Fang Gamepad by Ideazon
by Ideazon
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Fang Gamepad by Ideazon
Customer Review: Ideazon ZGP-1000 Fang Gaming Pad: Weapon of Mass Destruction...
Summary: 4 Stars
Seldom would you see military equipment used by civilians but during the past decade, we do see that untested even alien-like equipment come into the commercial market, just like in MIB. The Hummer is actually one of those military vehicles that have made it mainstream. Ideazon makes the claim that the ZNP-1000 Fang is one of those equipment tested by the military and declassified for civilian use. Talk about controlling weapons of mass destruction.
Packaging:
The Fang weighs around 1.5Lb (0.8Kg) it is package. It is protected by a thick box and a solid transparent plastic mold. Encased in its shell is the controller, a wrist rest, one CD containing the Zboard Z-Engine software and two manuals.
The Merchandise:
The Fang comprises of 41 keys which is functional as a regular keyboard. The standard keyboard has 105 keys so don't expect it to replace your regular keyboard. Remember that this is for fragging people away not for typing It has 6 massive keys in a shape of a butterfly, ASWD are part of keys we control our player, the Q & E can be used diagonally or for weapon selection, depending on the games. The buttons surrounding the direction keys are small Skittle-sized buttons. For big hands, this is not what I recommend, the fact big fingers may depress two buttons at one time is a big issue, there is ample space for your fingers but remember, when you game, game in comfort. For players with the right fit, selected Skits (Skittle Buttons) have dimples and some with concaves for identification. I did wish that the buttons could be easier to remember with embedded characters for finger tip reading like mahjong.
Continuing off the last batch of buttons would be the controversial thumb button which takes a little bit of getting used to. We often take for granted the large size of the Space Bar. Well things couldn't be worse when you find out that the Space Bar replacement is almost the size of a medicine capsule, I did mention controversial and I leave that up to you. During game play I did find myself forgetting that I had a thumb. Finally, the remaining 6 buttons would be the ones near the palm. Having three on both sides below the ring finger and index finger. It definitely takes a little getting used to, but it is useful nonetheless.
Looking at the bottom of the pad, rubberized feet and an option to slightly elevate the pad help make the gaming experience easier. It is important that I stress out proper gaming posture for your arm and hand which should be the same way as you were playing on a normal keyboard.
Aside from the norm, the Fang has multimedia keys to control your audio during game play and the an emblazoned Z-Board logo that glows white for that extra bling.
Software Support:
The package comes with a CD with the Z-Engine application. I would suggest you download the latest version so that you get an update profile. If you are running on dial up, install the software from the CD and update so it will download the latest profiles for you. The bad side of the Z-Engine, keys are customized for each game and you need to activate the key set of each game. Unfortunately, the Z-Engine software does not allow you to customize your own controls so for sports games and others on the list, they may need to wait. Over all the software work fine, unfortunately, I can't really give my full point of view since I have only tried it with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Recommendations:
If you are expecting that the gamer in you will come out with this gaming keyboard, it will provided that you practice. It will take time especially for those who are so used to the regular keyboard. Quality build, lots of buttons, military tested, there are so many things going right for this gaming keyboard but the thumb key may prove to be the Achilles heel of this marvelous product, then again, practice makes perfect.
Uppers:
* Dedicated gaming keypad with more than enough buttons
* Multimedia Controls
* Dimpled keys make identification easier
* Large ASWD buttons
* Ambidextrous
Downers:
* Transition to the Fang requires a learning curve when moving from a keyboard
* Thumb key will never replace the Space Bar
* Keys NOT YET customizable
* Not built for button mashing
* Not for everybody
Wish list:
* Add-on glow features for the keys for dark gaming environment
* Sticker Badge
* More dimples and dents on the keys for identification
* Game detection and auto key change
Alternatives:
* Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard
* Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52
* WolfKing Warrior Gaming Keyboard
Customer Review: Not a bad little gadget
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this to accompany my new Toshiba Qosmio laptop that I purchased to play WoW on. It came recommended to me, and $25 wasnt too much to risk.
