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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Genius MaxFighter F-23U V2. PC Joystick with Digital technology to enhance precision, speed and control. Review

I was misled into believing that the rudder control was a twist on the yoke, like the more top end joysticks, instead it's a dial on the front of the joystick, which I don't like. I end up using auto rudder on the my flight games, instead of coordinating my own flight.

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Macally iShock II USB Force Feedback Programmable Game Controller Review

To all those who say it does not work on Intel Macs. Please note that Macally has simply stopped development of their proprietary driver. However, the controller does work with OS X's built in support for HID input devices. Applications that support HID through OS X will work with the iShock II. One feature of the controller that will not work because it requires the Macally driver is the rumble feature. The Macally driver also provided the ability to map the controller buttons to other applications that do not support OS X's HID interface. This feature can be replicated using third party utilities such as USB Overdrive

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Xbox 360 Controller for Windows Review

Lots of people complain 'Why not just use a mouse and keyboard?' and my friends make fun of me for using it but if you have a PC in your living room then this is the way to go for controlling games (that fully support using it). I've been playing Fallout 3 with this controller and it works great!

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Wireless Blaze X Xbox Gamepad Review

Heat is on! The Genius' Wireless Blaze X, a wireless gamepad for XBOX, allows you complete freedom to move around without the constraints of cables. It uses 2.4GHz wireless technology for smooth and responsive control up to ten meters away and provides two XBOX expansion slots for XBOX live accessories or memory cards on the receiver. Further more, the auto - connecting function gives you plug-and-play convenience that you needn't waste time searching for the connection s while playing games.The advanced Turbo function gives you superior control especially in action, fighting or shooting games and the dual-motor is designed for real vibration effects such as hits, explosions or crashes.If you're looking for an appropriate gamepad for your XBOX system, then the Wireless Blaze X from Genius is the way to go. It lets you feel the action wherever you play with no cords and no hassles.







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Saitek Wireless Game Pad-P2900 Review

It looks and feels nice. You won't have any problems navigating around any screen with this. But when it comes down to playing simulation games this pad is useless.

This is my first wireless game pad and will be my last. Playing a soccer game for example, every touch is vital. But with this, it cannot receive every push. Even when you have the gamepad right next to the wireless adaptor it won't be able to receive every signal.

It's not too bad, but it has denied me a few classic goals which can be very fustrating. As a recommendation, don't buy a wireless gamepad for a few years until they are flawless. It will let you down.

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Saitek Cyborg Command Unit Review

I purchased Cyborg Command Unit to replace my aged Nostromo N52 for my new-built computer back in May 2008. I found that this device was superior to N52 with more soft buttons, mini joystick instead of old-time D-pad, and good performance. I used it on FPS PC games such as Oblivion, Star Wars Battlefront II, Orange Box, and GTAIV for many times. However, profile software is not friendly as N52's. It required fairly learning curve to create profiles. Unlike N52 software, I have to launch the profile manually before start game. So I used third-party gaming profile software instead for better features.

Only reasons I gave this device two stars are that device started to malfunction after 8-10 months of gaming. I been emailed tech support for days, asking for a replacement as Saitek's 1-year warranty said, yet I got no response from them after I sent last email. I was so angry with them for not sent me a replacement. Same to official forum, I registered for help but not able to log in without administrator permit and got my account deleted twice!

I never purchasing other device from Saitek again after troubles I was through with.

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Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows Review

I bought a Rumblepad 2 first but I sent it back after I found out it wasn't compatible with allot of new games. I like this controller better than the Rumblepad and it works great in crysis and mirror's edge but it doesn't have a program to customize the controls or force feedback(vibration).

pros: This Controller is very well made, compatible with most newer games, its vibration actually works on most of them, you can adjust the force feedback and controls if the game supports it, it works well with most games with out any adjustment, and it fills more ergonomic than the PlayStation style controller if you have medium to large hands.

cons: Its fairly expensive, you can only adjust the force feedback and controls if the game is made to do this and most games aren't.

You can download free home made software like Xpadder 5.3 or XBCD+ to make this controller more flexible. XBCD+ is still in the beta stage and I think it only supports the wired Xbox controller right now but it should support the wireless one also once it is finished.

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Saitek P3600 Cyborg Force Rumble Pad (PP26U) Review

I was hoping to use this controller with "Games for Windows" titles and any other games that officially only support the Xbox 360 controller. The manufacturer's description indicates "Increasingly, PC games are shipping with support for Microsoft's Xbox 360 gamepad and switching the Cyborg Rumble Pad into X-Mode configures it to work in the same way."

However, this is just simply not true. The controller is not recognized in these games, and it is useable only if you use the programming software to emulate keystrokes and mouse movements, which is worthless for anything requiring analog control. Keystroke emulation is something that ANY controller can do with some bundled or free software, so there is no reason to say this controller is any more compatible with "Games for windows" than any other.

