Author: Mike Byrne
Date: 07:29:45 12/20/02
Go up one level in this thread
On December 20, 2002 at 01:06:36, Jeff Chaifetz wrote: >Hi > >I am considering buying a chess computer. I have winowed it down to the >following: Saitek Cougar, Saitek Chess Acadamy, and Excalibar Grandmaster. > >I am an advanced beginner ... One of my questions is that I was able to view the >manuals for the both the Cougar & Chess Academy but not the Excaliber. > >I know the basics of what it (Excalibur) can do but I am looking for feedback >-especially from someone who has played on all of the above - from anyone >familar with these computers. > >Thanks in advance, > >Jeff The Saitek Cougar is a is a strong portable that is probably close to the Milano Pro (~2000). The Grandmaster has the full size board, but has a cheaper plastic quality and less fit and finish quality to it, and is signifcantly weaker - 200-300 points. From what I could tell from used units, the vinyl board does start peeling away after time. I'm not familiar with playing Acadamy but it does have the 64 LEDs (one on each square), which makes playing much easier and more natural on any chess computer as you don't have to read the LCD screen. It also has some voice coaching which would not be of interest to me. Out of the 3, you mentioned - the 64 LEDs on each square would push me towards the Acadamy. The strength is very similiar to the Cougar, maybe even the same - it's not clear to me from what I read.
This page took 0 seconds to execute
Last modified: Thu, 15 Apr 21 08:11:13 -0700
Current Computer Chess Club Forums at Talkchess. This site by Sean Mintz.