Something on the Side: Simple solution for speed

In this week’s instalment of Something on the Side, SEAN BACHER features the SanDisk Extreme SSD hard drive, the HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 5525 e-All-in-One, the Belkin Smart TV Link, Mix Master headphones from Skullcandy and the Kingston 256GB DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 flash drive.

SanDisk Extreme SSD 240GB hard drive

With the SanDisk Extreme SSD 240GB installed in place of a standard (SATA) hard drive, computer start-up and shutdown times are decreased, application performance is improved and less energy is used. Installing the drive is a DIY job, but all that is needed is a screwdriver to remove the hard drive cover from the machine and the screws securing the drive in place. The SanDisk Extreme SSD is compatible with the SATA 6 Gb/s format, so ensure your computer uses that interface before buying the drive. The SanDisk range of Extreme drives range from 60GB up to 480GB.

Expect to pay: R2 000 for the 240GB version

Stockists: Available from Incredible Connection stores across South Africa.

HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 5525 e-All-in-One

The HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 5525 is one of HP’s budget printers and, although called an all-in-one, it does not offer fax. Users can scan, copy and print. The printer connects via USB to a single computer or wirelessly to multiple devices. An LCD panel displays instructions when changing settings, and doubles up as a screen to view photos when printing straight off a flash drive or memory card. When scanning, documents can be sent directly to a selected computer and saved under ‚”My Documents‚”, or saved to a flash drive or memory card. The printer is compatible with both Mac and PC. On average, you will be able to print 600 pages before you need to replace the cartridges.

Expect to pay: R1 700. Ink cartridges will cost around R460 each.

Stockists: Most reputable electronics stores across South Africa.

Belkin Smart TV Link

The Belkin Smart TV Link connects up to four Internet-ready devices to the Internet. It does this via the four Ethernet ports at the back of the unit, which when connected will automatically link up to your wireless router or computer. Once connected, the devices are able to stream video and music from the Internet or connect to a local server from where video can be downloaded.

Expect to pay: R1 700

Stockists: Most reputable electronic retail outlets nationwide.

Skullcandy Mix Master

The Mix Master headphones are specially designed with the DJ in mind, as they feature a coiled cable that can be switched from the left to the right speaker on the fly. The also switch from stereo to mono playback when one of the speakers is rotated 90 degrees, allowing the DJ to hear the volume in the club. The headset is made from durable plastic, and is designed for a certain amount of abuse not associated with normal headsets. They are fairly light compared to other headsets, ensuring a comfortable fit throughout a long night of spinning the decks.

Expect to pay: R3 000

Stockists: Visit www.skulcandy.com for ordering information

Kingston 256GB DataTraveler HyperX 3.0

The DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 USB 3.0 Flash Drive offers read speeds of up to 225MB/s and write speeds of up to 135MB/s. This means that one can work on video and music editing directly from the drive. The drive will also work on devices with USB 2.0 ports, but at a much slower speed. The drive’s shell is crafted from metal, which is coated in rubber, allowing it to be used in harsh environments. The drive includes encryption software, keeping valuable data protected from prying eyes.

Expect to pay: R6 799

Availability: Contact Axis on (011) 237-7228

* Follow Sean on Twitter on @SeanBacher