Reviews Written by __A_YAHOO_USER__
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Logitech RumblePad 2 Vibration Feedback Gamepad Game Controller
Game ControllerPrice: $22.59 to $29.99 Compare PricesSeptember 13, 2006
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September 9, 2006
You get what you pay for.
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: Low cost.
Cons: Lack of features.
I have one of these at home. The Graphire is nice, as it replaces my mouse when I want to draw something. It also comes with a 3-button mouse which is not only cordless, but doesn't require batteries as well.
What's great about the Graphire is the incredibly low cost. At less then $100, you get a mouse and stlyus, and you can finally stop drawing with a mouse. What beats that? Nothing, that's what!
The downsides are nothing to ignore. As this is the cheapest tablet offered, it doesn't come with any features as well. The pen tracking doesn't understand the angle of the pen...so directing ink in a direction isn't possible like it is with Intuos tablet series. The small size of the working area (4X5) restricts the size of your strokes, as well as the movement of your mouse. And finally, I find the plastic screen a little too slick, like I'm drawing on an oily surface.
I would recommend the Graphire 4x5 to any budding artist, or someone who doesn't have the cash to buy a larger (or more advanced) tablet. It's no Cintiq monitor, but it does the job at 1/30th the cost. ... -
Wacom Technology Wacom Cintiq 21UX Pointing Device
Pointing DevicePrice: $1,995.95 to $1,999.99 Compare PricesSeptember 9, 2006
Costly but well worth it!
Pros: Every artist's dream
Cons: Very pricey
I have the advantage of using one of these every day at work. As an animator, the Cintiq is one of the best parts of my job. I can rough out a scene, make timing changes and complete a scene in 1/2 the time it would take on paper, and with more accuracy then using a conventional "look at the screen but draw elsewhere" tablet. Incredibly easy to use, and requires neither extensive training nor learning of new skills. Just simply pick up the stylus and start drawing. The ability to rotate the screen (when mounted on the supplied stand) and change the monitor's lean to work from any comfortable angle is just one in a long list of advantages. Once you have the buttons programmed with your favorite hotkeys, you can pretty much put the keyboard aside while you work. The stylus does take a day or so to get used to, as it is a bit bulky, but you get over that quickly.
I like the Cintiq for the “drawing like you would on paper” feel. I spent many years learning to draw, and I like the “draw where you’re looking” aspect of this product. Plus, it has a larger work area then any tablet PC currently available on the market.
With the good comes the bad, and the downside here is price. At $2999, you could buy an entire mid-to-high end computer, plus a good tablet for the price of a single Cintiq monitor. The benefits of the Cintiq are vastly overshadowed by the cost. So unless you absolutely need it, and just can’t get by using a tablet or a mouse, you better have deep pockets, or work for someone who does. ... -
September 4, 2006
High Horsepower at High Cost
Pros: Amazing with 3D
Cons: Serious Cash Needed
I got to play around with this video card installed in a 3D workstation. Overall, I was amazed at how smoothly it handled high-poly models and the speed at which it performed. A "must have" for professional 3D, as the time you'll save not waiting for refresh and the ability to move around in high-poly scenes is unmatched. The downside is that this card costs way too much. You can purchase an entire low-end workstation for the price of this video card.
My advice is to buy this card only if you need the high-end capabilities. Otherwise just buy a couple of low-end render boxes and make a render farm. ... -
September 4, 2006
XPS - Not worth the cost
0 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: A good machine
Cons: Overpriced
Dell does use good parts when making the XPS, and delivers an excellent machine. Sadly, they empty your wallet in the process. Even buying the parts to this machine and building it yourself will save you alot of money. Added is Dell's crumbling tech support and there is no reason to "Go Dell" anymore. ...
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Go get one now!
2 of 2 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: Low cost, easy to use
Cons: Not a true flightstick
I bought one of these controllers for when I play the odd game that needs more then a mouse & keyboard setup. All in all, I was very impressed with the number of buttons, the two analog sticks (plus a digital thumbpad) and of course the rumble. Shaped like the playstation controllers, they fit the hand nicely (little cramping), and the buttons have a smooth action.
So far, the only downside has been playing flight simulator games, but if I really want to play them, I'll just buy a flightstick.
On a final note, if you do decide to get one, make you calibrate it before you play a game. This ensures that your gamepad will perform flawlessly. ...