Microsoft Sidewinder Joystick (USB)
by Microsoft
|
Our Price: $19.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details |
|---|
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Microsoft Sidewinder Joystick (USB)
Customer Review: A benchmark joystick, nothing more
Summary: 4 Stars
As the title suggests, the Microsoft SideWinder isn't anything fancy. It's got three thumb buttons, a trigger, a throttle that I sometimes accidentally bump with my arm when I'm flying (which can be fixed by moving the stick closer to the centerline of my body, and the throttle thus out from under my arm), and four buttons on the base which I never use, because I prefer keyboard controls. And it's plug-and-play, so I've never had any problems with having to trade it out for other USB peripherals.
The GOOD news is, it's durable. I remember playing Wing Commander Prophecy on this stick--a game that came out in 1997. It's still chugging. It's lost a little fine articulation since then, perhaps 3%, but that's to be expected. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised it's held up as well as it has.
So, there you have it. If you want a good joystick for kids, or for that matter a joystick that will serve you well until this time next decade, you could do a lot worse than pick the Microsoft Sidewinder. Just don't expect too many whistles and bells.
Customer Review: Works for me
Summary: 3 Stars
Ok, so it's not the best stick around, but I like it.Customer Review: Microsoft doesn't support their own products!
Summary: 1 Stars
I've been burned by Microsoft twice before with Sidewinder joysticks. The first time I bought one was when I had Windows 98. It was a Sidewinder Pro. Great joystick, plug n play, all that. When I migrated to Windows 2000, I found that the Sidewinder Pro was not supported (despite being analog--you'd think it would be easy to program drivers for it). I thought, "Okay, maybe there are problems, blah blah blah." I then bought a Sidewinder Force Feedback Pro, again, great product, plug n play, all that. Worked great. When I migrated again to Windows XP I found AGAIN it wasn't supported by Microsoft. There is NO reason why a company such as Microsoft cannot support their own products on their own operating system. I will NEVER buy a Sidewinder again. I can't trust them. Buy anything else. I've had great luck with the Wingman Digital Extreme--$28 at WalMart--excellent buy!Customer Review: Stay away
Summary: 1 Stars
I've owned a Sidewinder for a little over a year. In that year I have reinstalled the software more than 20 times. It seems that whenever I shut down the computer the device driver vanishes. This last time (and it will be the last time) I reinstalled the software and the joystick will still not work. Trying to contact tech support is a nightmare. Bouncing around the microsoft website is a joke. I've tried everything they have suggested, yet nothing. Acessing online tech support they notify me that tech support for this product is not available in the United States- apparently I flew to asia and purchased this product without my knowledge. The final answer to my question appears to be to not buy any Microsoft products.