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In a left-handed fistful of control, the Nostromo SpeedPad N50 offers PC gamers a more comfortable grip on the keyboard convention. It provides a contoured palm rest and easy access to a double-stacked splay of 10 keys, each thrice-programmable. It also has a scrolling throttle wheel for the left index finger and an 8-way directional control pad for the thumb. All told, the Nostromo SpeedPad intimates 56 programmable functions.
Be warned, though, if you are set in you gaming ways and quite comfortable manhandling a conventional keyboard, then the SpeedPad is less than impressive. If you use a thumb slap on the space bar to make a character "jump," for example, you'll have to create a similar setting on the N50's d-pad, which is only vaguely appropriate. Similarly, the throttle wheel is tucked too close to the palm rest, making for a bit of contortionist play with an awkward curl of the index finger.
However, the SpeedPad redeems itself as a detached device that can be positioned anywhere on one's desk, thus allowing the user to sit and play a little more relaxed, arms loosely akimbo rather than crunched into the confines of a conventional keyboard and mouse array.
Belkin also has a companion device for the SpeedPad: the Nostromo n30 Game Mouse, which is a comfortable, smooth and efficient gamer's mouse -- complete with TouchSense Technology from Immersion (it vibrates in synch with certain in-game events, like explosions) -- that, nevertheless, is only mildly remarkable.
Reviewed: Mar. 13, 2002
Type: Game Enhancer
From: Belkin
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