Reviewed 5/17/06
Although it's not a handheld unit, I would still have to describe it as portable. Especially, considering that computers 50 yrs. ago took up an entire room and would have something like 4k of memory. True, it's a bit out of place compared to the other chess computers on my website. I'm not sure why I purchased a tabletop unit. After all, I have 2 laptops, copies of Fritz versions 6-9, a copy of Junior and Shredder. It's easy to play on a laptop, and if desired , move the corresponding pieces on a nice board such as the House of Staunton board on my homepage. I would have thought that laptops and great software would be the death knell for tabletop units. Fortunately, they are still being made. It has an altogether different feel when playing on a combination board and computer. There's no distractions to contend with such as software generating position analysis while you ponder your next move. You just touch'n go. Then the computer flashes the square cooridinate lights from where it would like to move its next piece, and after you acknowledge it, shows where it would like to move next. All the time you're watching the same board just like you would if you were playing another person. It you'd like you can scroll through the info key to find out what it thinks of the position. It can do hints, takebacks, frankly all the goodies that comes with playing computers.
The Novag Obsidian at the time of this writing 5/17/06 is Novag's second in command tabletop. It is surpassed only by their Star Diamond which is considerably more expensive. Officially it rates at an ELO of 2360. That should destroy 99% of chess players on this planet, myself included. As you've probably noticed, I don't spend a lot of time desrcibing technical data of the units I've reviewed. That information is available at the manufacturers websites and also at vendors. I just like to describe the essential features. First of all, the Obsidian is a very handsome unit. It actually looks nice on my desk. What sets the Obsidian apart from let's say my Radio Shack tabletop which I had 10 years ago, is the nice wood pieces that comes with it. They are on par for what you would find in a nice folding travel set. They are a pleasure to look at and play with. They are the same size as my 10" folding set. However, the magnets in the folding set are too strong for the obsidian board and they throw off the touch sensor. It has many levels to choose from of course, but even at it's lowest level I have to play slooooow or else I wiill succumb to certain doom. This stands in stark contrast to the Saitek line which can be "dumbed down" to the point where it will exchange a queen for a knight and other major blunders. While that might not be desirable for club players, for people who have children like myself who are just learning the game having those easy levels are advantageous. As far as the touch sensor is concerned, it is very easy to use and not too prone to errors like hitting a square twice accidentally. If you do happen to knock pieces around, it is very easy to scroll thru the moves on the lcd screen or check the pieces position with the verify button. Oh, it also comes with a vinyl carrying case with the NOVAG logo on it. I would highly recommend getting the NOVAG adapater. It has 2 jacks on it which can fit all the NOVAG computers which take adapters.
IF you only have a computer and software, treat yourself to a tabletop unit and enjoy playing a game ! Unlike a human, if you start losing you can always start a new game without losing face !
A closeup of the pieces
The Obsidian opts for a sicilian defense...