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WingMan RumblePad

Name:  Logitech - WingMan RumblePad

PC

Logitech Description:
Just try and hold on to the new WingMan RumblePad. This feature-rich controller packs a throttle, dual analog mini joysticks and realistic vibration into one awesome unit. You get a sliding throttle for precise speed control, two analog sticks for full 360 degree rotation, plus vibration feedback to let you feel every turn, bump and dip in your games.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

  • Cool futuristic design
  • Sophisticated dual motor technology provides maximum vibration feedback
  • 2 ultra-accurate and responsive analog sticks for precise 360º movement
  • Easy-to-reach Throttle Control integrated into the design
  • Convenient USB interface
  • No batteries required!
  • 1 year warranty
System Requirements
  • IBM® Compatible PC with Intel Pentium® or AMD-K6® processor or greater
  • 16 MB RAM
  • 15MB free hard disk space
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Available USB Port
  • Windows® 98, ME, 2000 or XP
  • DirectX® 6.0 or greater


KOGGS 11/28/2001  - Voi-Parshay? A rumble pad from Logitech? --Joystick Review SCORES! Koggs receives his very own Logitech rumbler and refuses to give it back! --or does he? Hmmm, let's read the review and find out!

Logitech Rumbles Away 87.5
First Impression A smooth compact design with two analog sticks and plenty-O-buttons. There's a throttle slider which is within fingers reach -come to think of it, I don't think I've seen a throttle slider on the face of a gamepad before- and there's also a toggle to switch the rumble off and on. I like that feature since many FF games leave you rumbling all the way out to the games main menu.

Looks good, lets get into it.

8.5
Software Installation Nice and easy, just the way it should be. Simply insert the CD and follow the on-screen prompts. 10.0
Software Controller Interface The WingMan RumblePad ships with the Logitech WingMan Profiler which is a nifty, easy to use utility allowing you to customize each control function of the gamepad. Upon installation, it searches your hard drive for games and then creates a profile for each one it finds.

A Quick Tutorial
I first selected Madden 2000 to see how easy it would be to get this one up and going. I then clicked on each button assigning it a pre-defined function.

Example: Button A was set as Snap\Player by ball, I then set up button B as Power Tackle\Spin. The default profile gave me all the options, all I had to do was define which button did what. I may not be doing it justice trying to explain how it works, but trust me, it's really pretty easy to use. Just use your mouse to click on the button in which you want to use, choose from the open window which function you want to use, and that's about it. You can even print out the profile when you finish just in case you forget which button did what. In addition to that, if the game supports a move feature that is not in the profile, then this utility allows you to create one and call it whatever you like.

9.0
Game Included None.

I would like to see Logitech add a game here or at least a playable demo that showcases just how easy it really is to use the profiler software.

5.0
Help Instructions The help instructions come in the form of a folded sheet of paper aiding you in installing the drivers and profile software. Although this is good in getting you pointed in the right direction, the meat of the instructions can be found via a help file after installation -which I found to be extensive and complete. 9.8
Comfort Smooth heavy-duty lightweight plastic houses dual vibration motors providing all the vibration you need to give your hands the shakes!

I was surprised by the weight of it upon picking this one up. The weight is not too heavy -considering the dual motors- nor did I feel any ill affects after using it. It was actually pretty comfortable. All the buttons were right there within reach, as were the thumb operated dual analog sticks.

9.0
Construction (Quality) Everything looks like it's built for the long haul! All the buttons click decisively and the D-Pad \ analog sticks are as precise as my passing ability while blowing by LAZ in Superbike 2000. :o)

The cord is about 6 ft. long and uses a USB connection.

9.0
Looks Looks like I'll be having to give this one back to LAZ so he can review it too. Otherwise, it's a nice addition to my ever growing arsenal of PC controllers!

It looks pretty dang kewl! But I think it's functionality supercedes it's looks. All the features of this gamepad are visible and reachable from your standard grip. Two analog sticks, a D-Pad, the throttle slider, a start button, the rumble off\on button, the mode button, and eight buttons are all positioned with reach. About the only complaint here is that the mode and rumble buttons are a bit too small. My fat fingers had a difficult time pushing them lil' things in! The buttons are flush mounted requiring me to use my 'all but chewed' finger nails to access the buttons to push them in.

8.5
Value (price for what you get) At $29.95 (USD) this puts the gamepad in the middle category of gamepads -according to price. Considering what you get, I'd say they should be charging about $10 dollars more at the very least. No you say? You're kidding me? Thirty bucks for a FF gamepad sporting everything you need to race, fly, or frag? I'd say the price isn't going to be the factor in deciding if you should buy this one or not. 9.5
Recommend to Others A well designed FF gamepad full of functionality that works with just about anything you can throw at it! All that equals a thumbs up for this category. Especially if you're one of them gamers out there who like the fact that one controller can do it all. 9.2

RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor

KOGGS

  • Add some 'grippies' to the surface of the gamepad to increase stability for sweaty handed gamers!
  • Add a few COLORED lights to the buttons, the analog sticks, etc.. It would only inhance the looks, not to mention catch the eye of a potential buyer.