Ok. So as the local periphal-file, I was tasked with the job of reviewing the Nostromo n50 Speedpad. The n50 was supplied by our sponsor Belkin. Anyone who has ever been around computers knows the name Belkin. They manufacture various products (Mice, Keyboards, etc.) for the everyday computer user, but they have just recently began producing gaming devices. The following is the review for one such item.

The best description for this device is given on Belkin's Web site:
     The n50 SpeedPad is the first gaming device of its kind, a completely new gaming tool that transcends conventional categories such as game pads, joysticks, etc. The SpeedPad can best be described as a combination keyboard and game pad. The 10 keys on the n50 act as keys on a keyboard with the advantage of being easily accessible and intuitively configured. The n50 also has an eight-way directional pad, much like the d-pad on a standard game pad. It’s an innovative, multipurpose tool that will lift your gaming experience to a whole new level.

Here are the specs:

•      10 Programmable Keypad Action Buttons.


•      Programmable 8-Way Directional Pad.


•      Throttle Wheel.


•      Ergonomic Comfort for Enhanced Game Play.

Here are the pictures:

The Packaging	The Internal Contents

The Review Already:

Packaging:

The packaging is very pleasing to the eye and gives you a good view of the product. I hate products that you can't see until you open the box once you get it home.

Documentation:

The documentation that came with the n50 was very detailed in the installation process. It even had installation instructions for Windows XP. Directions for programming the n50 is also provided and very easy to understand.

Installation:

Installation of the n50 is both good and not so good. The good part is it is true Plug & Play. You don't even have to install the software off of the CD unless you want to use the profiles. Configuration testing is accomplished by the standard Microsoft Game Controller Panel.

For the full use of the n50, I would recommend the installation of the software that comes on the CD. This allows you to create your own Profiles and macros for use with the n50. The only problem that I found with the installation of the software was the amount of drivers that were installed with the software. This may just by my configuration, but the following devices were shown to be installed and required my answers in the standard Add Hardware Wizard dialog:

USB Keyboard
USB Mouse Device
USB Compliant Mouse
USB Virtual Mouse

Configuration:

The configuration for the n50 is very simple. The big plus is the pre-loaded profiles that come with the n50. These profiles include Unreal Tournament, Mechwarrior 4, Quake 3 and CounterStrike just to name a few. The profile that impressed me the most was the one for Counterstrike. Buy Scripts are no problem with the n50! We're talking single button buying macros that are programmed for CS.

The pre-loaded profiles are not the only thing, you can create your own if you don't like existing ones or if there is not a profile for your favorite game.

Comfort & Layout:

The buttons are laid out very well and allow for comfortable access to all functions. That is, except for the throttle control. It is sort of difficult to use effectively and does not have an auto centering spring to it that some controller's throttle controls have.

The 8-way D-Pad is very comfortable and easy to reach with your thumb and seems to have a lot of potential for configuration.

All in all, the n50 is very comforatable to the hand and will allow for hours of gaming.

Final Conclusion:

The Nostromo n50 Speedpad is a good blend of comfort and usability. Add to that more profiles than you can 'shake a stick at' and you have a good product that assists in the total domination of you opponates in all types of games. From First person shooters to Real Time Strategy, Belkin has created a product that is a must have for any avid gamer.

Final Ranking:

4.5 out of 5.0