Update September 2016: We’ve found this water-resistant keyboard — this one is interesting because it’s a true mechanical keyboard.

The Details

You can now drink your beverage of choice at your desk while keeping your peace of mind. The Logitech Washable Keyboard K310 has overwhelmingly positive user reviews on Amazon for its durability and design. Users report that it survived coffee, soda, water, and soap. It can be hand washed and submerged in up to 11 inches of water. The K310 is equipped with drainage holes for fast drying and comes with a keyboard brush for dusting and scrubbing. Just leave it in a drying rack overnight to air dry.

While most waterproof keyboards are made out of a soft, clumsy rubber, the K310 looks and responds like a conventional keyboard. Its keys are laser printed and UV coated so that they will maintain their form after many washes. Far from clunky, the K310 is a slim .8″ by 17.2″ by 5.5.” It weighs 17.3 ounces, making it fairly lightweight for a keyboard.

The K310 is a USB keyboard and is ready to go as soon as it is plugged in without any driver updates. It features 12 programmable shortcut hotkeys that can take you directly to the Internet, email, volume control, pause, sleep, play and more.

PCMag wrote a positive review of the K310, but noted that its keys are quiet and felt a bit mushy, which would be a turn-off for fans of mechanical keyboards.

The Logitech Washable Keyboard K310 is available at Amazon for around $79.

Another Option

The Kensington K64406 Washable Keyboard is another spill-proof keyboard at a more affordable price tag. Reviewers on Amazon did notice a sacrifice in design and functionality, however. It is available for around $27.

The post The Best Spill-Proof Keyboard appeared first on Reactual.

Harman Kardon Soundsticks III Computer Speakers

The Harman Kardon Soundsticks received editor’s choice on both PCMag and CNET for excellent sound performance and unique, aesthetic design. The frequency response range of 44Hz to 20KHz offers crisp definition for all forums: music, movies, and gaming. Power switch built in to the volume control on the subwoofer makes for energy efficiency. Satellite speakers can be angled to personal preference. You can own a piece of art and pop culture.

On the negative side, missing from this system is a remote control and a headphone jack.

The Harman Kardon Soundsticks III  is on permanent exhibit at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. The third generation system was redesigned for 2010.

Features on this 2.1 sound system include 8 full-range transducers powered by a 10-watt amplifier in each speaker and 1 low-frequency, down-firing subwoofer powered by a 20-watt amplifier for bass. The system connects to 3.5 mm stereo devices such as computers and Mp3s.

The Harman Kardon Soundsticks III are on sale at Amazon for $145.81 or you can buy them direct from the Harman Kardon site.

Audioengine 2 Multi-Media Computer Speakers

Pros: Compact design fits well for a computer set-up. Superior sound clarity as reviewed by CNET, PCMag and Amazon customers who have given these computer speakers an average 4.5 star rating. Music and movies can be played at high volumes with no buzzing or distortion. Speakers are housed in hand-built wood cabinets to help amplify the bass.

Cons: The volume control is inconveniently located on the back of the speaker and doesn’t come with a remote control. PCMag thought the bass was slightly lacking compared with a subwoofer system.

Audioengine has successfully married compact size with superior sound and convenient features for a high quality computer speaker. Perfect for those who want a comparable subwoofer sound without the subwoofer, features on the Audioengine 2 include 2 audio inputs for both RCA and mini-jack, AC adapter, 15 watts of power per speaker with the left speaker housing power amps, Kevlar woofers and silk tweeters, and an auto-sleep power saving mode.

The Audioengine 2 computer speakers are on sale at Amazon for $199.00.

M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Powered Computer Speakers

Pros: Excellent sound quality and ample low end bass levels for those who listen to music or watch movies on their computer. The editor’s review at CNET says “they sounded bigger, delivered more bass, and played louder than the other PC speakers we had on hand”.

Cons: Though there’s no subwoofer to make room for, these speakers will still take up considerable space on your desktop. They also weigh 14 pounds each so if you’re looking for portability, say in conjunction with a laptop or switching between devices, then these are not the ones.

