Gadget Inspector, at your service. Despite my advanced technological abilities, I've long admired the work of a certain rodent duo. Yes, even this team of mere Mus Musculus can excel at grand schemes when they put their Brain to it. To prove their mousey worth, I decided to put them to the test.
I am here to perform the difficult task of inspecting gadgets (and other goodies) loosely related to gaming… hence my name, duh! If you’d like to have your gadget featured here, email [email protected].
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Roccat Kone XTD Max Customization Gaming Mouse Review
We've reviewed Roccat's PC accessories before, but the Roccat Kone XTD provides the kind of options you need to take over the world, or at least digital domination. The Kone XTD offers up an 8200DPI Pro-Aim R3 laser sensor to track every twitch with more accuracy than you might ever notice, plus 576KB of on-board memory for macros and settings. Roccat's hallmark Easy-Shift[+] tech extends the number of customizable buttons and shortcuts beyond necessity and into obsession. It's like these mice just can't give up this crazy dream.
The Kone XTD carries over the shifting LED lighting from the Kone model we reviewed previously and when left sitting by itself on the desk, the colors make it incredibly attractive to touch. The XTD mouse is certainly on the larger side, not unlike the overly developed cranium of a certain diabolical rodent, but it provides a lot more comfort during long-term use.
Once you do put your paws on it, the customizable weights and textured surface make the XTD feel great. At $89.99, this is certainly on the more expensive side of computer accesories, but once that Microsoft-issued rat dies, consider this an excellent option for replacement. Treat yo' self.
Gadget Inspector Says: Go-go. Fine-tuned improvements to the existing Kone model make this Roccat's top of the line mouse. Narf!
Roccat Kone Pure Core Performance Gaming Mouse Review
The Kone Pure is a lot like a slightly dumber sidekick, except instead of missing the smarts, it's just doesn't look as good. Pure has the same 8200DPI, the same 576KB of memory, and the same beefy processor, but it lacks the flash and ceremony of a truly diabolical plan. It feels a lot like the Kone XTD, but there are no pretty lights!
Despite that, the texture surface and buttons operate similarly to the XTD, plus you can set your macro presets and Easy-Shift keys just as you would with the XTD. Overall, Kone Pure presents the same excellent options and technology, at only a slightly diminished price.
The Pure form knocks $20 off the asking price, but at $69.99 you might as well spring for the XTD and it's attractive play on the aurora borealis. At $50, this would be a straight buy.
Gadget Inspector Says: No-no. It doesn't take a genius to see that the XTD is a much prettier package, so don't be insane.
MXL AC-404 ProCon USB Conferencing Microphone Review
The AC-404 picks up sound really well, whether you're shouting form the far end of a conference table or packed into a hotel room at E3. It's open design picks up 180 degrees of sound and comes with everything you need to get set up and recording in seconds flat. If you're looking for a versatile solution that doesn't take a lab rat's oversized brain to operate, the AC-404 is an excellent solution.
Despite that, the quality can suffer from this flexibility and other microphones might perform better in controlled environments for audio recordings you plan to rig with a Let's Play video or over-the-net podcast. Do your research before buying so you know if the AC-404 will play well with what you're trying to do.
Gadget Inspector says: So-So. Poit!
That's it for this week's episode, folks. Stay tuned for more Gadget Inspector!
Have any gadgets you want to see reviewed here? Let us know, and we'll get them…
