Saitek GM2 Action Pad & Game Mouse

Rating:
Summary: Throw out the keyboard --
Review: I have never liked the keyboard for use with action/shooter type games (Doom, Unreal, Elite Forces)..
I would have to look down at the keys and my fingers would move and it was very fustrating.

I was actually looking for a mouse with a hat where the scroll
wheel usually is (I never found one) when I stumbled upon the
Saitek GM3 Action Pad.

The reviews were mixed but I decided to buy it.

It works GREAT!! I think the SHIFT key could be better placed..it so far from the other keys I don't use it. But everything else is AWESOME! The hat keeps you from having to press the keys on the keyboard and the scroll wheel is great for strafing..and the other buttons are placed fairly well.

One thing I have noticed. I used to have a larger desk and I had room to place the GM3 at the 2:00/8:00 position for the most comfort. I now have a much smaller desk and I have to place the controller almost straight up and down. It's harder to get to some of the keys in that position. I want my old desk back!

I recommend this for any 3rd person shooter game!

Rating:
Summary: Solid and fast responding
Review: I was going to buy the Belkin hand pad, but found this one at a local retailer for really cheap. I figured for that price I could take the risk. Boy was I surprised! Not only was it worth more than I had anticipated, I couldn't game without it anymore. Once you figure out how to program the buttons, this little number is GREAT!!! Unfortunately, it is difficult getting this thing to work with the Cyborg Feedback joystick from Saitek.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent concept- Falls far too short in its implementation
Review: I was looking for something like this to play keyboard/mouse type of games (I'm a Diablo II junkie).

Unfortunately, the pad has the feel of a really cheap game pad (well, probably worse). Don't expect to use the pad's 8-way control or the mouse's 4-way button correctly. You should expect to get about half their functionality (4 and 2) - don't expect any accuracy if you try to use more.

If you're a Diablo II player (or play another game that requires the use of many keyboard buttons) don't expect this to fulfill your need to remove the keyboard completely from the gameplay; so if you want to replace the keyboard, look elsewhere - just not enough functionality here.

Excellent idea though and I really do like the idea of the mult-way button, but just very poor execution. I don't know how good Microsoft's implemention is, so I can't compare the two; however, my next step is to get a better mouse with some more functionality (ie 1 or 2 more programmable buttons).