made me leave Windows behind for all but gaming. Coming in at a close second would have to be my GTX 280... Never in my life have I enjoyed a gfx card this much. Not even the Radeon 9700 I owned was this great. __________________ How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

Dec 6, 2008, 05:54 PM	#3
humonous DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 164 Rep Power: 0	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? I have to be very boring and say my iphone. I know they seem to get a lot of grief online but I love mine. Such a cool gadget! Use it for everything.

Dec 6, 2008, 06:05 PM	#4
brutusmaximus DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 520 Rep Power: 76	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Is this thread sponsored by Apple? Tough one to call. I would say my Dell 3008 screen. cost me a small fortune but the desk space and quality is just mindblowing, still. __________________

Dec 6, 2008, 07:33 PM	#5
Asmoday Demonic Join Date: May 2002 Location: In the cold, dark north... Posts: 5,198 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? I must say my XFX GTX 280.. that I got a extremly good deal on... __________________ How You can help Hardwareheaven by using Digg

Dec 6, 2008, 07:35 PM	#6
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? I would say 2. The first is my 4870X2. Never ever before was a graphics card when released so good for the games already out. This is so powerful that it makes me cry. Ok, not really, but I couldn't be happier about a graphics card. Even the high temps don't bother me, in very demanding games I put the fan at 70% (barely over 60C) and I can barely hear it with the sound effects and music coming out from the speakers :-p I am so glad ATI is not dead yet. The second is my Sony Walkman NWZ-A826. It's an mp3 player that can play video files (have to encode them to a stupid specification unfortunately). The sound quality is just out there. It is beautiful to look at, very light at about 50gr and over 30 hour battery life. I use it every day and it is my favourite mp3 player since my first philips discmp3 player. (the very first one released in 1999-2000) __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Dec 6, 2008, 07:44 PM	#7
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? My iPhone 3G, once they ironed out the issues w/ the 3G reception ...

Dec 6, 2008, 08:10 PM	#8
RobertBruce HardwareHeaven Addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 259 Rep Power: 46 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Q9450. (course I bought it immediately so I paid a bit too much...) But it's given me the kick in the butt I needed to learn video editing.

Dec 6, 2008, 08:22 PM	#9
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 3,378 Rep Power: 177 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? I only bought one piece of hardware this year so it's the only possibility: my case, the Cosmos S. I've put fans in all possible places except for the bottom, and it cools perfectly! Lots of space to get upgrades or expand in the future (even watercooling is a possibility!) in there and it's just a very robust, sturdy, cool looking case. I think this case will stick with me for at least several years, or something terrible has to happen. __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? Life is just too damn short for if's and maybe's

Dec 6, 2008, 09:06 PM	#10
mkk Cthulhu/Dagon 2012 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Gefle, Sweden Posts: 4,490 Rep Power: 132 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? For me it was the year of RAM, as 8GB of DDR2 got very affordable and having lots of system memory is good for any type of computer. Well okay if you're putting together a browser system for your parents you might leave it at just 4GB.

Dec 6, 2008, 09:45 PM	#11
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? I can't say my Storm since I won't have it until Monday. So please don't laugh but my blu-ray burner. Nice finding blanks for about $4.25 a pop too!

Dec 6, 2008, 09:52 PM	#12
Liqourice HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Stockholm Posts: 1,702 Rep Power: 98 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Had it been last year I would have said my Samsung 20" LCD, it's probably my best buy ever. But, for this year I guess it has to be my HD3870X2. It has delivered some great gaming since I got it and it has never let me down and it performs wonderfully. Getting the Phenom was great too but since it's running a bit hotter than I'd like it puts it down a bit so the gfx card wins for this year!

Dec 6, 2008, 10:49 PM	#13
Mousey Synth's Long Lost Bro Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Web Design Hell Posts: 7,189 Rep Power: 245 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Sony Ericsson W580i, my new mobile 2007 model but i absolutely love it to pieces, the headphones are fantastic quality and still haven't broken down on me besides an alarming amount of copper wiring being visible. __________________

Dec 7, 2008, 12:48 AM	#14
OldBuzzard DH's oldest Geek Join Date: May 2003 Location: Oberlin, OH Posts: 2,783 Rep Power: 145 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Kinda tough one. 8GB RAM after upgrading to Vista 64 Canon MP530 Printer...love the sheet feeder for copy/scanning Logitech MX 5500 Revolution KB/Mouse needed a KB, and it came with the bluetooth version of the MX Revolution Mouse which I liked. Sapphire 3870 X2. First time I've ever had the fastest ATI card going (which it was at the time). Koolance waterblock for the 3870 X2. Keeps it cool, and eliminated the fan sound. I guess of all of them, the 3870 X2 coupled with the Koolance waterblock would be the favorite. Of course, there's always the CM690 case that houses all of that. Can I just call ALL of them my favorite __________________ When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY

