Introduction

While no one can dispute the power of the keyboard and mouse combination when it comes to FPSs, sometimes, an alternative is needed for other types of games, especially sports games. Games such as Tony Hawk 3 will be nearly unplayable with just a keyboard and/or mouse, and games like NHL 2003 just won't be as enjoyable. Additionally, for those of you (like me) who enjoy playing old console games via emulators like ZSNES, a keyboard just won't cut it. The ideal control option for these games would be a gamepad. There are many gamepads out on the market for the PC now, from basic models to wireless ones with many features. But the main goals of a gamepad remain the same: It must be comfortable and easy to use. Today, we take a look at the Belkin n45 gamepad - a controller with dual analog sticks and a control layout similar to that of a playstation dual shock 2 controller.

Specifications

While the button layout of the n45 is similar to that of a PS2 controller, the look is almost completely unlike one. Let's face it: The n45 won't win any contests based purely on appearances. The huge silver-coloured bar extending from one handle to the other is the most obvious feature, and one wonders what it could be for; Belkin claims this bar stabilizes the gamepad, but does it really? In any event, we all know that looks can be deceiving; you're not likely to be spending your time looking at this gamepad while you're using it.

• Revolutionary Action Stabilizer Bar (ASB) for more balanced play.
• Mouse-mode button that lets the n45 function navigate Windows
• Thirteen action buttons
• Dual analog controllers
• Four realistic trigger buttons
• ENTER and ESC buttons
• Smooth and accurate eight-way directional pad
• Up to 70 programmable functions
• Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP and Apple Mac OS 9 or later.

The n45 gamepad came packaged in a plastic box-type enclosure - the kind most of you probably detest. It's usually hard to get into these things without having to break out a pair of scissors or a knife. You then have to literally destroy the packaging to get at the product. I realize these things are nice for displaying a product in the store while it's on the shelf, but I would've liked it to be just in a regular cardboard box, one that doesn't require much work to get into. But enough of my gripes about the packaging.

Plastic packaging... ugh!

Manual and driver CD.

The n45 gamepad.

Also included is a short manual/installation guide that most of us won't need. Contained within, is the driver and software CD, which also contains the programming software for the n45 gamepad. The installation guide provides basic instructions on installing the drivers and software, and also explains all of the features of the gamepad. In the third picture above you'll notice the "Stabilizer" bar which runs between the large grips. The bar is made of a very light plastic, and I seriously doubt that it helps to "stabilize" the n45 during gameplay. Perhaps it helps to keep the two grips in place, but other than that, I think it's there merely for aesthetic reasons.

Top view.

Underside view.

Side view.

On the face of the gamepad you can see four buttons, the d-pad, the two analog sticks and three other buttons grouped in a row, while on the top are the four triggers. The side view of the gamepad really shows how big the grips are. In practice it was not uncomfortable to hold on to them, but I will admit that it took some time to get used to them. One thing to note is that while many controllers are including a rumble/vibration function, the n45 does not have such ability. This can be looked at from two different viewpoints: Firstly, it allows Belkin to keep the price down, but secondly, it leaves out a feature that many may like. Personally, I don't mind the absence of a vibration function, but others may differ in their opinion. It's just something to keep in mind.

Another view.

Yet another view.

The mini-sticks have a nice rubberized-texture on top of them providing for a nice grip. All of the buttons and the D-pad provide a nice tactile feedback, to let you know when they've been engaged. The triggers felt a bit "loose" in that they had a lot of play in them, but they still provided feedback when depressed. I would have liked the amount of play in them to be reduced, but I think this is more of a personal preference and by no means did the current setup of the triggers impede their functionality.

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