After winning the battle over HD media, blu-ray has quickly become a “wanted” luxury in a PC. But for years the price of such a drive kept many of us from purchasing one even if it was a player only device. Not in 2011, the prices of these drives including recording ones can be found for under $100. The ASUS BC-12B1ST is one of the blu-ray read only components that be had for this incredible often as low as $70. The BC-12B1ST is filled with engineering only ASUS can provide which we will talk about during the review. But did we mention it does support 3D playback? Well, it does.

Today, we will be tackling a new mouse from the makers of the above, which is called the Xornet. The Xornet is a lesser feature packed version of the above but in a smaller packaging. The Xornet gives the user to game on a budget also it’s the perfect complement to a gaming laptop.

With every aspect of computing moving at razor fast speeds there is no reason for our external data not follow. That is the reason we are seeing new external connections like USB 3.0, and the soon the Thunderbolt as well (already available on some Mac laptops). But in order to implement such connections you have to determine if it is worth it to upgrade the entire system which already feature what you are after, or add on to what you are already using. If the latter seems a little more feasible, then SilverStone has a device for you: the EC03 , a compact USB 3.0 PCIe add-in card and front panel USB 3.0 ports.

The Valo is definitely aimed at the gamer in us with its multitude of commands and timings, LCD display, and 41 macro keys. To store all of those key combinations, timings and commands is 2MB of on-board memory which will prevent you from having to result back to the software for reconfiguring. If you take a moment to read on you will find out the Valo has a few more options up its sleeve that makes it a real winner with the both the professional gamer and casual gamer crowds.

Today we will be taking a quick look at the SilverStone EC02, a USB 3.0 ExpressCard 34 adapter that slides right into the side of your laptop, provided you have the slot that is. This little card provides the user with the ability to upgrade to the latest, fastest USB connection without having to blow a wad of money on a new laptop.

So, what other method for fan control is there?

NZXT, a company that is known more for their PC cases, have released their fourth fan controller. This controller is definitely more on the simpler side of things, using hassle-free sliders to control the fan speeds of which are connected. Nothing more, nothing less; simple function, simple results.

The new X-Vision is of Aerocool's simpler models, but still remains very functional and looks great. It provides the user with five channels of controls, capable of delivering up to 8 watts on each. Additionally it has thermal sensors to monitor temperatures in whatever location you put them, per-fan RPM readout and the voltage they are running at. For fan regulation options, the X-Vision has the ability to adjust fan speeds manually or by system temps based on the thermal sensors. This may be your next fan controller, so come on in to see if it has what you're looking for.

Cooler Master's entrance into the gaming peripherals market with their Storm line has been a smooth one, so far consisting of mice and mouse pads. Arguably the most important gaming gear needed. It began with the Sentinel Advance and quickly moved to the Inferno. Each offers a world of features to enhance the gaming experience. Cooler Master’s newest addition to their Storm mouse lineup is the Spawn. The Spawn is physically a lot smaller than any other gaming mouse we have had in our labs. Does that mean that it is inferior in any way? We shall see.

So what do you get when you cross attractive looks, red lighting and a cool breeze? Well besides an outdoor Gentleman's Club, you get the Challenger Pro Gaming Keyboard from Thermaltake's new eSPORTS line of gaming accessories, which is precisely what we have here for you today. Intended for both the casual and professional gamer, the Challenger Pro all the ingredients necessary to help you win. There are 10 Macro keys that are fully customizable down to the finest detail, and 4 configurable profiles that are switchable at the press of a key. A heavy duty braided and detachable USB cable with gold plated connectors, ensuring it will hold up to the hard knock life of a LAN party gamer, but it will make a solid connection each time you plug it in as well. Now all you have to do is click over to the next few pages to see what other gems has in store, but also to find out how I manage to make that first sentence relevant!

Aerocool has hit the market with a new model that is more visually striking than the FX6T. The new Strike-X offers full ability to control up to five fans and monitoring five different temperature probes. The Strike-X obviously gets its name from the big red ‘X’ display in the front. That big red ‘X’ can be replaced with a black one as well to better match your case and personal preference.