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Subject: Re: Chess computer - rare review?

Author: Michael Watters

Date: 00:56:49 01/21/05

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>It seems to be that the Novag Star Ruby is a really nice handheld unit. Steve
>seems to like it a lot and it's on my wish list:
>
>http://www.chessusa.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?page=8/80-N18.html&item=80-N18
>
>I kind of understand the folks buying PDAs + Chess software. I myself have a
>Handspring and a Treo and I haven't see a handheld dedicated chess unit that can
>come close to the viewing experience of the PDAs :(
>
>Best,
>
>Ismenio

Unfortunately what you say about the handheld dedicated versus the PDA is only
too true Ismenio.

I use an Ipaq and Pocket Fritz 2 to follow the Corus games. The clarity of the
coloured screen and the ease of getting good analysis are a joy.

Compared with this the Novag Star Sapphire, the strongest handheld available, is
a sorry disappointment. I bought one when they first came out on the basis of a
preview and publicity shots of the screen. The reality is far inferior. I never
really got started playing chess with it or using it for analysis. For me
peering into a murky screen trying to decypher the pieces is no fun at all. The
backlight is essential in most lights and it takes 9 keypresses with the pointer
to turn it on using the awkward menu system (as an example). Truly sad from the
dedicated fans point of view.

In short the user experience Ipaq and Star Sapphire are like chalk and cheese.



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