![]() ![]() If de-listing is the way forward, we desperately hope they have a better model in mind to replace it with, but if not - it's surely a sub-optimal intention, the Saitek Expert is the best chess machine they do. One of the distributers in the UK says it is being de-listed, but another distributer in the UK knows nothing of this. It did show it, the unit has been removed. ![]() So what do Saitek have in mind for the model? If you go to Saitek's site (saitek-dot-com), the USA shows the model available, but the UK section doesn't list the model. Their computers currently sold under the Mephisto brand use programs written by Frans. The holes for the pegs are sure, the sensors at the base of the hole are accurate and sensitive, and the machine generally has a feeling of quality. Hegener & Glaser and its Mephisto brand were bought in 1994 by Saitek. It does have a small weakness of having poor quality pieces - they're plastic and are torn off a plastic strip like old model aircraft kits for kids - but this is forgiven once the user feels the overiding quality of the general machine. Other examples of Saitek are all imperfect in some way - but the Expert is very well built and very strong in engine strength (in excess of 2000 elo). The model is also reviewed at this dedicated chess computer blog where it's described in excelling terms - and it's picked as one of the four best machines available (and best in it's narrowed/vertical class) at this Squidoo chess computer page, so the machine is clearly excellent. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you want to AN EXAMPLE move until you hear a beepthe sensory board will recognize your piece automatically. Amazingly, rumours pesist that they are de-listing the model from their range - retailers are at a loss to know why. Set up the pieces in their starting positions, with the White pieces nearest to you, as shown in the Quick Start. It's their best electronic chess machine they do. The Saitek 'Expert' is an example of 'good'. Tabletop - Auto Sensory with LCD chessboard, keypad and cursor. Saitek have a patchy record of great chess computers - there's an element of unreliability (everything is made in cheaper countries these days) and some chess machines are average, some poor and some good.
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