- Joined
- Aug 9, 2006
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System Name | [Primary Workstation] |
---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield @ 3.8GHz/4.55GHz [24-7/Bench] |
Motherboard | EVGA X58 E758-A1 [Tweaked right!] |
Cooling | Cooler Master V8 [stock fan + two 133CFM ULTRA KAZE fans] |
Memory | 12GB [Kingston HyperX] |
Video Card(s) | constantly upgrading/downgrading [prefer nVidia] |
Storage | constantly upgrading/downgrading [prefer Hitachi/Samsung] |
Display(s) | Triple LCD [40 inch primary + 32 & 28 inch auxiliary displays] |
Case | Cooler Master Cosmos 1000 [Mesh Mod, CFM Overload] |
Audio Device(s) | ASUS Xonar D1 + onboard Realtek ALC889A [Logitech Z-5300 Spk., Niko 650-HP 5.1 Hp., X-Bass Hp.] |
Power Supply | Corsair TX950W [aka Reactor] |
Software | This and that... [All software 100% legit and paid for, 0% pirated] |
Benchmark Scores | Ridiculously good scores!!! |
I just picked up a Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard. I've been looking at getting one of these "gameboards" for a while now and after researching various Belkin, Saitek, and other similar parts it became obvious Logitech had some pretty good hardware on their hands with the G13. With that said, I simply could not justify spending nearly $100 on a gameboard, no matter how advanced. However, the prices have dropped considerably since launch and upon seeing the unit in person I realized this was no ordinary gameboard.
[Note: Photos were taken with a cheap digital camera and haven't been post-processed. I will keep the comments short and photos colorful to aid our ADHD afflicted members. Let's get on with unboxing...]
In addition to G13 this particular Fry's store (where I purchased the unit) had several other gameboards out-of-box on display for people with tinker with, including a Belkin n52te and a Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit (v2). It was obvious Logitech had a better product on their hands. The grip/feel of the G13 is much more comfortable in large part due to the rubberized wrist-rest, the proper placement and curvature of the keys (which are rubber coated themselves), as well as the fact the G13 unit seems to have some decent pads that keep it from sliding all over the place. Also, the G13 seems to be much heavier as well as sturdier. I imagine it can survive the occasional drop to the floor although I would recommend against testing out such scenarios. The Saitek unit seemed to be very cheaply made in addition to its keys being very hard to press and many keys seemed to stick, permanently. Although, I will forgive that since we are talking about store display units that must have been abused by hundreds of inquiring shoppers. Another thing I noticed is that G13 is massive. It is nearly twice the length of the Belkin's n52te unit.
The front of the box is pretty bare. The unit itself is the centerpiece here with the G13 branding and a WoW trial propaganda taking up minimal space at the bottom.
On the back you can find the basic information (very basic) relating to the unit itself, in several languages. I was glad Logitech decided to stick with the facts and not plaster the box with too many excessively colorful non-essential graphics, logos, or banners. The back of the box is very subdued, much like the front.
The packaging is decent, not great though. For instance, the plastic shell protecting the unit is pretty thin at the front. Something to keep in mind if you are purchasing this item online and the shipper decides to skimp on the packing materials.
Finally, out of the box! Again, the unit is massive compared to Belkin's n52te and even the slightly larger Saitek part. Heavy too.
The back is curved and you can see the pretty large pads along the edges. They are very good and I've tested them on several surfaces including wood, glass, and even carpet floor. This unit will not slide easily, although that has probably something to do with the mass of the unit as well.
Here is a up-close shot of the metal back-plate, in all its blurry glory.
The unit is plugged in! I was surprised how bright and readable the display was, even in well lighted surroundings, considering my experience with such displays is that they tend to get overpowered by the ambient light. Also, while I don't want to get too deep into the software side of things (this wouldn't be a mini-review anymore) but the software for the LCD is pretty awesome. You got everything from a clock, media player display (compatible with WinAmp), resource monitor, and similar other applets.
Here it is without the flash.
The unit also offers twelve different backlight colors, including the six in the photo below. Both for the keys and the LCD display.
