review

Monitors that are 24 inches with 16:10 aspect ratios are a dying breed. Their slow demise makes way for the new world order of 16:9.

While the 16:9 aspect ratio and the 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution more closely matches that of movies and mimics HDTVs, some users still find value in the extra screen real-estate afforded by 16:10-based, 1,920x1,200-pixel resolution.

As long as there is enough demand, 1200p monitors will continue to be made, but they're nowhere near as plentiful as say four years ago. With fewer to choose from than before, knowing which are the best is where I and this blog come in, could be very helpful.

Personally, I prefer 24-inch displays at 16:10, but the 16:9 aspect ratio makes 2,560x1,440-pixel resolution possible so it can't be all bad.

You may notice that I didn't include the HP DreamColor LP2480zx on the list. It's the best-performing 24-inch I've ever seen. Its price, unfortunately, puts it out of reach for the majority of users.

Given that, I've only included monitors on the list most average people could afford.… Read more

Too busy waiting in line for some gadget this week to keep up with Crave? Now that the wait's over, you have all the time in the world to catch up.

- Speaking of some gadget, is this the most obnoxious iPhone 5 case yet?

- Yap on your cell phone in this movie theater, and you might get ninja-ed.

- Retro-styled 3D-printed sunglasses put pixels right on your face.

- Who needs Helvetica when you can write in a font made from galaxies?

- Hoodie sleeve brings Zuckerberg chic to your iPad.

- What's this oojamaflip that'… Read more

Finally, one of the year's most hyped consumer devices is in the hands of consumers across the globe.

Apple started selling its iPhone 5 smartphone this morning to droves of fans, many of whom waited in long lines -- and even camped out -- in order to be among the first to nab it.

While there were some early reports of dwindling supplies, and preorder delivery dates have been pushed back three to four weeks, lines in front of Apple stores on both U.S. coasts move pretty fast and smiling consumers emerged with their much coveted iPhones in … Read more

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Amid weak reviews of Apple Maps, Google offers alternative.

- iOS 6 Maps has a bit of a ways to go.

- Apple Maps shows a post-Cloverfield NY, sans Lady Liberty.

- Fox 5 NY broadcasts fake iPhone 5 concept video

- Internet Archive launches TV News search database.

- First level from Super Mario printed as a Mobius strip.

- MakerBot revamps Replicator 3D printer, adds retail store.

- Low Latency No. 38: The waiting game.

Bathroom break video: DMX's first encounter with Google.… Read more

The Android style guide was updated to include Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean Holo theme variations, and this is (thankfully) causing many apps to update their user interfaces. Change is good -- well, most of the time -- but what if you want to take a look at reviews that are only pertinent to your device? Or maybe you're only interested in opinions about the latest version? That's why the Google Play Store has filtering options, even though they're kind of hidden.

Here's how to access them:

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Check out Scott Stein's comprehensive review of the Apple iPhone 5.

- Scott writes about the 5 things that surprised him about the iPhone 5.

- Apple delivers iOS 6, available for download now.

- First Look video of Apple's new Maps application.

- How to control your privacy settings on iOS 6.

- Apple Lightning Adapter adds life to your old gear.

- Sony unveils super slim PlayStation 3.

- … Read more

Less than a week since its debut, some of the initial reviews for Apple's next iPhone have hit the Web.

The consensus is mostly positive, with reviewers praising the larger screen, faster LTE cellular networking, and iOS 6 software features. Less hot, it seems, is Apple's new maps application and Lightning connector technology. Critics say the maps app is impressive, but not as full-featured as Google's, and that the new Lightning connector is nice, but a move that requires an investment in new cables and adapters.

Another common thread is a lack of near-field communication (NFC) technology, … Read more

It's been nearly three years since the team at Gearbox Software released a new open-world RPG franchise with a unique art style and curiously addictive gameplay. Borderlands went from a sleeper hit to blockbuster seemingly overnight; since its release, it has seen sales in the range of 5 million copies.

Borderlands' looting-focused formula encouraged and rewarded exploration, which helped ease the otherwise intimidating undertaking that some RPG titles can endure.

With Borderlands 2, Gearbox Software has tweaked and refined the genre -- mind you, a hybrid that it seems to have invented -- and has unquestionably topped itself.… Read more