Belkin Nostromo n50 SpeedPad - game pad

Advantages: It's one of best game controllers I've found
Disadvantages: Not for people who hop from one game to another

...Although there have been previous versions of this Belkin pad, it only has one competitor that I'm aware of: the Saitek Pro-Gamer Command Unit. I bought the Belkin product first, and loved it. Lured by the fancy lights, and my good experience with Saitek in the past, I bought the Saitek product to replace this, and I only half regret doing so. I've never liked using the keyboard to play a game, and this is an excellent solution. The software that comes with it does the job, and I've never had a problem with it. There is a bit of a learning curve, but it's worth the perseverance. I've got very large hands, but the unit is adjustable and it's quite comfortable. The underside of the pad is a lurid orange plastic that does a passable job at keeping the unit in place. If you're upgrading from using a keyboard, you'll notice a big... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Ergonomic, good software, easy to use
Disadvantages: Few buttons, limited functionality

...I compared this to the Belkin n50 nostromo gamepad and the Thrusmaster tactical board a while back and it came out middle of the pile. It isn't badly designed or implemented but with a few minor tweaks could be drastically improved It fits the hand perfectly and the buttons are all within easy reach. If you're used to the WASD style control system it's very simple to get to grips with and modifying profiles for each games is simple to do but takes a while to get them just right.. The software provided for editing and creating game profiles is the most intuitive to use from all similar devices I've previously used and wins hands down. I had to edit and re-edit my profiles again and again until I found the best compromise I could. After a while you start thinking outside the box and forgetting how you used the keyboard and then it works... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good design, improves gameplay
Disadvantages: Hardware conficts with other Saitek products (?)

...This product makes a huge difference to gameplay. I've never got used to using a keyboard to play games, and this is a sensible alternative. This is great for FPS's, RPG's, and action games like Hitman and Gun. It's a companion to using a mouse, and has a logical, intuitive layout, with keys that are much easier to locate by feel than those of the keyboard. The central pad of keys are few enough that you don't lose track of them or get them confused, the "pinkie" keys on the left are ideally placed and easily located by touch, and the thumb joystick and buttons are well laid out. All in all, the layout is perfect. The main alternative to this product is the Belkin Nostromo. Although it didn't suffer from the glitch described below, the keys are grouped together and easily confused, it doesn't stay put and the thumb buttons aren... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful