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Enhance Your Gaming with Vista-Friendly Peripherals - Part 1

By: Chuck Miller Sep 05, 2007

1. Introduction
2. Widescreen Monitors
3. Widescreen Monitor Examples
4. More Monitors and AV Switchers
5. Keyboards and Mice
6. Wireless and Wired Keyboards
7. More Keyboards and Accessories
8. Wireless and Wired Mice
9. More Mice

While variety abounds in game-oriented peripherals, compatibility is another matter. First came the switch from game ports to USB sockets back in 1996. Ancient, 15-pin I/O connectors that once resided on a PC's backside were laid to rest in favor of a more standardized, legacy-free connection. As a result, game ports are gone. In the words of Bones from the original Star Trek TV series, "They're dead, Jim." And, none too soon (though, they died a slow and lingering death). That goes for game port-based controllers, too; thankfully, game controllers are all USB-based and USB 2.0 compliant now, even the wireless alternatives. The same is true for keyboards and mice. Even monitors are plug-and-play whether they use HDMI, DVI or VGA connectors. Today, there’s another issue of congruence facing many gamers - Vista compatibility. Upgrade to Microsoft's latest OS and you may find that some of your relatively new game gear doesn't play well with Vista, or at all.

Of course, incompatibilities are expected with the release of a new operating system. As device drivers mature, applications are updated and the OS is patched, most bugaboos go away. But, early adopters often pay the price. So, how do you assure compatibility when purchasing gear for your game rig? That’s the purpose of this feature: to help you make wise decisions when investing in peripherals. Whether you're currently running the new OS or are still using XP, it makes sense to choose Vista-compatible devices when making long-term hardware investments. Truth is, eventually, you’ll need to switch.

In Part 1 of this feature, we focus on widescreen monitors, keyboards, keyboard enhancements and mice. Then, in Part 2, we turn our attention to gamepads, joysticks, specialized game controllers and headsets. First, however, let’s examine, in brief, the terminology behind Vista compatibility.

Compatibility Defined

Microsoft employed two compatibility classifications for their new OS, "Certified for Windows Vista" and "Works with Windows Vista." But, what do they mean and what about devices that haven't earned either logo? Here’s the official word: according to Redmond, Certified for Windows Vista "is a compatibility designation for applications and devices that have passed a rigorous testing program on computers that are running Windows Vista. The technical requirements for this designation target four core areas: reliability, security, compatibility with Windows Vista and future operating systems, and installation and removal."

Essentially, this means an officially logo’d product offers an enhanced experience with ease of use, improved performance and better security designed in; the device installs easily with automatic driver downloads and updates; and it's compatible with other "Certified" products. Works with Windows Vista is also a "compatibility designation," but a more lenient one designed to accommodate current generation hardware. Devices bearing this logo guarantee basic compatibility alone.

Finally, in addition to official logo’d products, many pre-existing devices are Vista compatible, providing basic functionality without serious issues. Some will eventually receive Vista approval, but most never will. Personally, your best bet is to stick with peripherals that sport "Certified" or "Works" logos unless you know first-hand that they're compatible. If you have doubts, refer to Microsoft's Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List. For those who haven’t upgraded to Vista yet, running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will identify which of your current devices are supported.

Recommendations and Examples

Now comes the fun part, evaluating Vista-friendly peripherals available to the gamer. But, first a disclaimer; of necessity, this feature is not comprehensive - it's a brief look at representative devices in each category and as such, we've focused on what are recognised to either be "best-in-class" peripherals or provide an example of what is available.

Note: Average street prices, in US dollars and UK pounds, for each component (at time of publication) have been provided courtesy, in most cases, by Pricewatch, PriceGrabber, Newegg, iDealo, and Amazon.