Customer Reviews

The New York Times Deluxe Touch Screen Chess

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is definitely the highest-quality and strongest handheld chess computer I've been able to find. That being said, its strength is more like 1800 USCF, not 2000. I've been able to beat it at its highest level several times. In particular, its endgame is somewhat weak, though this is the main weakness of all chess computers and can be expected to manifest itself to a greater extent on a handheld device. I doubt other handheld devices would play the endgame better. The interface is very professional, and the display is excellent. There is a bug that occasionally causes the computer to exceed its time control, which gives it a ton of time on the clock; however, the user can choose to continue the game. If you're looking for a portable chess opponent, you're only going to do better by using a laptop.

I have found the 'New York Timed Chess' a very good playmate. It is difficult to understand at first due to the directions being too brief and their abreviations being less than adequate. However, after a few false starts the little master proved to be quite charming and utilitarian. The piece display could be enhanced, but over all I would buy it again!

The chess game is worthless for use other than at night. The glass screen cover has so much reflected glare that it is impossible to use outside in the daylight. Major disappointment....you wonder how the people at sharper image could have overlooked the flaw. Makes one think twice about any of their other products.

Game is excellent: great for drilling games at specified difficulty levels. Could use a glare-free screen, but that's my sole complaint.

Screen should have anti-glare coating to avoid eye strain. It's too reflective! Chess pieces appear to be washed out. Touch screen is not sensitive enough. You have to exert a certain pressure with the stylus which I later found to be annoying as the game progress. Sound is faulty.
It's a strong player though it's not ergonomically comfortable to play with. Bulky, heavy, glary(?)...