September Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech G9 Laser Mouse

Current Cost: $75
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A

For a truly extreme gaming system, we've discounted the wireless mouse solutions as a primary choice, and concentrated specifically on the top wired controllers. The Logitech G9 stands out above the rest, and offers an excellent mix of features, stability and control. It links to the system through a full-speed USB connection that is capable of 1000 reports/second, and features a woven cable for enhanced durability. The G9 is powered by a 3200 dpi laser engine with adjustable sensitivity and a MicroGear scroll wheel.

The Logitech G9 is also highly customizable, and ships with two interchangeable grips, along with a specialized weight tuning system using 28 grams of individual metal weights. This allows the end user to choose the proper outer shell and then determine the optimum weight. The G9 even provides custom LED colors, making it potentially the most flexible gaming mouse yet.

Keyboard: Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard

Current Cost: $80
Consecutive Guides: 6
Price Change: -$5

When it comes to gaming keyboards, the Logitech G15 is the model against which all others are judged. This keyboard is tailored specifically for the gamer, while being a functional unit for basic typing, which is a tough juggling act. The most visible feature is the G15's flip-up GamePanel LCD, which can display anything from system stats to gaming data or communication, and it is end-user configurable. The Logitech G15 also features backlit keys, six programmable G-keys, media controls, and an onboard USB hub for easy connection of a mouse or other controller.

The G15 should satisfy all but the hardcore ergonomic crowd, and for that market, we can recommend something along the lines of a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. This is a stylish and very functional ergonomic keyboard that retails at approximately $45 for the OEM model.

Game Controller: Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2

Current Cost: $30
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A

A top-end gaming system not only needs a kickass keyboard & mouse combo, but also a standard controller for those pesky sports and racing games. This is one area that consoles excel in compared to the PC, but for just $30, you can change that real quick. Our perennial Saitek P3000 choice has simply become virtually impossible to locate, so we've been forced to make a change, but if you can actually find one, feel free to snag it.

Our replacement game controller is the popular Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2, which is available virtually everywhere and has a devoted following of PC gamers. It's very similar to a cart game controller, which means console gamers can easily make the transition. The Rumblepad 2 uses a 2.4 GHz wireless attached to a full-speed USB port, has vibration feedback, if that turns your crank, and offers 10 programmable buttons, an 8-way D-Pad, and dual analog control sticks. Although not a rechargeable unit, the Rumblepad 2 supplies an estimated 100 hours of gameplay on one set of AA batteries.