Enhance Your Gaming with Vista-Friendly Peripherals - Part 2
GamepadsFirst things first. The great majority of PC games are best controlled via a mouse and keyboard, strategy games and first- and third-person shooters especially. However, gamers raised on consoles may prefer using a gamepad; plus, some games in the sports and action genres are better played with a pad in hand. That said, here are several Vista-compatible offerings to consider. Logitech ChillStream | Average Retail Price: $30 / £28 CH Products Throttle Quadrant If you suffer from sweaty palms when gaming, Logitech's ChillStream is designed to keep your hands cool and sweat free. Resembling an Xbox 360 controller, its integrated, three-speed, low-noise fan directs a steady stream of cool air at your hands, reducing sweat as game intensity increases. A collection of high-performance analog sticks and triggers, the usual array of buttons (in an Xbox 360 layout), soft rubber grips and a dedicated button for one-touch game access round out the package. Gamers with bigger hands may find this gamepad a bit too pint-sized for optimal comfort, but its condensed dimensions make it a very good alternative for children and adults with smaller digits – whether your hands get sweaty or not.
Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 | ARP: $28 / £22 Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 Less concerned with sweat than being tangled up in cables? Look to the Cordless Rumblepad 2. It offers dual vibration feedback motors, allowing you to feel all those high-velocity crashes and explosions, and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity with a 30-foot range and no lag. Also provided are ten programmable buttons, dual analog controls, an eight-way D-pad, plus Mode and Vibration selectors. You can also play without missing a beat thanks to extended battery life (approaching 100 hours). Quality construction abounds and the included software lets you customize the Rumblepad's controls and download preconfigured game profiles.
Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad | ARP: $35 / £25 Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad Unique in gamepads, the Cyborg Rumble Pad features an innovative, reversible eight-way D-pad and left analogue stick that allows you to swap their positions to suit your preference. Ergonomic in design and employing Immersion's patented rumble technology, this gamepad also features two quick-fire shoulder buttons, a pair of analogue triggers, six action buttons, a special FPS Button to instantly configure the controller and a Precision mode that, when enabled, makes aiming with the analogue sticks easier. Meanwhile, advanced programming is available with Saitek Smart Technology software that lets you assign whatever keyboard or mouse command you desire to any part of the pad. Thus, you can program the pad for games that don't natively support game controllers. It's a good device, especially for those who would rather use a gamepad than a keyboard and mouse, and is a great fit for medium- to large-size hands.
Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows | ARP: $60 / £38The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows is a cordless Xbox 360 gamepad and wireless receiver combo, making it a superb alternative for current Xbox 360 owners and those planning a system purchase. The device offers a consistent, universal gaming experience between Windows and console, and even offers vibration feedback in games that support it.
What if you already have more than enough Xbox 360 controllers lying around? Simple: for $20 / £15, you can get the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver separately. It enables the use of all Xbox 360 wireless accessories with Vista including the Wireless Racing Wheel and Wireless Headset (described below). Those preferring a tethered existence can pick up a wired version of the controller for $30 / £22.
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