M-Audios are larger than other computer speakers and pack a powerful punch with 20 watts per speaker, 4-inch polypropylene-coated woofers and 3/4-inch tweeters. Other features include RCA inputs on both speakers, a 3.5 mm jack, a headphone jack, and an integrated bass boost switch.

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 computer speakers are currently on sale at Amazon for $149.00.

Logitech Z623 Computer Speakers

Logitech has a long-standing reputation for making mid-range, quality computer speakers at an affordable price. The Logitech Z623 computer speaker system was one of PCMag’s Best of the Year products for 2010. It features a sleek, efficient design ideal for desktop listening. THX-certified, the 2.1 system offers 200 total watts of power with a 130 watt subwoofer and 2 35W satellite speakers as well as convenient inputs for multiple devices including computers, iPods, DVD players, and gaming consoles.

Sound quality is commended by reviewers at PCMag, CrunchGear, and Amazon. Clarity and power are unrivaled at this price range. Subwoofer presents a powerful bass that can be easily adjusted by the on-speaker nob. No buzzing at high volume. RCA and 3.5 mm inputs provide simple transfer between devices. THX certified.

The LogitechZ632 computer speaker system retails for $149.99, but is currently on sale at Amazon for $136.99

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Wireless Computer Speakers

The Klipsch ProMedia has a USB wireless transmitter that can stream audio from your computer to the speaker system from up to 30 feet away. Features a 2.4 GHz wireless signal and a total wattage of 120 watts between the 2 satellite speakers and subwoofer.

Pros: No pesky wires to clutter up the space. According to the review by PCMag, this system “packs so much power you’ll rarely raise the volume beyond half-way”. Using Apple’s Remote Application, iPhone customers can wirelessly access iTunes on their computer. Black cloth grilles are removable. It’s also THX certified.

Cons: No remote control. Power switch is inconveniently located on the subwoofer.

The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 wireless computer speakers are only available through Klipsch on their website or via Amazon for $199.99

Cyber Acoustics CA-3602 Computer Speakers

This 2.1, 3-piece speaker system from Cyber Acoustics is our budget pick for a computer speaker set-up. There aren’t many tech reviews on this model, but the user reviews are outstanding with 109 5 star reviews on Amazon and 168 5 star reviews on Wize. Cyber Acoustics has been putting out quality, affordable audio equipment since the 80s. This system includes 2 satellite speakers, a subwoofer, a separate desktop control pod for volume, power, and bass, and a cradle for your Mp3.

Pros: The price: with an MSRP of $54.99, the CA-3602 may not be the cheapest computer speaker, but it will deliver a more powerful sound than other discount speaker systems. The low-end bass sound has been rated as excellent. The desktop control is convenient and features an LED light when turned on and also contains a headphone jack. A good choice as a basic computer speaker.

Cons: Speakers aren’t protected by a covering.

The Cyber Acoustics CA-3602 is currently on sale on Amazon for $37.23.

JBL Duet III Computer Speakers

Tight on space? The JBL Duet III computer speakers are perfect for a small desktop setting or for your laptop. They are simple to set up and offer versatility with an AC adapter and a 3.5mm jack to plug into a Mac, Mp3, PC, or CD player. The 2 satellite speakers put out 10 watts each of power. There’s no subwoofer here, but the Duet IIIs are slightly larger than the predecessor, the Duet II, and therefore provide a bit more bass, though still not as powerful as a 2.1 system.

Pros: The design is both aesthetically pleasing and convenient for work space. Both CNET and PCMag recommend these computer speakers for decent sound quality at modest volume levels. These would be good in a work environment. Speakers connect to each other with a standard RCA plug. The price is reasonable at the Amazon sale price of around $100.00.

Cons: Not for bass lovers or those who are looking for loads of power. There isn’t an auxiliary input to plug in a second device as most of the other computer speakers offer.

The JBL Duet III computer speakers are currently on sale at Amazon for $107.98.

