Author: Chris Kantack
Date: 20:56:18 05/30/01
Excalibur Electronics is coming out with another new handheld Chess Computer in the near future. I figure I can talk a bit about it now because first, I was told I could and secondly, it's already being displayed on their own web site. Click on: http://www.excaliburelectronics.com/echindex.html (After the page is done loading), scroll to the bottom of the page. Recently, (in appreciation for testing the software), I was given an early pre- production unit and I've been giving it a good workout with what little free time I've had. I love this unit! It has, by far, the easiest interface I've ever used in a chess computer. It uses a small stylus pen on a touch sensitive screen. (Much like a Palm Computer I suppose.) To move a piece you simply tap the piece you wish to move, then tap on the destination square! All the units functions are accessible via the touch sensitive screen. (Except for the contrast control which has been moved to a small dial recessed in the top of the unit.) The unit measures approximately 4"L x 3"W x 0.5"D. The total screen area measures 3.25" diagonally with the actual chessboard area measuring 2.75" diagonally. "Touch Chess"'s engine is very similar to the original Excalibur LCD chess unit. However, (I'm told), the software has been refined with: - improved move ordering - killer moves - check extensions (I'm not sure what those improvements exactly mean, so please don't ask me to explain them.) I'm in the early stages of a multi-game match between the Excalibur LCD Handheld and "Touch Chess". First game was a draw after 53 moves. The only thing I don't like about "Touch Chess" is that I find the screen to be not as bright as with the Excalibur LCD Chess computer. "Touch Chess"'s screen is also more prone to glare and reflections than the original unit. Outside or in relatively bright rooms, Touch Chess is just fine. Indoors in dimmer light, "Touch Chess"'s screen can be quite difficult to read while the original Excalibur LCD unit's screen still reads easily. But I still really love "Touch Chess"! It's a breeze to set up chess positions with the stylus and Touch Chess interface. This unit is ideal when studying and entering positions from chess books. "Touch Chess" will not replace the Excalibur LCD Chess unit. When Touch Chess goes on the market (around July 1st I believe), it will be priced somewhat higher than the Excalibur LCD unit. (I've been told prices, but since Excalibur doesn't list a retail price on their web site yet, I won't tell either.) I will say that "The Sharper Image" will be selling it in July. Best Buy is to have the unit by September. It may also be offered soon by: www.icdchess.com Around July 1st or shortly thereafter, I will be adding a page to my web site dedicated to reviewing "Touch Chess". Chris Kantack http://home.earthlink.net/~kantack/lcdchess/home.htm
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