Dell Mini on steroids still lacks muscle

FIRST CAME the netbook concept, then came the Dell Mini. Now Laptop Mag has had access to the Mini 12. Unfortunately, this new XL netbook still uses the familiar Atom platform, even though it’s running Vista. Screen res is up to 1280x800, but 1GB and an Atom really doesn’t cut it under the bloatware OS, thinks Joanna.

Thermaltake’s newest CPU cooler is on display at Legion Hardware. This piece of kit is called the SpinQ (Spin-Queue, not Spink) and adds a twist to your usual cooler configuration. However, despite the original looks, it’s merely an average CPU cooler, struggling in the LH overclocking tests... Read it here.

We’re all for small footprints especially when we’re talking HTPCs. Antec makes the Fusion Micro – which is on review at XS Reviews – and has built it as a really petite thing. The case includes HTPC software, a remote and includes a 350W 80+ PSU. Joe found it very affordable, but a bit noisy when the fans start whining. Find the review, here.

Anandtechies is looking at a new PC supplier, a company named Maingear. The company has sent them a full PC of the company’s F131-series. This is really a trial of the whole purchase experience with some benchmarks to boot. Matt liked the experience and thinks Maingear has a solid contender on their hands. Find it here.

Tom’s Shardware has rounded-up 13 different mid-tower cases. Apart from some back strain, the overall quality of the boxes has improved, thinks Siggy. You’ve got something for everyone, from a $399 Zalman box to a $70 Antec Three Hundred. Check them out.

German site (we’ve got it in English, so don’t worry) PC Games Hardware is doing some thorough testing of the X58+Core i7 with Tri-SLI and CrossfireX. Since the platform lends itself to both, it’s only fair you too know what runs better. Give it a visit.

Call of Duty World at War (Zombie mode et al) is the next big title from the COD3 team. The game, says Hilbert, is graphically impressive (and he’ll be using it in future benchmarking, we’re sure). So meet the newborn graphics engine that pulls 66fps on a GTX280 SLI at 2560x1600. It’s also very playable at 1920x1200 even with last season’s graphics cards. Giveit a look. µ