It is a fine controller for games that natively support third party gamepads, but those are becoming rare these days, as developers just port over their xbox controls to the pc version. I have been otherwise very happy with Saitek products, but I am very disappointed with what I consider to be false advertising in regards to this gamepad.

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Apple Only Gamepad Dual Action Review

Good price, decent quality, works well with MAME. No need for any drivers with OS 10.5.

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PS2/PS3/PC 2.4Ghz T-Wireless 3-in-1 Gamepad Review

I'm a southpaw player who couldn't play many modern AAA titles due to not being considered when the games were designed-enter this FULLY PROGRAMABLE
controller. You simply press map then the button / stick direction where you want it and vola it's set how you want it.

If there's an issue with the pad at all it's the overall size is smaller
than a regular dual shock which is great for left handed kids but will take
some adjusting for those used to standard sized controllers...not a deal
breaker since without it i can't play ratchet,dead space,assissans creed,metal gear or gta 4.

ANYTHING that requires 2 analog sticks i need southpaw to play and thrustmaster's controller makes this possible and more...so i highly reccomend to any left handed gamer to pick up this pad.

It's easy to adjust to the size but impossible to play with default as a lefty so again this pad fixes that.

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Xbox 360 Game Pad - Colors May Vary Review

A great alternative to paying for the wireless or namebrand controller. We received the black controller, so it's kind of hard to see a few of the buttons/names on the controller. However, since we already have the white official wireless Xbox controller, and know all the buttons, it wasn't a problem. Buttons are pretty much the same except the start button isn't round, it's a tiny rectangle.

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Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard Review

if anyone wants to read tons they have over 50 other reviews they can read, i am just going to state my evaluation of this gimmick garbage.

for 1 it is obviously logitechs attempt to steal the n52TE's thunder, sadly they fail. the ergonomics are completely ignored, which is what makes the N52TE the best speedpad on the market. this is just not comfortable, i dont care what WoW players think (saying you play it is at this point the same as saying "i am a tarded") nor people who only play 2-4 hours a day, for the 10+ hour a day crowd that is throwing down in unreal or games that actually involve skill this is near useless. another problem is the keys are too cluttered together, there is no way to COMFORTABLY use them all and whats more hitting the wrong key is usually going to mess you up BAD. lastly the stick feels like it comes pre-broken.

the software is just mediocre, and if you have any problems with say a conflict with another device logitechs solution will be "call microsoft" which is pretty much the kiss of death in the world of tech-support. love having dropped profiles for no reason too, champion coding there logiturd.

now on to the LCD....USELESS! i wish i could make that word 100x bigger, if you are playing any kind of game that involves skill, reflexes, or an attention span (not WoW or 90% of mmorpg's) you will never use this or you will die. so why put it there? well to sell it to all the dumb kiddies obviously, c'mon that and color change backlighting?! how many people seriously play in the dark for any amount of time (because it will make you go blind)? you will NOT be a better gamer due to the colors around your hand no matter what the color is i assure you, and squinting to see who is talking in vent is going to cause eyestrain which sucks.

a friend actually GAVE me 1 of these (he didnt care much for it either obviously) and i will most likely pass it off on the next fool that walks through the door and asks what it is. compared to the N52TE is is an overpriced gimmick that will most likely get you laughed out of a LAN party faster than a Canadian tux.

if you read reviews of the g13 vs. the N52 realize the N52TE is a completely different beast (low profile keys, and a way better profile editor/manager for examples), it feels GOOD in your hand and can be adjusted for bigger or smaller hands. the g13 ignored that fact completely and figured colors, a useless lcd, and too many buttons would make up for it. plus they figure they are logitech, people will buy it regardless.

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Genius MaxFire G-08XU, PC gamepad. 8-Button USB Game Controller for PC.. Review

It's no secret that this gamepad does NOT really look anything like the controllers used for the old consoles, (NES, SNES, etc.)

That said - this is a GREAT, affordable game controller for the classics. This controller feels quite solid even though it is SUPER-light weight. The buttons (including the D-pad) are very responsive. The D-pad is the directional control pad on the controller by the way.

The only slight flaw to this controller can be EASILY overcome with some thought. See, this controller has NO designated start and select buttons. I simply assigned two of the trigger keys on the top of the controller to act as the start and select keys inside my emulator's settings. Works perfect for me!

In conclusion - this is NOT AT ALL for serious (modern) gamers. It does NOT have force feedback, dual shock, or any of those (worthless to me) features. But if you are looking for a comfortable, easy-to-use controller for your classic games and emulators, but don't want to pay big money for the modified authentic controllers out there - BUY AT LEAST A COUPLE OF THESE great little works of affordable tech.

