Logitech’s G13 Advanced Gameboard

Logitech G13 Hero ShotWhile many don’t see the Mac as the ideal game platform, it still holds its own against Windows PCs and console systems. Many hardcore gamers love to trick out their systems with beefier graphics cards, extra controllers and special, high-performance input devices, and Mac users are no exception.

Today, we’re looking at Logitech’s G13 advanced gameboard. Our verdict? It makes playing games a little bit cooler.

The Basics

Unboxing and setting up the device was a snap. Unfortunately, this is a wired device, so you will have to give up a USB port. Some might have preferred a wireless solution, but there’s likely too much data going back and forth between the device and the LCD to really be super responsive over Bluetooth, and it would likely be very draining on batteries. Not exactly something that gamers would want to switch out in the middle of World of Warcraft.

System Requirements

  • 256MB RAM
  • 20MB of available hard drive space (according to Logitech, but my install took 140MB)
  • CD-ROM drive
  • USB port
  • GamePanel LCD requires software that supports Logitech’s GamePanel technology. See the list here.

This device is compatible with Windows (XP or Vista) and Mac OS X 10.4 or later (including Snow Leopard, which is the platform I tested it with).

Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard

What Makes It Cool

Unlike a gaming keyboard or gaming mouse that may have special features or extra buttons that can be reserved for gaming purposes, the gameboard is specific for gameplay and works in conjunction with your existing keyboard and mouse. For Mac users, that means you can keep your sleek and stylish Apple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse.

Also unique to this gameboard is customizable backlighting (which is entertaining in and of itself, and great for low light situations) and a unique LCD that can provide you with specific game information (health, stats, etc. if it’s a supported game).

As it is marketed as a gameboard, it’s intended to be used in games instead of your keyboard, and as such is setup for left-hand usage (assuming your right hand is using a mouse or other type of controller).

Something Borrowed, Something Learned

Avid gamers may remark that this is not the first type of gameboard on the market (though the first from Logitech). In fact, this gameboard is similar to other gaming pads such as the Nostromo SpeedPad. Taking the best of the Nostromo and refining it with extra features like the LCD and customizable backlighting, the G13 represents an improvement over the SpeedPad, and a more intuitive and contoured design for longer game-playing. Similar to the SpeedPad, the G13 features an analog stick controller that rests perfectly under your left thumb. This is more comfortable than the SpeedPad’s “DPad” controller, in my opinion.

The Bells & Whistles

The 160×43 pixel LCD really adds a degree of sophistication to the gameboard. Similar to the one built into Logitech’s G15 keyboard, it provides users with important stats like health, ammo, and other game-specific information. I was a bit confused as to why a user would be paying attention to the gameboard for this information instead of viewing it directly on their screen, but perhaps there’s additional value to this that I’m missing. The LCD also supports providing system information (CPU and memory usage) and other add-ons, like a built-in clock. As mentioned earlier, users can completely customize the color of the LCD and backlighting to any color they desire and program the keys to run commands, macros or keystrokes.

The device also supports storing gaming profiles directly on the device. The beauty of loading the profiles onto the device itself is that if you take the gameboard to another computer, all of your functions still work just as you’ve programmed them.

In Use

Setup of the device was quite simple. After plugging it in, I downloaded the latest software from Logitech’s web site (force of habit) and was instantly tricking out the gameboard in a chic turquoise backlight color. Since many hardcore gamers love using their keyboards during games, they may find it a bit of an adjustment to switch to the G13. The device itself is quite compact and very rigid and comfortable to the touch. The stick controller works well for movement in games, however other actions, like jumping or crouching, will require you to use one of the programmable keys to achieve this functionality, and it can be a bit awkward in usage.

Also, old habits die hard, and while you can add functionality to the gamepad, it’s sometimes difficult to adjust to the natural location of keys on your traditional keyboard. In several games, I would instinctively aim for the tab or escape key as if I was still using my keyboard. As such, there is a lot of functionality to the device, but users will need to take time to find the settings that work best for their needs.

Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard

For More Than Just Gamers

What really intrigued me about this device is that it can be configured for more than just casual gaming. Since the keys can be programmed for a variety of tasks, professionals in other markets may find use for it, repurposing it for quick shortcuts for a variety of other uses or applications. While this device is targeted primarily at gamers, the ability to use it outside of games gives me reason to keep this device on my desk even if I’m not battling Greece in Civilization IV.

Retailing at $79.99, some may find this peripheral to be a bit expensive; but come on, that’s less than a MobileMe membership and probably a lot more fun. My final thoughts are that it’s not absolutely necessary for gamers to have this device, but if you’re heavy on your keyboard when you’re switching weapons or pulling up inventory, or any of a bunch of other gaming scenarios, you might find comfort with the G13.

It’s only slightly cheaper than the G15, Logitech’s gaming keyboard. Depending on your needs, that might be a better solution for you. But if your old keyboard is just not cutting it for your gaming needs, look into supplementing it with the G13. Logitech’s G13 is available through most electronic outlets or via Logitech’s online store. If you’ve used the G13, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

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