











Sidewinder 3D Pro by Microsoft



The art of creating the perfect joystick may be an unatainable goal, but Microsoft has come as close to that goal as I've seen with their recently introduced Sidewinder 3D Pro (how much cooler of a name could you get?) joystick. While this is certainly the best joystick I have tested to date, it still does not meet up to my idea of the perfect joystick. It's mostly small things that make this a less-than-perfect product in my mind, and those mostly in combination with my large hands. This large joystick is a 9" crescent moon shape that takes up alot of desktop real estate. The handle, while not padded, is comfortable; my index finger falls naturally on the trigger button. The thumb controls the "hat" on top of the handle, with button 2 right below and buttons 3 and 4 on the left side of the handle. There is a throttle control on the left side of the base for the left hand, as well as 4 special Windows 95 buttons on the lower base part. Indeed, in Windows 95 this becomes a digital joystick, the fist of it's kind. Using digital-optical technology creates a joystick with fewer parts to grind away; and they claim it is more accurate and will last longer than regular analog joysticks. The 3D Pro is not like other 3D devices, such as the Cyberman, which give you 3 dimensions to move in - (1)left right (2)forward backward and (3)up down - instead the handle twists to give you rudder control. I have not had a chance to find a game that uses it, but I can see the benefits of having this option. In DOS you have two emulations: the CH Flightstick Pro and the Thrustmaster. These options provide you with very good DOS emultation for the non-standard features, such as rudder control and throttle. If the game doesn't support one emulation it will most likely support the other. Cool Looks



Overall the 3D Pro has a natty look with it's matte black plastic and grey buttons. Almost everyone who sees it comments "what a neat joystick" - and indeed it is. Where it falls short for me is in the design aspect. My thumb would rather press the "hat" control than the second button, which I use more often. Finding a different position for these two buttons would have made it easier to use for those of us who have larger hands. On the plus side, the joystick lives up to it's claim of "lightning fast agility and deadly precision". I find weaving in and out of traffic and dodging bad guys easier with this joystick. In Windows 95 it switches to digital mode when the driver is loaded, and you can see the results in 95's joystick utility. The pointer is perfectly still when digital and wobbles a bit when not. I have yet to find a program that uses those base buttons: even the included joystick diagnostic program which tests everything from the hat to the rudder doesn't use these buttons. In conclusion, I find I using this joystick a joy (pun intended). It offers more features and better control than any other joystick I have tested, but like all input devices is subject to personal preference. If you don't want to spend the $64.95US on this 'stick, Microsoft offers a lower priced ($39.95) model called the Sidewinder. If you're in the market for a new joystick, give the Sidewinder 3D Pro a test drive. (DT)

DATA BOX Requirements: 600kb hard drive space, MS DOS or Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 (for digital control), 15-pin Gameport.

Recommended: Windows 95

Manufacturer: Microsoft Inc.

THE LAST WORD Pros: Smooth, precise control due to it's digital technology. Plenty of buttons.

Cons: The control hat is where my thumb would rather press the "B" button. Several "squeaky" noises when making fine movements.



RATING:



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