October 02, 2009 -- Most often we are faced with testing out the latest motherboards, processors, and graphics cards to see how well they work with Linux under different conditions and a variety of tests. While those are obviously the components that most Linux users are concerned with when it comes to Linux compatibility and performance, plenty of peripherals to this day don't work under Linux or will only do so to a limited extent or after jumping through various hurdles to get a half-working device. With mice for instance, they generally will work fine when plugged into any modern desktop Linux distribution, but with some of the gaming and high-end input devices not all of the buttons will be detected or other features will not work. When a company came along that we never heard of, Mionix, claiming to offer some of the best gaming products, curiosity got the best of us and we decided to see how well the Saiph 3200 from this unheard of company would work on the Linux desktop.

September 18, 2009 -- When setting up my new office recently one of the test machines wound up being a distance away from the rest of the systems and the wired network. Rather than going through the hassle of dropping a CAT-6 line to this test station, the quicker and easier approach was to just pickup another USB WiFi adapter. The wireless adapter ended up being the MediaLink USB54G that offers USB 2.0 and 802.11g support, but only mentioned compatibility for Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, and Vista systems. How did the MediaLink USB adapter working out under Linux? Quite well.

September 02, 2009 -- Back in February we reviewed the NZXT Cryo LX, which was a massive notebook cooler made of aluminum that packed three 120mm fans and support for up to 19" widescreen notebooks. With not many individuals having 17" and 19" notebooks compared to 15" and smaller, NZXT has now introduced the Cryo S that is better sized for smaller notebooks and netbooks. The Cryo S cooler uses just two 120mm fans that can be run off USB or an AC adapter and there is an integrated two-port USB 2.0 hub.

August 25, 2009 -- While nearly all of our Linux benchmarking work at Phoronix is automated through the Phoronix Test Suite, it is still grueling and time-intensive work to setup all of the test systems, handle the management of the testing, and of course writing all of the articles and news posts. As a quick break from all of our Linux hardware testing and software benchmarking, the folks at Sumo Lounge asked to send out their Omni Bean Bag Chair. The Sumo Lounge Omni has been reviewed in many computer and gaming magazines as a great piece of furniture for computer gamers and has been featured in other publications like Playboy and Hooters Magazine.

August 17, 2009 -- Last year we reviewed the SilverStone Treasure TS01, which was a 2.5-inch hard drive enclosure but what had made it unique was its use of two RFID keys, which unless in the close vicinity to the device, would impair the hard disk drive from functioning. This was a nice security buffer, but SilverStone has been at it again refining their products and seeing what else they are able to achieve. As part of their Raven series, which includes products like the unique RVM01B mouse and beautiful Raven RV01 chassis, there is now the Raven RVS01. The RVS01 does not have any RFID tags or any advanced security measures, but it does offer eSATA connectivity.

August 03, 2009 -- Back in November we reviewed the Logitech G15, which was a well-built keyboard and offered a nice set of features, albeit it came at a lofty premium. The G15 sported a "GamePanel LCD" at the top of the keyboard which was a mini programmable LCD. This was nice and with some manual setup procedures would work under Linux. However, for those that may be looking for such a display or just looking for a smaller device to help with gaming, there is the Logitech G13. The G13 is not a traditional keyboard but rather an "Advanced Gameboard", as described by Logitech. It is effectively just an input device for your left hand that comes with 25 programmable keys along with a mini-joystick and at the top is a GamePanel LCD.

July 01, 2009 -- Razer has long been known as a manufacturer of high-end gaming mice with such prestigious products as the Copperhead, DeathAdder, and most recently the Lachesis. Razer has also expanded to offer other products such as the Barracuda Sound Card, Tarantula Keyboard, and the Piranha Gaming Headset. Razer's products generally do not come cheap, however, recently they have begun offering lower cost products such as the Arctosa Keyboard, which is still built and designed well but is a step-down from their flagship product lines. Most recently, Razer has now further entered the entry-level gaming mouse product with the introduction of the Salmosa, which is a sub-$40 USD but still promises high precision with its 3G infrared sensor.

May 04, 2009 -- Razer is a company that began by producing high-end gaming mice like the Copperhead and since that point they have ventured into other gaming products like high-end sound cards, headphones, and mouse pads. Back in 2006 we looked at the Razer Tarantula, but the Arctosa has now succeeded that gaming keyboard. The Razer Arctosa is a moderately priced gaming keyboard that offers macro keys, media keys, 1000Hz Ultrapolling, and other features to entice gamers. The big question though is how well this keyboard with all of its functionality works under Linux.

April 29, 2009 -- Last year we reviewed the OCZ Alchemy Elixir, which was the first keyboard we looked at from this company that once was just known for their system memory and power supplies but since have ventured into all sorts of gaming products. The OCZ Alchemy Elixir was a nice keyboard, but now joining their peripherals line-up is the OCZ Behemoth -- a laser gaming mouse with a 4-way LED display, 18 grams worth of customizable weights, and an adjustable DPI sensor.

April 10, 2009 -- Logitech is one of the leading manufacturers of computer peripherals, including keyboards and mice, and with that, they have an immense selection of products. Among the different Logitech mice are ones with interchangeable grips, custom-color LEDs, and even an air mouse, but one of the newest members of the Logitech MX family is the MX1100. The Logitech MX1100 is a cordless laser mouse that is designed to not only be wireless but also provide extremely comfort. Will this Logitech cordless laser mouse work under Linux though?