XBox Solution

There has always been a debate when it comes to FPS games. Is a keyboard and mouse better than a controller? Well, I wish I could answer this and put the debate to rest. The bottom line is if you’re a PC gamer and are used to that set-up, then of course the Xbox controller will take some time to get used to. There are times when you can get a better aim if you had a mouse and keyboard set up. So SmartJoy brought out a device that allows you to use a keyboard and mouse while playing FPS games on your Xbox. It is compact and very simple to set-up and use. The real question remains: is it worth the price? Read on and see in our review of The SmartJoy Frag.

Initial Impressions

The unit comes with a port for a memory card or for use on Xbox live. It also has a card that has all the instructions and how to make adjustments. You may notice from the pictures shown below the device was made for the old-style keyboard and mouse. So if you have a USB keyboard and mouse, you will need to buy adapters, chances are you have a few of the converters lying around already though. I would strongly recommend getting a cord extender as well. The cord is a bit short and depending on where or how you have your gaming system set up, this will come in handy. The unit is small and compact but well-made. Each port is clearly marked for the mouse and the keyboard. Since most people have the habit of buying something and not reading the instructions, I suggest you read them. The unit has several presets for games and can be programmed for any other game as well. It’s meant primarily for FPS games and not for free roaming games or platform titles.

Features

• Connect PC Mouse and Keyboard to your Xbox®
• Specially designed for First Person Shooters
• Supports all keys on Keyboard and Mouse (including Scroll-Wheel)
• Pre-Installed configurations for most FPS Best Sellers
• Fully programmable including advanced features such as Deadzone and Mouse Control Inversion
• Built-in Memory Card slot for compatible peripherals (incl. Headset)
• Works with any game, even without built-in Mouse + Keyboard support
• Compatible with all Xbox® consoles (US, JPN, PAL)
• Compatible with standard PS/2 Mice, incl. USB Mice with USB to PS/2 Adapter
• Compatible with Optical and Wireless Mice
• Controller port cable with inline release
• Also available for PlayStation®2 · Patent Pending

Product Images

Setup / Ease of Use

The unit takes about 2 minutes to set-up and is ready to use. The port fits the communicator perfectly and there is no need to force the headset or memory card in. The hard part is getting used to the presets and adjusting the sensitivity. The designers of the unit thought this out and to adjust this is really easy. I will say the first few times it will take a bit of patience. Just look at the layout card and you can adjust the settings. By default the mouse emulates the right analog stick and the unit can be adjusted for the way you’re used to playing on the PC. You can have the right button on the mouse emulate the right trigger and the left button for the left trigger of the controller. It will be up to you and again with eight presets the system is almost fool proof to use.

Not trying to be a smart guy here, but this is made for the PC gamers out there. No one that is used to using a PC will have trouble adjusting or resetting the commands. Overall, the unit works fine and on certain games will work better than others. This is not the product’s fault. Console games were meant for a console controller. Whenever you use an emulator of any kind, there is going to be certain games that take to it better than others. Just like using a wheel for racing games, for example. Some racing games work well with the wheel while others seem to not respond quite as well. If you have trouble or need more sensitivity, you have a few options on the unit itself or in the game settings.

Overall Score

Overall Score: 8.6/10 [not an average]

Additional Comments

The unit has been praised by many die-hard PC gamers and it does exactly as advertised. It has plenty of instructions and pre-sets and is fully remapable and can save the settings for the game you just programmed. The hardest part for most buyers of this will be using the “Deadzone setting”. Most games have a space or delay by default, with the SmartJoy Frag you can adjust this delay either increasing it or speeding it up. The directions explain it very well and I see no need to go into a lengthy detail of this feature. If you are a die-hard PC gamer who just can’t get the hang of the Xbox controller or it just seems awkward to you, then the $28.90 and the $8-$10 extra for the extension cord will be a wise purchase.

I have to add that this was made for the PC gamer. If are used to using a regular Xbox controller, this product may not be for you. The unit can be purchased through http://www.lik-sang.com. They are a very reputable company and I have bought several items from them in the past. You will spend more on shipping if you want it faster than ground service. They offer great customer service and have been in business for a long time. It’s a nice option for those who need to have a keyboard and mouse to play FPS games.

Related Links

• www.lik-sang.com
• Halo 2 Commands and Information (PDF File)
• Related Forums – Shooters | Halo and Halo 2 | PC Games | Hardware

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