Overall, a great product. Build and quality-wise G13 surpasses the units I had the chance to try out, including a pretty sleek but ultimately tiny and lightweight Belkin n52te and the toy-like fragile Saitek unit that seemed on the verge of falling apart. In the box aside from the unit there was a CD with the drivers which I disregarded and simply downloaded the latest software from Logitech's website. Also, there were some pretty lightweight installation and warranty pamphlets which were superfluous, since the installation of the unit consist of simply plugging the unit itself into the nearest USB port.
After a short test of the unit in action (first Crysis Warhead then ETQW) I must say I was impressed. Although, I had to tweak the default key layout for ETQW to suit my own preferences, but then again that is the whole idea of a product like G13.
G13 can be had for $39.99 after a mail-in rebate and a instant discount at your local Fry's store.
Also, it seems nVidia is serious about promoting their brand. Here is a little nVidia themed booth that wasn't there the last time I visited Fry's. 3D glasses and everything...
[Note: Photos were taken with a cheap digital camera and haven't been post-processed. I will keep the comments short and photos colorful to aid our ADHD afflicted members. Let's get on with unboxing...]
In addition to G13 this particular Fry's store (where I purchased the unit) had several other gameboards out-of-box on display for people with tinker with, including a Belkin n52te and a Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit (v2). It was obvious Logitech had a better product on their hands. The grip/feel of the G13 is much more comfortable in large part due to the rubberized wrist-rest, the proper placement and curvature of the keys (which are rubber coated themselves), as well as the fact the G13 unit seems to have some decent pads that keep it from sliding all over the place. Also, the G13 seems to be much heavier as well as sturdier. I imagine it can survive the occasional drop to the floor although I would recommend against testing out such scenarios. The Saitek unit seemed to be very cheaply made in addition to its keys being very hard to press and many keys seemed to stick, permanently. Although, I will forgive that since we are talking about store display units that must have been abused by hundreds of inquiring shoppers. Another thing I noticed is that G13 is massive. It is nearly twice the length of the Belkin's n52te unit.
The front of the box is pretty bare. The unit itself is the centerpiece here with the G13 branding and a WoW trial propaganda taking up minimal space at the bottom.
On the back you can find the basic information (very basic) relating to the unit itself, in several languages. I was glad Logitech decided to stick with the facts and not plaster the box with too many excessively colorful non-essential graphics, logos, or banners. The back of the box is very subdued, much like the front.
The packaging is decent, not great though. For instance, the plastic shell protecting the unit is pretty thin at the front. Something to keep in mind if you are purchasing this item online and the shipper decides to skimp on the packing materials.
Finally, out of the box! Again, the unit is massive compared to Belkin's n52te and even the slightly larger Saitek part. Heavy too.
The back is curved and you can see the pretty large pads along the edges. They are very good and I've tested them on several surfaces including wood, glass, and even carpet floor. This unit will not slide easily, although that has probably something to do with the mass of the unit as well.
Here is a up-close shot of the metal back-plate, in all its blurry glory.
The unit is plugged in! I was surprised how bright and readable the display was, even in well lighted surroundings, considering my experience with such displays is that they tend to get overpowered by the ambient light. Also, while I don't want to get too deep into the software side of things (this wouldn't be a mini-review anymore) but the software for the LCD is pretty awesome. You got everything from a clock, media player display (compatible with WinAmp), resource monitor, and similar other applets.
Here it is without the flash.
The unit also offers twelve different backlight colors, including the six in the photo below. Both for the keys and the LCD display.
Overall, a great product. Build and quality-wise G13 surpasses the units I had the chance to try out, including a pretty sleek but ultimately tiny and lightweight Belkin n52te and the toy-like fragile Saitek unit that seemed on the verge of falling apart. In the box aside from the unit there was a CD with the drivers which I disregarded and simply downloaded the latest software from Logitech's website. Also, there were some pretty lightweight installation and warranty pamphlets which were superfluous, since the installation of the unit consist of simply plugging the unit itself into the nearest USB port.
After a short test of the unit in action (first Crysis Warhead then ETQW) I must say I was impressed. Although, I had to tweak the default key layout for ETQW to suit my own preferences, but then again that is the whole idea of a product like G13.
G13 can be had for $39.99 after a mail-in rebate and a instant discount at your local Fry's store.
Also, it seems nVidia is serious about promoting their brand. Here is a little nVidia themed booth that wasn't there the last time I visited Fry's. 3D glasses and everything...
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