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Subject: Re: chess computers : smallest and biggest

Author: Steve B

Date: 10:36:47 11/08/04

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Steve,
>
>I finally got my Novag Star Ruby.  Not quite aa small as that credit card wonder
>you referred to but still quite small.  Also, it is quite nice.  The display
>seems to be a bit dim but its playing strength seems to be well up over a 2000
>rating.

glad you are happy with it
the menu system is more intuitve then the Star Sapphire

>
>Do you have any experience with the Excalibur Grandmaster?  I have been thinking
>of that as a table top model.

sure
it will play at about 1850 Elo(about 2000 USCF) despite Excalibur's claim of
2200

there are two models now available
the regular one with the green and white vinyl board which exactly simulates
boards used in USCF rated tournaments
the pieces are plastic but very large and heavy
a real joy to sit in front of and play

the newer model is exactly the same as the old but the color scheme is Platinum


on the down side...
you cannot turn the sound off,so with each and every move there will be a
serenade of beeps and whistles
also,to play with the black pieces you must turn the board around
the moves the GM will play on its own from its opening book is very
limited,however you can force it manually to play a much greater variety of
openings.

Best
Steve

>
>Steve



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