Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44) Review

I've had the Saitek yoke for some time, so this can be considered a longer term review. I don't remember installing the software/drivers included with the device, just used the Windows driver I believe. I do not have the "phantom key press" issue on mine. Setting up all the extra buttons in FSX takes a little time, but when done really minimizes the need for the keyboard. I put masking tape near the rocker switches to label the keys as programmed. I use the buttons for hat view, zoom in/out, trim, lights, gear up, engine start, flaps, etc. The yoke glides really nicely, though I think force feedback would be really awesome.

What I don't like:
1. I think the price really pushes on the value threshold of this unit; really seems like it should be less expensive but there are not many choices.
2. The desk mounting unit limits the desks you can use. For example, desks with a pullout keyboard will not have enough room between the desk top and the pullout board for the underside of the mount. I had to forgo the mount and place some heavy books on top, and this isn't ideal because the yoke can still slide around. Some type of suction assembly would work better for some desks, or maybe a thinner mounting piece.
3. The included throttle quadrant should be USB instead of proprietary, that way I could use it with my other joystick without having to plug in the yoke.
4. I could go without the LCD timer screen, would prefer a $10 cheaper unit with out it.

When I am flying a yoke style plane in FSX, I can't resist setting up the Saitek for the added realism. I ordered the CH rudder pedals first and still feel the pedals add more value to the simulation than the yoke (above a twisting joystick), but am overall happy with the Saitek yoke.

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Wireless Number Pad Review

Wireless Number Pad







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Innovations 230312 Sega Genesis Game Pad Review

The description says it is the same shape and it is for the most part, however it is quite a bit smaller. Feels cheaper than the original. But it works and where else are you going to find a NEW controller for a Sega Genesis. I gave it 3 stars because it's not as good as the original Genesis controller, but it does what it's supposed to and you should be satisfied if you purchase it. I also rated this item lower because the cord is more like 5 feet long, not six.

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Saitek-P3200 Rumble Force PC Game Pad (PP24U) Review

The P3200 Rumble Pad from Saitek features two mini-joysticks, 8-way D-Pad, two analog triggers, four main buttons and two shoulder buttons. Immersion Rumble Force technology, First Person mode with precision aiming technology. Fully programmable with SST software included. USB, Windows 2000, XP, XP64 and Vista compatible.







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Saitek Three Lever Pro Throttle Quadrant (PZ45) Review

I have been a fan of computer flight simulation for about 5 years and loved every minute. I had one problem though, I would sit on the runway waiting for the plane to take off never understanding that I needed to rev up the engine, set the propeller RPM and fuel mixture until the plane got enough speed to take off. What a bore! But then I got these cool controls and away I went...into the sky.

Not really folks but this is by way of showing that these controls are the perfect thing for simulating these controls when you want to simulate the throttle, prop, and mixture controls of an airplane. They look good, work good, and also provide 6 clicker switches to map to other controls. I have these controls mapped to autopilot controls.

The device simply plugs into an available USB port but you will have to tell your game (flight simulator) how to use the levers and buttons but this is just like any other controller you might have. So after a little reading up with the help or Saitek web forums it's easy.

And if you are as big a dumb bell as I am they look cool anyway and if you are as old as I am, your grandkids will have fun playing with the. Pretty solid so you shouldn't worry.

Greg

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SteelSeries 5C Limited-Edition Wrath of the Lich King Fragmat Review

I bought this as a gift for my girlfriend's sister so I've never used it and can't comment about its functionality. But it's a mouse pad. How could anyone screw up a mouse pad? You can use cardboard as a mouse pad if you want!

So......World of Warcraft. I don't play it. Never have. Never will. But my aforementioned girlfriend's sister does which is why I spent way too much money on this particular mouse pad instead of buying a cheaper alternative, like say, a piece of cardboard. On the plus side, the picture is actually quite lovely. There's a dragon on it. He looks kind of angry, like he's about to breath some fire or something and torch some villages. And since he's glowing blue, you know it's going to be that really hot blue fire - not that pansy yellow crap. But when you look at it closer, it appears that he's chillin' in a cave. I don't know why anyone would set up a village in a cave. Seems like a bad idea to me. Of course, it also seems like a bad idea to build a city below sea level and then act surprised when some levies break and flood the city. But people who get paid far more than I do come up with these ideas, so what do I know? Maybe building a village in a dragon infested cave is a good idea.

So if you're a nerd..er.. I mean.. World of Warcraft player, or know someone who is, this is the perfect mouse pad if you prefer something a little nicer than cardboard. And if you like dragons and poor city planning, all the better. Enjoy!

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Genius Twin Wheel F1, mini Vibration, PC/PS2 combo wheel. Vibration Feedback F1 Racing Wheel. Review

The setup works great for both PC and PS2. BUT....it was a gift and when it arrived the lap adapter was not in the box. Disappointment to my son. After a couple phone calls, they finally agreed to send a new lap adapter which arrived about a week later. Would be 5 stars if they would have included the lap adapter to start.

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