Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 with Vibration Feedback (Black)
by Logitech
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List Price: Our Price: $29.99 You Save: $10.00 (25%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 with Vibration Feedback (Black)
Customer Review: Excellent controller. Great wireless response. However, short handles...
Summary: 4 Stars
Before purchasing this controller, I have been using the Logitech Wingman RumblePad and Thrustmaster Firestorm Dual Power controllers. And finally, I decided to go wireless. However, not only did the wireless and the brand "Logitech" interest me, but it was the familiar interface to Sony's PlayStation controller.
It basically IS a PS controller, but with some minor tweaks. The 8-directional D-Pad feels much better (kind of reminds me of the original NES D-pad). The D-pad on my other two controllers (the WingMan and FireStorm) feel extremely stiff compared to this Rumblepad 2; definitely would work well with fighting games. The 4 buttons on the right are easy to press and big. The added weight of the two AA batteries actually makes the controller feel better: not "cheap" and more solid.
I appreciate the numbers (not some random letters or shapes) written on all the buttons for assigning the controls. (When you assign buttons with the controller for a specific game, it correctly displays as "Button 1" and "Button 2" and so forth. My Wingman controller had letters for each button, which helped in no way; it made things confusing.)
The wireless response is excellent. I can practically go anywhere in my house and hear the game still respond to my controls! I have enough cords around my computer, so this made it convenient: easy to store and take out only when I need to play. I have routers and other electronics around, but I have not encountered any conflict.
I do have ONE complaint, however (this might be the same as the PS controller): personally, I think the handles are too short, so it makes holding the left joystick a bit awkward; I have to raise a part of my palm to use the left joystick. It may be okay for children's hands, but a bit uncomfortable for an adult-sized hand. On the other hand (sorry for the pun), I can hold the handles securly and comfortably when using the D-pad.
Pros:
* Wireless; excellent response.
* 12 programmable buttons (including the joystick *BUTTONS*; press down on the joystick)
* D-Pad is soft and easy to press
* Solid feel
* Vibration feedback
* Buttons with its corresponding number written
* Grip on joystick
* Black design and simple
* Plug & Play
Cons:
* Short handles: makes holding the left joystick feel a bit awkward.
Overall, I would still recommend this controller. I already owned two controllers before this, but this was worth the upgrade. If you're looking for a PC controller, this is definitely one of the best out there today.
Customer Review: With battery charger you have a pseudo-PS3 type wireless Controller!
Summary: 5 Stars
The downside first - unlike the MX1000 wireless mouse, this Rumblepad II gamepad does not come with a receiver/charger combo (receiver only) and so runs using two AA batteries instead. This means you will want to get a charger with at least 4 AA rechargable batteries so that you can swap them around. To be honest 2 AA batteries give you over 100 hours of power (5 solid days running!) so recharging and swapping is not something that will happen too often. Another downside is that 2 AA batteries add some extra weight to the controller which is already about twice the weight of a PS2 controller. It has two extra buttons on the front panel above where the start buttons are on the PS2 controller, so it has 10 buttons in total, along with two thumbsticks and one directional controller. The quality of the plastic feels more like advanced graphite material, making it more durable than a PS2 controller. As for the receiver, a very small fit-in-your-palm black box, it has a button at the front that can be pressed to try and reboot the signal if it is lost (only had to do this once at the start during install) and plugs into a USB socket as normal, however I have noticed that because the base-station is light it sometimes tends to tilt a tiny bit because of the weight of the wire coming from the back of it. As for gaming, well the bottom line is that I can now sit across the room with a range of up to 9 meters. The gamepad looks best when it is just cast aside next to the PC and sits there cordless and looking like it is from outer space. As for gaming adaptability - while playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas I did not have to even program the gamepad controls. I just switched from using keyboard to gamepad and it retained almost the exact same controller assignment as the PS2 version of the game except for assigning some movements to keys 9 and 10 at the front. There is also a mode switch on the controller for swapping controller type. It comes bundled with software for programming the controller if you want (a notification area icon). Anyway if you can get over the fact that it needs two AA batteries you will have the first wireless cordless gamepad even before the PS3 or XBOX 360 is released. HOOT!
Pros:
- Wireless Gamepad.
- Very nice black graphite.
- Already a standard for new games.
- Small receiver.
- Comes with controller programmable software (hardly needed though).
Cons:
- No base-station type receiver/recharger.
- Not as heavy as an Xbox controller but 2 AA adds weight.
Customer Review: Comfortable and responsive; by far the best controller I've used
Summary: 5 Stars
Aside from the convenience of cordless (I'm now trying to kick the habit of constantly moving the now non-existent cord out of the way), there are other reasons to like this controller. Some complain about the weight, but it doesn't seem too heavy to me. With the batteries installed, it has just the right amount of heft, making it feel solid and well-built. The controls are smooth, accurate, and well-placed for my thumbs (I have somewhat large hands). There is no cheap plastic feel, and the slightly textured plastic case is pleasing to the touch. The rubbery tops of the thumbsticks provide a secure grip for your thumbs.
