Everybody has some sort of vice/addiction. Mine happens to be that I love to play with portable chess computers. Something about them has always captivated me. Perhaps it's their ability to play a game which for centuries was the domain exclusively of humans. Or, perhaps it's that ability coupled with their diminutive size. I suppose in the era of Gameboys and PSP's it no longer seems that remarkable a task. But, no matter how great the graphics get on those modern game marvels there's still something to be said for a handheld device that can play a killer Sicilian, Caro Cann , or French defense. Since I 've been collecting them, I've decided to put some pictures up as well as compare and contrast them in review form so you can see for yourself. Hopefully, my web host will be able to handle the millions of users who demand access to this key information. (yes, that was tongue-in-cheek humor) Click on any computer for a review/pictures/description. As of today, 5/15/06 I am awaiting the delivery of a NOVAG star Ruby ! I'll now be able to compare it head to head with my NOVAG Star Sapphire.
A little more about myself. I am a chess hobby enthusiast. I used to play blitz online somewhat regularly on the playchess server but I haven't been there in a very long time. This is most undoubtedly related to my rather mediocre rating and getting tired of being trounced on all the time. I have been to 2 chess clubs for a total of 2 visits. One visit was to Joliet Junior College where I enrolled in their monthly blitz tournament (8'+3s). I actually wound up winning a few games against an 8 yr. old boy and an adult who forfeited a game. (He moved a piece while in check, forgetting he was in check, and left himself in check after his move.) Otherwise, I pretty much got dusted off the boards. The second club I went to was in Manhattan when I was on vacation. I blogged a commentary on this at the Chess ninja forum. Suffice it to say that I lost every game. I was advised to get books/information. Little did they know if they saw my library, they would think I was a grandmaster. That reminds me, I'm working on a new book called "Collect Chess books like a Grandmaster" :)
Computers with links have been reviewed. The others are under construction. Hey ! I've only had this site up for 2 days as of 5/17/06 I'll get to all of them !!!
| Dell AXIM running Pocket Fritz2 | NOVAG OBSIDIAN (o.k) it's a tabletop, but it's very beautiful ! |
| NOVAG Star Sapphire |
SAITEK Mephisto Maestro |
| NOVAG Star Ruby | SAITEK Cosmic Chess |
| NOVAG Opal PLus | |
| SAITEK Mephisto Expert travel chess |
My House of Staunton Lacquered Players set with Lacquered Black/Natural 2.375" squares board
Some links for you to ponder:
| chess ninja | uscf |
| The Chess store | Chess direct |
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House of staunton Beautiful Chess Sets ! |
Wholesalechess |
| NOVAG | SAITEK |