Computer Game Accessories buying guide

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Computer Game Accessories

Accessories overflow for computer gaming, which makes sense because the interface with computers is so open-ended that the gameplay experience is limitlessly customizable. We've rounded up some of the most helpful extras to help you define and enhance your play style.

Essentials

Disc Skip Fixer Single Use Packet : To avoid spending lots of cash on a game disc fixer, try a single use pack. The package includes two polishing cloths, as well as polish.

FANG Gaming Pad : This is a must-buy to devotees of first-person shooters. The button layout is optimized for massive fragging, providing a tremendous advantage against online competitors using regular keyboards.

Mad Catz Universal 4 in 1 Headset : The best part of playing computer games is playing them online, and the best part of playing computer games online is talking smack. This headset works on consoles as well as computers.

Alienware MP3 Player Hub/Speaker Dock : This combo speaker integrates powered speaker and a docking system. The docking station is form-fitted to the Alienware Digital Audio Players, but also connects with non-Alienware players through the line input.

Controllers/Keyboards

Logitech Dual Action Gamepad :
A solid model, with two analog joysticks with digital buttons and 360-degree action and a layout of 12 programmable buttons, including four triggers and digital buttons under the analog sticks.

Logitech MOMO Racing Force Feedback Wheel : Designed by racing professionals, the rubber wheel, stick shifter, and pedals simulate the real life experience. Force feedback is a term for feeling the pressures of the road on the wheel.

Universal Sharkboard : Geared for fans of GameShark, a program that lets you type in cheat codes to maximize the spoils you'll get out of your games, this keyboard offers easy data entry and a streamlined gameplay experience.

Zboards World of Warcraft Limited Edition Keyset : Geared specifically to smooth the gameplay of World of Warcraft, the keyboard offers macros for keys to perform multiple actions and reveal emotions with limited keystrokes. The keyboard also has buttons for all default game commands.

Gaming Mice

MS Laser Mouse 6000 : This high performance laser mouse offers accurate and smoother tracking. The magnifier makes it easy to enlarge and edit detail..

Razer Copperhead Tempest Mouse : The Copperhead’s laser sensor has an tracking precision of up to 2000 dpi, making it the most precise gaming mouse available. The device's frame rate is over 7000 frames per second.

Logitech MX518 : The MX518's high resolution, 1600-dpi optical engine delivers fast response and silk-smooth tracking.

Apple Mouse : Not all mice are geared for PC gaming. Apple offers a broad selection of mice for Mac gaming, featuring high dpi optical engines and impressive frame rates.

Et Cetera

BFG G-Force 7800 GTX 256m PCIX Video Card : This is a standard 7800 GTX graphics processing unit (GPU) amped up with an additional 30MHz on the core and 100MHz on the memory to hit a mind-blowing 460MHz / 1300MHz. One of the most impressive video cards on the market.

World of Warcraft Time Card : You can't take your WOW experience online if you don't pay. It's often cheaper if you search for a discounted time card that grants you unlimited play for a set time period. This is also an excellent gift option, preferable to saddling someone with a monthly subscription.

Game Doctor Advanced CD Restorer/Cleaner : This machine is a nice choice if you've got more than a few game discs that need to be refurbished. The machine smooths over cracks and reduces skipping.

Razer eXact Mousepad : Sure, you could use any smooth tablecloth for your mousepad, but there's something to be said for a pad that exactly replicates the shape of your screen. This Razer model does exactly that, reducing the number of pick-up-and-clicks you'll be forced to make during gameplay.

External Links

GameSpot -- One of the top gaming resources on the net.
IGN -- Covers video games as well as the rest of the entertainment world.
Game Informer -- An excellent video game magazine's home page.
1 Up Computer Page -- A fun site that focuses on computer gaming.

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Essentials

Disc Skip Fixer Single Use Packet : To avoid spending lots of cash on a game disc fixer, try a single use pack. The package includes two polishing cloths, as well as polish.	FANG Gaming Pad : This is a must-buy to devotees of first-person shooters. The button layout is optimized for massive fragging, providing a tremendous advantage against online competitors using regular keyboards.	Mad Catz Universal 4 in 1 Headset : The best part of playing computer games is playing them online, and the best part of playing computer games online is talking smack. This headset works on consoles as well as computers.	Alienware MP3 Player Hub/Speaker Dock : This combo speaker integrates powered speaker and a docking system. The docking station is form-fitted to the Alienware Digital Audio Players, but also connects with non-Alienware players through the line input.

Controllers/Keyboards

Logitech Dual Action Gamepad : A solid model, with two analog joysticks with digital buttons and 360-degree action and a layout of 12 programmable buttons, including four triggers and digital buttons under the analog sticks.	Logitech MOMO Racing Force Feedback Wheel : Designed by racing professionals, the rubber wheel, stick shifter, and pedals simulate the real life experience. Force feedback is a term for feeling the pressures of the road on the wheel.	Universal Sharkboard : Geared for fans of GameShark, a program that lets you type in cheat codes to maximize the spoils you'll get out of your games, this keyboard offers easy data entry and a streamlined gameplay experience.	Zboards World of Warcraft Limited Edition Keyset : Geared specifically to smooth the gameplay of World of Warcraft, the keyboard offers macros for keys to perform multiple actions and reveal emotions with limited keystrokes. The keyboard also has buttons for all default game commands.

Gaming Mice

MS Laser Mouse 6000 : This high performance laser mouse offers accurate and smoother tracking. The magnifier makes it easy to enlarge and edit detail..	Razer Copperhead Tempest Mouse : The Copperhead’s laser sensor has an tracking precision of up to 2000 dpi, making it the most precise gaming mouse available. The device's frame rate is over 7000 frames per second.	Logitech MX518 : The MX518's high resolution, 1600-dpi optical engine delivers fast response and silk-smooth tracking.	Apple Mouse : Not all mice are geared for PC gaming. Apple offers a broad selection of mice for Mac gaming, featuring high dpi optical engines and impressive frame rates.

Et Cetera

BFG G-Force 7800 GTX 256m PCIX Video Card : This is a standard 7800 GTX graphics processing unit (GPU) amped up with an additional 30MHz on the core and 100MHz on the memory to hit a mind-blowing 460MHz / 1300MHz. One of the most impressive video cards on the market.	World of Warcraft Time Card : You can't take your WOW experience online if you don't pay. It's often cheaper if you search for a discounted time card that grants you unlimited play for a set time period. This is also an excellent gift option, preferable to saddling someone with a monthly subscription.	Game Doctor Advanced CD Restorer/Cleaner : This machine is a nice choice if you've got more than a few game discs that need to be refurbished. The machine smooths over cracks and reduces skipping.	Razer eXact Mousepad : Sure, you could use any smooth tablecloth for your mousepad, but there's something to be said for a pad that exactly replicates the shape of your screen. This Razer model does exactly that, reducing the number of pick-up-and-clicks you'll be forced to make during gameplay.