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Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles:

A Look At BCache vs. LVM Cache For HDD+SSD Linux Systems
AMD A8-7650k Kaveri APU Review
Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi Review
Cougar 200K Scissor Gaming Keyboard
DUBS Acoustic Filters Review
HTC One M9 Review
Inateck BTSP-10 Plus Bluetooth Speaker Review



A Look At BCache vs. LVM Cache For HDD+SSD Linux Systems

For those thinking about potentially running a Linux system with a combination of SSD and HDD so that the solid-state drive would be able to act as a performance cache for commonly used data, BCache and LVM-cache/dmcache are two of the commonly used solutions...

Read full article @ Phoronix

AMD A8-7650k Kaveri APU Review

If you follow our website and the technology industry more broadly then you may have heard a lot about Kaveri since it was officially launched on January 14th 2014. Kaveri is the codename for AMD’s fourth generation of desktop APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) after Llano, Trinity and Richland. In successive generations we have seen AMD’s APUs grow a lot stronger mainly in terms of graphics performance but also bringing refinements in terms of power consumption and CPU performance as well as new features.

So what does Kaveri bring to the table that is new? In terms of new architectures we see a transition from Piledriver (Trinity) to Steamroller on the CPU side and from VLIW4 (Trinity) to GCN 1.0 on the GPU side. Yet the most exciting and easily the most talked about new feature is the inclusion of AMD’s new HSA technology. HSA is AMD’s “Heterogeneous Computing” plan which includes two main components: hUMA (Heterogeneous Unified Memory Architecture) and hQ (Heterogeneous Queuing). hUMA allows for the sharing of system memory equally between GPU cores and CPU cores and hQ allows for both the CPU and GPU cores to independently schedule tasks.

Read full article @ eTeknix

Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi Review

2-in-1 laptops have come a long way over the last few years from their bulky and clunky methods used to transform predecessors. Lenovo has perfected it's back flipping notebook with the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro, sporting watchband hinges that practically blend in with the rest of the laptop's chassis. Likewise, Microsoft finally hammered out nearly all of the kinks out of its laptop-tablet concept with the Surface Pro 3.Now, Asus attempts to one up everyone with the Transformer Book T300 Chi, one of the thinnest 2-in-1 machines ever created. Like the Surface Pro 3, this machine's guts are stashed behind the screen, which lifts away from a Bluetooth keyboard base to be a standalone tablet. But by going with a fanless Intel Core M setup, Asus has brought us a convertible laptop that's even thinner than some tablets. Don't mistake this machine's svelte profile for lightweight performance, though. This machine can run with the best of them, but it might be best suited for media lovers.

Read full article @ Techradar

Cougar 200K Scissor Gaming Keyboard

Today we're looking at the Cougar 200K gaming keyboard, an affordable board that sports rather smart styling and a couple of interesting features, such as lighting effects and anti-ghosting technology. We often see such features on expensive keyboards, but Cougar looks to be targeting gamers who are on a tight budget yet still want something capable. Retailing for only $30, let's see how this keyboard stacks up.

Read full article @ PureOverclock

DUBS Acoustic Filters Review

According to statistics more than 48 million Americans experience hearing loss with 60% of those below retirement age. Whether it’s loud noise from the subway, work related, during a game or concert; repeated noise exposure can cause permanent hearing damage. However, these risks can be mollified with proper protection.

In the past earplugs we’re designed using foam and basically muted outside noise. Now the folks at Doppler Labs have released an advanced tech earplug that is engineered to reduce volume without sacrificing the audio experience; all while being designed to be stylish and comfortable.

Read full article @ Technogog

HTC One M9 Review

HTC’s signature metal body makes a repeated appearance on the new One M9 and it looks absolutely fantastic. The two-tone, two-finish design adds an extra bit of flare to the well-crafted, premium build, making this phone one of the most attractive on the market today. But where does One M9 fall short and where is it better than the competition?

Read full article @ Techspot

Inateck BTSP-10 Plus Bluetooth Speaker Review

As you may have read in the forums, I recently purchased a Dell U2414H to pair with my current LG 24EA53V-P. I have always been a big fan of having dual displays, as it increases productivity through multitasking. Even if you are just using multiple monitors for different internet browser windows, it still is much easier to swing your head around than to minimize and maximize windows. When I purchased my first LG monitor, I was ecstatic to just get an IPS display for the first time at a relatively good price. However, the Dell cost quite a lot more. You might ask, "Both of the monitors use a similar-sized LG in-plane switching panel. Why would you pay more?" This is a valid question, but I will say it is unfair to compare the two products. With the Dell U2414H, there are a lot of extras, like a sturdy height adjustable and rotatable stand, multiple DisplayPort inputs, HDMI, and USB 3.0. These features, as well as others, make the monitor worth the extra Benjamin. That being said, the LG monitor has served me well during my time of owning it, and I find no need to actually have to swap it to match the thin bezel of the U2414H. Thus, on my table today are two differently priced products serving the same purpose, but with different implementations and features. Obviously to get more features and glam, you will have to pay more for them, but the LG proves we can get quality products at a cheaper price. Shifting my focus a bit, I see a similar story with the Bluetooth speakers I have. With the Inateck BTSP-10 Plus resting on my table as well, I already know this is a lower priced product of $50 at press time, but how will the product compare? Will it live up to, or even surpass its expected performance? And how will it fare APH Networks' audio testing? These questions will be answered in today's review, so read on to find out!

Read full article @ APH Networks