Need a new controller or keyboard?

[TheGrandMom]

http://www.overstock.com/?page=proframe&prod_id=827600

I have NEVER seen them so cheap! This is what my entire family uses to play FFXI. It works like a charm and is so comfortable to use too! Great buy! Usually retails in a game store for $50-60....if you can find one.

[tdh]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

I looked into this thing for a while, mainly due to the fact that it will get rid of some cords on the floor in front of me. But it's just a tad too bulky. Sometimes I'm in a party where I don't use the keyboard for 15 minutes at a time. So holding that big momma and only using the controller functions is kinda silly. But that's just for me. Others may find that it works great!

[Spazz]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

Got one already.... they are so freakin nice!

[Snowball]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

I have one of those too. I find it conveniently nice to use when a controller isn't getting in the way of typing to other players.
Though it's a bit smaller than a usual keyboard, and doesn't have the "Windows" key on it, like most keyboards. Still quite handy though I find.

By the way, I came across THIS while checking out your original link. It looks quite crazy to me, and a bit silly too.
The only good thing I can see, that you would get out of it, is the excercise on your fingers as you wiggle them around at least.
But apart from that, who would buy something as daft as this?

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

As far as it being bulky, its not. It's quite comfortable to use in fact. When you use a regular PS2 controller, your elbows and turned outward and your hands inward which is not a natural position. With this controller, your hands and elbows are in a more natural and comfortable position, especially for those long sessions. I rest both of my arms on my chair arms and lean back. It lays on my lap with my arms in a very comfortable natural position. The keyboard itself has full sized keys but its not even as wide as my laptops keyboard. So there really isn't any "bulk" to it at all nor is it a "big mama". LOL I've played FFXI using a controller and a keyboard setup and I found it to be a hassle at times. Then I remembered I had a Netplay put away from my EQOA days and quickly plugged it in. I'll never go back! I highly recommend it to anyone that uses a PS2 controller to play FFXI.

[grunion]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

is it for ps2 only or can you use it with a PC?

[Balfree]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

As far as it being bulky, its not. It's quite comfortable to use in fact. When you use a regular PS2 controller, your elbows and turned outward and your hands inward which is not a natural position. With this controller, your hands and elbows are in a more natural and comfortable position, especially for those long sessions. I rest both of my arms on my chair arms and lean back. It lays on my lap with my arms in a very comfortable natural position. The keyboard itself has full sized keys but its not even as wide as my laptops keyboard. So there really isn't any "bulk" to it at all nor is it a "big mama". LOL I've played FFXI using a controller and a keyboard setup and I found it to be a hassle at times. Then I remembered I had a Netplay put away from my EQOA days and quickly plugged it in. I'll never go back! I highly recommend it to anyone that uses a PS2 controller to play FFXI.

I play on PC with a controller, and this is SO TRUE, i find it very unconfortable to use a keyboard AND a controller, plus, i'm currently playing on a laptop, which has it's perks but it is not confortable in any way if i'm playing on my desk (which is almost allways), right now i plan on buying me a new comp, i will add this to the basket, great find Mom, that is uber cheap compared to what they were on release days~

Also, another thing, it says the requirements are a Ps2...

Features include:

* 8-way pressure-sensitive D-pad
* Pressure-sensitive circle
* Square, triangle, and X buttons
* L1, L2, R1, R2 trigger buttons
* Two clickable mini joysticks
* Select and start buttons
* Dual vibration feedback motors
* Contoured shape
* Detachable USB keyboard
* Digital/analog joystick mode
* 8-ft. cable
* Controller port
* USB keyboard connection

System requirements:

* PlayStation2 computer entertainment system
* Compatible games (see an updated list)

But since it does have a USB connector, have you tried using on the PC? I'm sure it can be done with some software or whatever, and if so... I have a question, i dont see directional keys... and i use those keys in some image editing applications (precision pixel-by-pixel movement and other stuff), does the controller function like directional keys? or are they in the keyboard by switching modes like in a laptop?

[Kailea]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

uuummm wvwn with this controler/keyboard thing, you still have to stop useing the controler to type -.- so its the same as havein a keyboard and a controler seperate. I move with one hand and type with the other if I have to do both, I also learned teh keybpoard funtions just incase I have to do something while talking. but this is a nice idea, odd, but nice :p

[InuTrunks]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

Balfree, you didn't read very much did you? To use a PS2 Controller you'll need a PS2->USB addapter (not keyboard ps2 but ps2 controller)

but... yea... keyboards arn't made for the PS2, they are made USB.

Features include:

* 8-way pressure-sensitive D-pad
* Pressure-sensitive circle
* Square, triangle, and X buttons
* L1, L2, R1, R2 trigger buttons
* Two clickable mini joysticks
* Select and start buttons
* Dual vibration feedback motors
* Contoured shape
* Detachable USB keyboard
* Digital/analog joystick mode
* 8-ft. cable
* Controller port
* USB keyboard connection

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

We all use them with our PC version of FFXI. You get a PS2 to PC controller adapter for $10 at Radio Shack or easily found on the net. There are 2 cords for the Netplay, one is a regular controller plug that you plug into the adapter that plugs into your PC and the other is the USB for the keyboard that you plug in to your PC.



It's so nice to not have to switch between the keyboard and controller all the time. I guess this is the lazy man's controller for FFXI but I don't care! I love it!

I assume what you mean by "directional keys" is the numerical pad that most keyboards have. I don't know if I'm correct or not. If you mean the arrow keys, there is a set of them on the Netplays' keyboard.

[Balfree]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

For me, " * USB keyboard connection" simply meant it can be plugged on the ps2 via usb... doesnt say you can plug it on a computer baka inu! ^^

Ya i mean the arrow keys Mom~ and while i was aware of that connector thing, i wasnt sure if it would work with the keyboard, please keep in mind that if i ever buy this, i plan to make it my keyboard for use on the computer... not just ffxi, that's my main concern.

Double Post Edited:
Thanks for clarifying everything ^^ now let's see if they ship those things overseas..

Double Post Edited:
Great ^^, they don't seem to <.< atleast when im creating an account they only seem to be able to accept US residents -.-

Double Post Edited:
The only place i could find was gameplay.co.uk, US price: 79.24 (US $)

>.<;

Double Post Edited:
Look what i found:

http://shop.gameplay.co.uk/webstore/...ler_/_keyboard



Wow. I'm buying it and see how it plays out~

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

Meh, I don't like those QWERTY controller keyboards. I suck at typing with my thumbs.

[Omni]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

i got myself one. gonna try it out ^^

[Snowball]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

is it for ps2 only or can you use it with a PC?

I play FFXl (or did do before I had conncetion problems) on my PC, so yes, I believe you can use this with a PC.

[Omni]

Re: Need a new controller or keyboard?

so like how big is this thing? i couldnt really tell by the picture. how much does it weigh? is it tiring holding this thing in your hand then setting it down to type, then picking it up again? is there any way to get one of the analog sticks to double as a mouse/trackball? that would be so sweet, i could get rid of my mouse all together! i love cosolidating things.

im really excited, cant wait to get mine.