By the way - I OWN legal copies of ALL of the games that I play using emulators. I just can't get the consoles to work any more after YEARS of extensive game play.

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Logitech ChillStream Gamepad for PC (963435-0403) Review

The Logitech ChillStream Gamepad looks very similar to an XBox 360 controller in button and control placement. It feels a bit hollow, but that is because it has fans that blow air on your hands while you play. This air flow does help nicely when engaging in a long gaming session.

I use this controller on a Windows 7 (RC) machine, and I did not have to do anything special - plugged it in and it worked.

The size is a tad smaller than an XBox controller, and as an XBox owner, I could feel the difference, but it wasn't enough to cause any problems - just noticeable.

PROS: Works well, gives all the controls that one would find on a console controller. Fan does help cool the hands.

CONS: Feels a bit hollow due to the fans. USB cable instead of wireless.

OVERALL: I'd recommend this controller to anyone looking for a good "XBox style" controller for the PC.

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Belkin n52te Tournament Edition SpeedPad Review

I used the original N52 for MMOs, RTS, and FPS games for about 3 years before it started to die. That's when the N52te came out. I got it and have since bought 5 more for my guildmates; they all swear by it.

First off, the Bad. The profile editor is a step down from the n52's. The macro editor was unreliable, and there were fewer 'modes'. And there was the issue of the diagonals on the DPad 'not working'.

Now, the editor wasn't that bad, it just didn't live up to the 'I like my programmable device to play the game for me' that most script-kiddies were looking for. It is intuitive and easy to use. It just fell short of perfection.

The diagonals on the dpad do work, now. The trick is to disable them in the N52te profiles. Counterintuitive, but it works. However, it's not as 'clean' as WASD movement, so for FPS games, there will be a noticable .1s lag when switching from strafe to diagonal movement. For MMOs, not an issue.

So, with all the above.. the N52te is still an outstanding game controller, it just falls short of the perfection it could have been.

The physical feel of the device, though, is perfection. The button press is spot-on, the Dpad is very responsive, the scroll-wheel is comparable to a high-end mouse's, and the device itself is comfortable to use for prolonged gameplay.

Some folks have complained that there aren't enough buttons.. There are 15 'base' keys, and 3 'modes' to play with. However, with creative keybindings and combo-presses, I've worked out how to have over 100 keybindings in just one 'mode'. Granted, this uses combo presses, but compare that to how many keys you have access to with your left hand on a keyboard, and factor in that this is much more ergonomic than trying to run one hand all over a keyboard, and I think the easy-access combo-presses outweigh having more real estate to cover for more keys.

If you would like to see how the N52te can be used with WoW (or an MMO in general), I have a series of how-to videos on YouTube showing how to set up the device, keybindings, and some UI mods so that the N52te is an integral part of play. [...].

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Logitech Dual Action Game Pad USB Review

We bought this awhile ago for the computer, but never knew what it had in store for me. If you don't mind a long cord instead of wireless for the PS3, than definitely buy this! My brother bought this, and after we got our ps3, we thought, it would be funny if this thing worked for the PS3, but we never actually tried it untill now. Shure it lacks the ps button and the motion sensors, but so what?! it works just as good as a regular ps3 controller, and it's gonna save you 30 bucks, plus an awsome computer controller! if you have a PS3, definately buy this. If you don't, still buy it!

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Logitech Rumblepad 2 Vibration Feedback Gamepad Review

This is pretty much everything you need for a USB controller, and fairly priced. I use it for video game emulators I have on my computer and it works very well. There are one or two games it doesn't work for, but I blame the ROM and not the controller. There are a couple of issues: The way the joysticks are designed, they seem to favor toward the diagonal, which can make it a pain to just move your character in a straight line. This isn't a deal breaker, but it does take getting used to. Also, though I've only had it for a couple of months, one button that I seem to use a lot has started sticking a bit, which makes me wonder about the controller's longevity. Nonetheless, it does feel very durable, and I wouldn't judge it so soon. Other reviews highlight its durability, so it's probably fine. Overall, these issues are negligible next to the simple pleasure of using a controller, rather than a keyboard, for games designed to be used by a controller. It is a worthwhile purchase.

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Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 with Vibration Feedback (Black) Review

I have a wireless xbox 360 controller as well. That along with this are the two best wireless pc controllers out there. So it depends on which controller style you like, but you can't go wrong with either

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Logitech Precision Plug and Play Gamepad (Blue) Review

I am only begining with PC Games and needed something to get me started. I didn't look for anything too fancy, since I have no inmediate need for this. Playing with the keyboard proved to be very frustrating in the best of cases. This gamepad solved all my needs at an increadibly reasonable price.
Sturdy, well finished and nice looking.

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