Dec 7, 2008, 01:13 AM	#15
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? My hardware purchasing has gone way down while I pay for school. Actually, I think the only piece of hardware I've bought since the start of 2008 is my X-Fi Prelude, which I'm happy with, regardless of its lack of competition. __________________ --

Dec 7, 2008, 01:30 AM	#16
Knight_Breed DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Canader EH !! Posts: 281 Rep Power: 28 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Well I think my fav is the NZXT case I was sent to review I am still using it .. I LOVE IT !! My OCZ ReaperX PC8000 rocks gets me 2k higher in 3dmark6 even running a simple 9600gt. Well when run @ 2.45V and 1120 .. don't tell OCZ guy the EVP on this RAM is 2.15V __________________

Dec 8, 2008, 09:44 AM	#18
Cow_160483 HH's only cow moooooo... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: BOTSWANA Posts: 6,817 Rep Power: 300 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? I would have to say my NEW HD 4850 by sapphire getting it today so i am dam excited cant wait . Ps:expect a thread soooooooonnnnn!!! __________________ Decode! Muhahahahah! Last edited by Cow_160483; Dec 8, 2008 at 11:22 AM.

Dec 8, 2008, 10:10 AM	#19
Erroneus Get off my lawn! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Denmark Posts: 13,417 Rep Power: 119 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? I'm guessing consoles are not included, but if so I would have to say my PS3 as the amount of excellent games for it, has been crazy this year. __________________

Dec 8, 2008, 10:12 AM	#20
dawgXdenta HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gabz Posts: 1,995 Rep Power: 135 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Fotseke Cow. Bloody hell so jealous !! Congrats anyhow will see it today. __________________ Today's world is of public opinion and the fates of nations are determined through its pressure. Once the tools for building public opinion are obtained, everything that you asked for can be done. --- Osama bin Laden when relating how global media has the minds of the masses. ______________________________________ http://dawgxdenta.deviantart.com/gallery/

Dec 8, 2008, 10:22 AM	#21
dawgXdenta HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gabz Posts: 1,995 Rep Power: 135 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? As for my fav hardware out now. I cant say. Too much stuff has come out which was real good. But my life saver is my 8gb ipod and creative headphones. I can shut out whatever is goin on in this crazy world. Especially since I have to use public transport a lot.LOL __________________ Today's world is of public opinion and the fates of nations are determined through its pressure. Once the tools for building public opinion are obtained, everything that you asked for can be done. --- Osama bin Laden when relating how global media has the minds of the masses. ______________________________________ http://dawgxdenta.deviantart.com/gallery/

Dec 8, 2008, 01:08 PM	#22
larissa HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 113 Rep Power: 0	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? my core 2 duo e8200, i spent almost half of my paycheck when i bought it and now..now...i`m almost sick when i see at what price can i get one .. so..let`s just say this is my no1 piece of hardware

Dec 8, 2008, 02:30 PM	#23
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Intel Q6600. Four cores, overclocks well even with a middle tier HSF, and the price can't be beat (at least when I bought it). Never once had a problem with it and performance during gaming is great, even on demanding titles like Crysis and GTA4. I don't see myself replacing it any time soon, even if I could.

Dec 9, 2008, 08:56 PM	#25
Mousey Synth's Long Lost Bro Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Web Design Hell Posts: 7,189 Rep Power: 245 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Oh, i also think my HD3850 was the smartest purchase i made this year, love it as much as i love my phone __________________

Dec 9, 2008, 09:03 PM	#26
Lowfat Xtreme Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can Posts: 4,254 Rep Power: 101	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? Favourite released hardware that I haven't purchased? The new MacBook. Such a sexy unit. Favourite thing I've purchased is likely my Haupppauge HD-PVR. Extremely buggy with BeyondTV, but not missing the dozens of shows I watch a week, it is worth it. __________________

Dec 9, 2008, 11:01 PM	#28
Shaga Intelligent Life Form Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nordic Region Posts: 383 Rep Power: 48 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? My hyundai 37" LCD television, by far. Just to mention a bit which competition it had for this poll: benq 21,5" 16:9 FullHD, Acer Aspire One and ATI HD4850. __________________ Server: Currently Offline

Dec 10, 2008, 12:51 AM	#29
swimtech HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,040 Rep Power: 124 System Specs	Re: Your favourite piece of hardware in 2008? See system specs at left - built (with help ) this past spring! My first build from scratch for myself ever. I'm still just so tickled... Of all the pieces, the 22" Asus MK221H is my favourite - it being also the most recent component. Second is my PSU (the PCP&C 610) - now how geeky is that? __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it. Last edited by swimtech; Dec 10, 2008 at 12:56 AM.