Author: J. C. Boco
Date: 14:10:15 03/11/04
Go up one level in this thread
On March 11, 2004 at 13:26:58, Gerald Grimsley wrote: >I've had the Novag table tops before and they are pretty good machines. Of >course, they are not in the league of the top software, but I was just wondering >if those of you who have bought the Novag Star Diamond are happy with its >reliability, playing strength,opening book, etc. >Thanks in advance >Gerald I am very happy with this purchase. I posted a day ago about its battery life, and included my record against this maching. I am around 1400 USCF. I set the Star Diamond to be thinking about 2 minutes for 40 moves. I think 2 hours for 40 moves. Permanent brain is on, random is set to 1. Hash tables are on, of course. My record: 0 = 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 So I think it's very strong. It's rated at just about 2200 USCF at 40/2. Some people on this board think it is 2300 USCF. If you are an Expert, you won't score 50%. Now while I am happy with buying this, bear in mind I'm a chess fanatic who likes playing a dedicated unit. My previous model was a Radio Shack 2150L, which I got about 8 years ago. Thus, when I spent my $270 I got a much stronger computer than the one I had been playing. This just increases my satisfaction. However being completely objective, I would say that the craftsmanship is not on par with a $270 machine. The top and bottom edges of the 8x8 board are just barely visible, betraying the presense of some shiny metal where the board ends but before the plastic begins. Seems to be they should have at least cut the board such that a little extra is there at the top and bottom. The battery compartment is flimsy. Perhaps if you own the Novag Diamond II you would not be happy with the Star Diamond. I love it's playing style compared to my old Radio Shack. Very active. It defeats me like a human player would. It does castle queenside very much -- a little too much, in more than 1/2 of my games. It has sacrificed (blundered?) a piece in several games for a great attack. When I lose its sacrifice was very good, the only time I won the sacrifice was obviously a blunder! Life is short. Enjoy it while you can. Buy the Star Diamond to enjoy life more.
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