1st Annual ModSynergy.com Editor's Choice Awards

As we come to the end of an eventful year, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of ModSynergy.com. First and foremost, I extend my appreciation to all the visitors who have consistently supported us, and I sincerely hope that you will continue to do so. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the sponsors whose hard work has played a crucial role in achieving our accomplishments. Without your valuable contributions, none of this success would have been possible.

Moving forward into the second year of ModSynergy.com, I am committed to maintaining the same level of dedication and providing unbiased reviews to assist you in making informed decisions about the products we cover. In line with this commitment, I am excited to introduce the 1st Annual ModSynergy.com Editor's Choice Awards.

This prestigious accolade aims to recognize the outstanding products that were reviewed on our platform from December 15, 2002 (the date ModSynergy.com went live) to December 15, 2003.

Without further ado, let's delve into the award winners in each category:

Audio Segment

iAudio CW300 MP3 Player: This MP3 player stands out for its exceptional design, comprehensive bundle, and unmatched sound quality. With crystal-clear audio reproduction and heart-pumping bass, it sets a new standard for MP3 players. The multitude of advanced features, such as the Equalizer, further enhance the listening experience. Its fast music transfer speeds, even with USB 1.1, impressed us and rightfully earn it this award.

Altec Lansing VS4121 2.1 Speaker System: This speaker system delivers impressive sound quality for its size and boasts a visually appealing design. The subwoofer produces awe-inspiring bass, making it a standout choice.

PC Case Segment

iCute 0314TL-BS Case: This case earns the Editor's Choice award for its innovative design and user-friendly installation process, thanks to the free-swinging removable motherboard tray. The combination of aesthetics and functionality makes it a standout option.

Silverstone Lascala Series SST-LC01 HTPC Case: This HTPC case resurrects the desktop platform into a masterpiece. With its easy installation, ample space, and a removable drive cage, it offers a superior experience. It even includes extra screws, showcasing attention to detail.

Cooling Segment

Thermaltake Silent Boost: The Thermaltake Silent Boost pleasantly surprised us, especially considering past disappointments from Thermaltake. This unique cooler offers quiet operation while rivaling larger competitors. Its well-constructed copper base surpasses previous Thermaltake offerings. It is a welcome change to the typical factory-like noise associated with cooling solutions.

Arctic-cooling VGA Silencer: This video card cooler impressed us with its exceptional cooling performance, sturdy construction, and ease of installation. It is undoubtedly a remarkable product, and rumors even suggest a copper-based version is in the works.

Memory Modules Segment

Corsair TWINX Platinum Series PC-3200 512MB DDR Memory: Renowned among overclockers, Corsair's TWINX Platinum Series lives up to its reputation. These dual-channel modules deliver excellent performance with impressive timings, maximizing the potential of your overclocking endeavors.

Monitor/Display Segment

Cornea CT1704 17” TFT-LCD Monitor: This award is bestowed upon the Cornea CT1704 17” TFT-LCD Monitor for its outstanding performance and appealing aesthetics. With a speaker included, a 20ms refresh rate, and excellent color reproduction, it excels in both gaming and general usage scenarios.

Input/Output/Mouse Segment

PCXmods X-Trac Zoom: I wholeheartedly endorse this mouse pad and firmly stand by my belief that it provides everything you need. I continue to use the PCXmods X-Trac Zoom and thoroughly enjoy its excellent tracking capabilities. Its thin profile minimizes arm irritations, unlike some thicker pads that rub against your arm's edges.

Miscellaneous

HighSpeed PC Athlon XP Unlocking Kit: If you desire to overclock your locked CPU, this unlocking kit is an absolute must-have. It is incredibly user-friendly and even includes a handy magnifier for your convenience.

Power Segment

A+GPB 480W Titanium Power Supply: In the search for a reliable power supply, this model stands out. Providing excellent power delivery and featuring dual fans, SATA support, and striking aesthetics, it closely resembles its highly regarded 450W counterpart, which I have personally come to appreciate.

Seasonic Super Tornado 300W: The Seasonic Super Tornado 300W dispels any previous doubts I may have had about Seasonic power supplies. This model impresses with its large and quiet 120mm fan, exceptional cooling capabilities, and unparalleled rail stability when paired with the Soltek SL-FRN2-L motherboard.

Storage/Optical Segment

Nu Technology DBW-521 COMBI 52x24x16x Combo Burner/DVD Drive: This award goes to Nu Technology for producing a fast burner and combo DVD drive that has seamlessly entered the market. As a satisfied user of this drive, I can attest to its speed, stability, and overall performance.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of ModSynergy.com's journey. Your continued support is deeply appreciated, and I am excited to embark on the upcoming year with even greater enthusiasm.