The post The Top Rated Computer Speakers appeared first on Reactual.

These cameras are also perfect for the beginner with many featuring on-board user guides to show the way.

We surveyed reviews on Consumer Reports, CNET, Digital Photography Review, and PC Magazine as well as user reviews from Amazon. Here is the round-up for the top rated SLR cameras under $700:

Nikon D3100 SLR Camera ($669)

Pros:

• Very good image quality, especially in low light; 14.2 megapixels
• User-friendly for beginners, yet versatile for advanced users

Cons:

• A little slow compared to competition
• Auto focus in live view mode is sluggish

Top Review Sources:

• Amazon: Average 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 179 reviews
• Consumer Reports: Overall score 70 out of 100; Very good image quality, ease of use, and versatility
• DP Review: Overall score- 72%; highest marks for image quality and design

The Nikon D3100 is a top rated entry level SLR camera. With an on-board guide to walk you through functions, the D3100 would be a good choice for first time SLR camera buyers. It also uses handy in-camera editing. Reviewers rave about the low light image quality. It’s exceptional through ISO 800 and usable up to ISO 3200. Where it’s lacking is in speed compared to its competitors. The Nikon D3100 comes with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor zoom lens and a rechargeable Li-ion battery.

The Nikon D3100 SLR camera is available on Amazon.

Canon Rebel XS SLR Camera ($539)

Pros:

• Superior image quality
• Reasonably-priced SLR
• User-friendly controls features a “My Menu” for customized use
• Excellent noise profile

Cons:

• No spot meter

Top Review Sources:

• CNET: Very good, 3.5 out of 5 stars; “Excellent photo quality for its class”
• DP Review: “Highly recommended”
• Amazon: Average 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 306 customer reviews

The Canon Rebel XS is a step below the Canon Rebel XSi, offering a basic set of features in an affordable SLR camera. While reviews generally call into question the design of the camera in terms of ergonomics and a difficult viewfinder, the Canon Rebel XS consistently produces high quality photos using a 10.1 megapixel sensor. It comes with an extensive software package, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger and is compatible with all Canon lenses. The Canon Rebel XS is a solid choice if you’re interested in a dependable camera for picture quality.

The Canon Rebel XS is sold on Amazon.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 SLR-Like ($500)

Pros:

• Electronic viewfinder
• Swivel touch screen LCD display
• Ergonomic design; smaller than a traditional SLR
• Fast and accurate auto focus

Cons:

• Not as good in low light or high ISO as SLRs
• Not as much control as an SLR

Top Review Sources:

• Consumer Reports: Their highest rated SLR-like camera with a 75 out of 100, they love the viewfinder
• DP Review: 72% overall score: “Good for anyone wanting SLR quality and compact camera ease of use”
• Amazon: Average 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 33 customer reviews

Called a four thirds camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 falls into the SLR-like category of advanced digital cameras. Because it doesn’t have a mirror lens, it is not considered an SLR. Yet it acts and feels like an SLR due to the ability to use interchangeable lenses as well as a large image sensor for SLR-quality photos. Panasonic was the first company to bring this type of camera to market and the G-2 is an upgraded version of their previous models being one of the top rated cameras of it’s kind. Those looking for the full array of manual controls from an SLR will want to look elsewhere, but for those wanting SLR quality pictures from a camera they can still keep in their pocket, then the Panasonic is a versatile option.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is available on Amazon in blue, red, and black.

Pentax K-x SLR Camera ($559)

Pros:

• Excellent image quality, especially in low light
• Fast auto focus
• Uses 4 AA batteries- some may prefer for replacement while traveling

Cons:

• Image stabilization is somewhat inconsistent
• No auto focus points in viewfinder

Top Review Sources:

The Pentax K-x SLR is available on Amazon in black, white, and red.

Nikon D3000 SLR Camera ($538)

The Nikon D3000 is available on Amazon.

The post The Top Rated SLR Cameras Under $700 appeared first on Reactual.