With wireless, I was worried about lag, but there is none perceivable. Action games play fine where timing is critical. A nice touch is the ability to quickly swap the D-pad and left analog stick via a toggle button right between them (with corresponding indicator light). That makes it easy to go exactly straight forward when you need to. Because although there are slight centering guides to keep the thumbsticks centered horizontally and vertically, it is still very easy to move off to the side. That's not a complaint, as I think analog controls should allow you to move in any direction easily.
Only two complaints:
1. When releasing the thumbstick quickly, its self-centering action will often overshoot to the opposite direction for a split second before settling in the center. It is enough to turn the game character around. I've had to get used to releasing the stick more gently to avoid this.
2. Macintosh software is not included nor available from Logitech's web site for customizing buttons. The included software is Windows-only. I was disappointed when the D-pad was not automatically recognized in certain games. I figured I could just configure the game's controls to perform the appropriate actions, but the D-pad is not treated as buttons and not recognized at all. However, I was able to solve this by using the shareware "GamePad Companion" to assign keystrokes to the D-pad.
Pros:
Solid feel
Smooth action
Wireless
Analog <-> D-pad toggle
Thumbsticks act as two more buttons
Excellent battery life (seems to be true to the advertising claim of 100 hours with vibration off)
Cons:
Thumbstick overshoot
No Mac software
Customer Review: my first PC gamepad...
Summary: 3 Stars
In my opinion, it seems clear this design was "inspired" by the Playstation2 controller. Assuming that most others make this same conclusion, it seems feasible that others may purchase this PC controller based on their experience with PS2 and their desire for something of the same quality, as I did.
However, if you're considering this controller expecting the same quality as PS2, think again. So here are the differences you may want to know.
Buttons:
They are raised UP from the controller considerably more and thus takes a split second longer to press the button down and activate it. This obviously affects your timing. Also it makes a slight "pop" sound as the button comes back up, so that when pushing buttons rapidly, it is a clear sound of "button mashing" that is distracting and unpleasant.
Directional pad:
This is also raised up a bit. It seems to be a round "disc" settled on a center pivot. So when you push the UP direction into the controller, the DOWN direction then pivots away from the controller. This disc also twists a bit, so your grip on the d-pad feels like the d-pad isn't staying in place. Even the d-pad makes a rattling sound during active use.
Ergonomics:
On the PS2, your fingers seem to have a place to be tucked underneath the controller. This Logitech imitation attempts that, but then flaws the design with the placement of the battery compartment. It has a little "box" protrusion underneath, taking away space for your fingers. Also, the controller is noticeably heavier than the PS2 controller, I suppose this is good or bad based on personal preference, but I found myself wishing it were lighter.
Control sticks:
I never really found a game that used them, so I can't comment but they seemed to be good.
Conclusion: I was disappointed with this purchase and I much prefer the PS2 to USB adapter I bought later. I can't compare this controller to any other PC controller as I've never used one, but compared to any of the console controllers in the last 15 years, this one feels inferior to all of them in ergonomics AND button response.
Customer Review: Excellent for Auto-Racing games
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the 2nd Gamepad I've owned (My first PC was in 1993). The 1st gamepad was the Gravis Gamepad (4-button + D-Pad). I recently upraded and there is no GAME/MIDI port on the new system, plus I need more buttons for Need For Speed Most Wanted, etc.
I love this controller. I've had it for two days and have had nothing but excellent results. I've only used it in NFS games (I have them all).
The WiFi works flawlessly and I have a WiFi network in my house. Installation is simple and takes maybe 3mins.
The rumble only works on games which have forced feedback software. This is totally understandable. The feedback in NFS-MW is very slight but that's not the controllers fault, it's a matter of programming by EA Games.
I like the weight of the controller. It's not feather light, so with that motor and battery weight added, it feels more like a premium device (just like the 67$ with tax I paid for it - canadian dollars). I didn't like how my gravis gamepad as so light, so this is a step up.
The analog sticks are a great for racing as they are progressive like a steering wheel. They are rubber gripped for non-slip action. I am used to the D-Pad, so I have mine setup in NFS to use both as a directional control without having to press the MODE button to switch because you don't have time during a race to press a button before switching.
It works as well as my old gamepad, but feels betetr and has extra buttons and the other features listed make it worth the money. If you in the USA, you'll be getting a much better deal. It lists for 60$ cnd here but only 30$ US in the states.
CONS:
It's not as comfortable to hold as I would like but its much better than my Gravis Gamepad and the buttons are easier to hit on the new one.
CONCLUSION:
I'm very satisfied overall and I knew I may have to get used to the way it feels when I hold this controller since changing from the old SNES style Gravis Gamepad.
4/5 rating only because it could be easier to hold.