Cheap Microsoft Sidewinder Strategic Commander (Electronics) Price

Related Products

Customer Reviews of Microsoft Sidewinder Strategic Commander

The best Product for 3D Animation Software!
I use a 3D Animation software and all the important commands fit in the 60 command slots of this device. It is too bad MS is not selling it anymore. If you are a programmer or use a lot of commands, this product is for you. <
> <
>And if you're thinking about using the Nostromo Device, forget it... I tried it and gave it back. It is not half as ergonomic or usefull as the Sidewinder Strategic Commander... <
>

---

Microsoft has discontinued this product. :(
I have been using the Commander for about 2 years to play Natural Born Fraggers XSIV Customs (12.146.78.17), and I have been telling anyone who will listen to get one. One of my on-line friends just informed me that Microsoft has discontinued manufacturing this product.

A quick Google search confirms that what he said is true.

This is a sad day for me! This is the best designed human-machine interface I have ever used, including the keyboard or any type of mouse!

Some of my sadness results I suppose from the slow realization that the market for improved computer interfaces is so small that innovators may not be able attract investment because of the lack of demand.

This technophile will never stop searching for newer and better interface designs, and I will always be loyal to any company no matter what size that provides what I want. Conversely my good will is hurt when the same company discontinues providing what I need. Welcome to the market I guess. But is life really just about the bottom line? I guess I haven't been doing a good job of marketing via P2P. Me Sad.

---

A Great Enhancement for NovaLogic's Black Hawk Down!
When I learned of this device from a friend, I had two questions: "Does it work with NovaLogic's "Black Hawk Down" game and "How much does it cost?" TO answer the first question, I contacted NovaLogic and asked them if this device would work with BHD - however, they informed me that BHD was not designed for 'game controllers'. Since this device is NOT a 'game controller (joystick, gamepad, etc) I concluded it would work fine (additionally, my friend also uses his for BHD as well). So I purchased it. As to the cost? Well, that is variable depending on where you get it.

It took me a couple of minutes to install the Commander on my XP system (USB), and I was programming the buttons shortly thereafter. Note: This does *not* replace your mouse or keyboard. It is a great addition to allow you to move your character around, perform things like crouch, jump, reload, lean, roll, hop, go prone, select weapon, emote, etc all from just 6 keys. It comes pre-programmed to allow you to move it forward and sideways to replace the keyboard directional keys (it does not "roll" on the desktop, rather, the top unit 'slides' (Forward, Backwards, Left, Right) on top of the stationary base. It also has a 'twist' function, if you desire that can be programmed as well.

Since it's designed for LEFT hand use, I found it took a short time to get used to it while mousing with my right hand (I keep the mouse for the LOOK functions and scope functions). It feels solid on my desktop and is easy to use. It does not slide around due to the rubber feet.

You can 'record' and program keyboard shortcuts on the fly (with the RECORD button), or you can use the interface program to program your buttons. Each button has a function along with three "shift" functions (the shift button is beneath your thumb). All told, it will handle up to 72 keyboard (macro) commands (arrows, scroll lock, etc) so you do not have to take your hand off the controller to do in-game functions. NOTE: This is not a "CHEAT" - it just allows you to move your hand faster and not lose your concentration. (You can also program multiple keyboard combinations as well as a one-button 'macro')

All in all, it's worth the money. You can switch from 3 profiles on the fly - and you can save and load mappings as well. For instance, you can have one profile as a gunner, one for a medic, one for a sniper, etc.

As it works well with BHD, I'd expect the same to be true for "Battlefield: 1942" and other 3D combat games. It comes with profiles for about 30 other games (2D strategy games like Ages of Empires, etc).

Retail price for this is about $60 (and I could never find one locally) but you can find it online for much less (probably less than half of the MSR price - I got mine for about $21 + shipping). I've been using mine for several days and I'm very happy with it. It definitely enhances the game.