Getting used to it took about a week. I was operational within the evening, and forced myself to use it even though the first hour just felt weird. I got used to the programming feature after a bit, and now work with it quite well. It doesnt appear to accept written text in the macro buttons, only keystrokes (so in WoW I need to assign a keyboard shortcut to a spell, and then assign a button on the Fang to that shortcut...but it does record time delays, which means one button on the Fang can do quite a few things on WoW. Nice)
Verdict - I cannot live without it now. Sure, the little plastic wedge at the bottom broke within the first 2 weeks (I do actually transport my laptop, and set up/tear down broke one of the minuscule nipples that attached the wrist rest to the Fang...but it still hangs on when flat), and I have to remember to go into the software and change profiles from one character to another if I want to do more than just run around town (this is because I make separate setups for each character, but you can alt+tab to the software for a quick reminder of what keys do what - you can also print them out for handy reference).
Im not sure I would use this with a desktop, but with a laptop it is awesome. Its not perfect, but it is much, MUCH better than using a laptop keyboard alone, and the extra buttons all so close to your directional arrows are really handy. I use it for PVP mostly, as non-intense actions can be a leisurely mouse click away...and ive told all my friends to buy one as well. I am very satisfied.
NOTE: A lot of reviews commented on hand sizes. I have smallish hands, size Medium for your average glove, and I dont find it to be a major detriment. My fingers are not long, but its not like you're reaching to the top shelf in a kitchen cupboard to hit these keys, so if you want the utility of the gadget, dont let that throw you off too much...
Customer Review: Very Worthwhile
Summary: 4 Stars
The Ideazon FANG uses Ideazon's trademarked and famous butterfly WASD buttons. I have owned a Zboard and was impressed with it's performance. In buying this I was expecting a sturdy build and in fact got one. The buttons don't feel flimsy and AREN'T flimsy at all. They are rather solid but not sticky at all. The small Jump button on the side works rather well and provides a nice click sound to let you know you hit it. It using the side button isn't what you want you can in fact set the 7 and 8 buttons to Jump and they are in nearly the same place as your jump on your keyboard. The drivers to this device are wonderful, they allow customizations to current keysets to allow minor changes or major overalls. You can make your own as well, say if you wanted one for Photoshop or a program like 3DS Max or if you just brought out your old copy of Battlefield 1942 and wanted to set up a keyset for it. The program is really easy to use. Select a key, choose a key color so you can the set easier label the key and input your command with delays if you want them. The only problem I have with this device is in getting used to it it can feel a little clunky the first few matches and it will fatigue your hand as you learn it's workings. As you grow onto the device your hand may start feeling much better as you frag everyone in your path. Tested on an HP Pavilion a6330f with Vista while playing Call of Duty 4 in both a 53-man free-for-all at Shipment and a 25-man TDM at Overgrowth. Also tested on World of Warcraft, unless you have a mic I do not suggest this product for WoW. If you have a mic I very much recommend this device.Customer Review: Still indoubt
Summary: 4 Stars
Just started using this with COD 1 and BF Vietnam as my first attempts. It does have a learning curve as stated by other users but suspect that in long run it will be better. Do have a big concern however, I have a Dell XPS Gen 4 with a 3.2G processor and ATI 850XT Platinum video card. Running Windows MC2005. My keyboard is a Logitech Bluetooth MX5000. Have two mice (logitech bluetooth Mx1000 and Logitech MX518.). Using the MX518 to play games. Second time I played COD1 and escaped out, system crashed to the blue screen of death. First time I played BF Vietnam with the Fang and exited game normally, the video failed. Both required hard reboots. Have never had a problem with BF Vietnam when using only the bluetooth keyboard. Not sure at this time if a conflict between Fang and Keyboard or what. May end up I wasted the money buying Fang. Will try COD 1 with just the keyboard and see what happens. Should note that I shut down all owner processes expect those required to stay up by the system (eg explorer, task manager, etc) and those necessary to run Fang and the Logitech mouse.Customer Review: Great gaming accessory
Summary: 4 Stars
In my opinion, the Fang definitely does not fall into the "must have" category of PC accessories... but it sure is nice to have one! The keys are soft and comfortable and the response time is good. It doesn't have that clicky feedback you get from your keyboard but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The button placement is great and the ZEngine software is very nice (if a little prone to startup crashes). The Fang could theoritically be a great accessory for gamers on the go because it is far superior to any integrated laptop keyboard. However, in practice, it is a little too big to qualify as a portable accessory. Then again, if you are already lugging around a 15-20lbs gaming laptop then I don't see why you'd have problems adding this one to your backpack (or trailer). All in all, I am very happy with the Fang.