Joysticks

Regarding performance, we discovered that the inexpensive ones performed equal to the most expensive.  The key differences are in the features they come with and the "feel" of the stick.

For example, some have programmable buttons and a "very loose" stick.

• We tended to prefer the "loose" sticks more because we noticed better control over the action.
• Relative to performance, we didn't notice any significant differences between those with standard gameport connections versus USB.  The only real difference: Windows automatically recognizes the USB ones so you don't have to do any setup.  The gameport models need to be configured, but that's not overly difficult and easy for the layman to do.
• Depending upon the game(s) you will be playing, programmable buttons might not be necessary.  We found many games easily played with just a simple 2 button model.  In games where programmable buttons aren't needed, the sticks with them performed no better than those without.
• Some had a feature called Force Feedback, which allows you to "feel" the action.  In other words, the joystick will vibrate and stiffen or loosen depending upon the action.  Just like above, whether or not you need this depends upon what game(s) you'll be playing.  Expect to pay at least $10 more for this feature.
• Some also came with a feature to control the "throddle." Each model we used performed equally well, but we did notice that several had the throddle control in a less easily accessible location--below the stick.  We prefered those with the throddle to the side of the stick.  Some had the throddle as a lever moving up and down, while others had the lever moving sideways; both worked just as well and are easy to adjust.

May 7, 2001

Combo Printer/Copier/Scanner/Fax

But you don't necessarily need to waste all that space, because there are multifunction devices which do these things in 1 single unit, although some don't have fax capabilities.

We took a look at the below items and did a comparison.   Here are our results:

Item	Price	Print	Scan	Fax	Rating
HP PSC 750	299.99	11 ppm black 8 ppm color	9600 dpi	no	A
HP OfficeJet G55	399.99	12 ppm black 9 ppm color	9600 dpi	no	A
Lexmark Z82	199.97	4 ppm black 1.5 ppm color	4800 dpi	no	D
Compaq C3-1000	249.99	8 ppm black 4 ppm color	4800 dpi	no	D
Xerox MultiCentre M940	199.99	12 ppm black 7 ppm color	1200 dpi	no	C
Xerox MultiCentre XK-50CX	299.99	12 ppm black 7 ppm color	4800 dpi	33.6	B
Sharp AJ-5030	299.99	7.5 ppm black 3.5 ppm color	1200 dpi	14.4	D

1. The 2 HP models we tested are almost identical except for some minor differences, but they performed the best, with both producing high quality scans, printing, and copying at excellent speeds.
2. We gave the Lexmark, Compaq, and Sharp our lowest ratings because of their printing and copying speeds being far below current standards, although their quality was pretty good. Considering there isn't much of a price differential for some of the others we liked, we felt one could do better. Plus, the Sharp only faxes at a maximum speed of 14.4 and scans at 1200 dpi, both of which are also far below current standards.
3. The 2 Xerox models we tested actually performed pretty good, with both providing pretty good quality scans, printing, and copying. However, we gave the M940 a lower grade because of its scanning at only 1200dpi and use of a 5 cartridge system (the only one in our tests). And while some may like having separate cartridges, we believe the average person might prefer the ease in replacing a 2 cartridge system. And finally, with a 5 cartridge system, overall costs might be higher because one would have to purchase separate colors when they run out. Considering they run around the same as a combination cartridge, we just couldn't justify the added expense.
4. We gave the Xerox XK-50CX a slightly lower rating than the HP models for 2 reasons: its lower scanning (4800 vs. 9600) and slightly lower print quality. However, we did find it to be an excellent unit.

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