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| via BargainPDA |
In its weird collapse state, the Chainpus BGP-100 Bluetooth gamepad doesn’t look like it amounts to much. Unfolded, its grotesque features might even put some people off gaming. Its flippers rotate together and click at full extension, although I question the wisdom of having a gamepad that’s Transformer-like in nature. Traditionalists will definitely balk at this offering, as they will not mind sacrificing a wee bit of portability for some beauty.
One of the major advantages of its form factor would be the ability for the gamepad to hold a mobile device between its flippers. Its general grip does quite a decent job, but it suits smartphones and a select few PocketPCs at the moment to a tee. It is compatible with Bluetooth enabled devices running on Windows Mobile (PocketPC and smartphone editions), Symbian UIQ, and Symbian Series 60 platforms. Unfortunately for PalmOS users, there is no driver available currently.
The Chainpus BGP-100 runs on a single AAA battery and can last around 3 hours of continuous use. Build quality is great, although one should always approach hardware with moving mechanisms with greater caution.
Pros:
• Better gaming controls than most devices
• Compact design
• Can be used as BT remote
Cons:
• No Palm OS support
• Some buttons can be awkward
• Doesn’t fit many handhelds
• Eats batteries
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