Saitek has been in business for almost 20 years making the finest stand-alone chess computers. Three years ago Saitek began producing joysticks and gamepads for distribution in europe, and they are slated to go into full North American distribution with the X36 and PC Dash products, beginning in June. Here are estimated prices, US Retail:

• X36Stick + Throttle/rudder controller $150
• X36F programmable stick $99
• X35T Throttle $79
• PC Dash $69

X36 Joystick

The X36 is a fully programmable control stick. Here are the features listed by Saitek:

• High grip finish and advanced low fatigue design for extended play
• Trigger (extended life micro-switched design)
• 4 Fire buttons
• 'Pinkie' switch (can double function of other controls)
• 2 x 8 way hat switches
• Launch button with 'safety' cover
• X & Y axis trimmers
• Pre-programmed for Microsoft Flight Simulator and supplied with set-ups for 12 top games
• Easy to use Windows™ programming interface for customising your own set-ups
• CH Combat stick compatible (excluding throttle) in default mode

For more information, go to the X36 Review

X35 T Throttle/Rudder System

The X35 T is fully programmable when used with Saitek X36F Joystick. Here are the features listed by Saitek:

• High grip finish and low fatigue design for extended play
• Smooth action throttle with 4 detent positions (analog or digital*)
• Rudder control (analog or digital*)
• Mouse control* plus selector button (programmable as 2nd 8 way hat switch & fire button)
• 3 position mode switch* (gives up to 3 functions for any other control on X36F of X35T)
• 8 way hat switch*
• 2nd 3 position digital switch*
• 2nd fire button
• 2 rotary controls, also available for progamming when used with the X36F.

For more information, go to the X35T Review

PC Dash

If you're tired of memorising countless key stroke commands, and want instant access to all your games functions - PCDash™ could be the answer.

PCDash™ is a complete game controller in one package. 13 tactile and 35 graphical touch sensitive controls, PCDash™ offers unlimited action. See the picture - Touch the picture - Play the game.

Simply insert the Command Sheet for your chosen game, and PCDash™ configures itself to send the right commands - at the touch of a finger. No more clumsy keystrokes, no more memorising commands, no more pausing the game while you look up the right response, PCDash™ gives you all the controls you need, all at your fingertips, and all represented by easy to recognise graphics.

PC Dash comes complete with a selection of Command Sheets for top games. Leading developers will be bundling Command Sheets free with their games. Additional sheets can be found on our software & support page, or create your own. The easy to use Windows interface allows you to design and programme your own Command Sheets with up to 180 controls per game. But don't restrict yourself to Games, how about a word processor or spreadsheet controller? In fact any programme that accepts keystroke commands can use a PCDash™ Command Sheet.

At present, these sim companies have SDK kits for Saitek products:

• Microprose
• Electronic Arts
• Eidos International
• Interplay
• Activision
• Mission Studios
• Digital Integration

Features

• •Graphical command pad emulates keyboard commands for any PC program
• •keyboard pass-through facility - no need to swap connectors to use main keyboard
• •35 touch sensitive graphical control areas
• •2 tactile fire buttons
• •8 way direction control/view control hat switch
• •3 configurable tactile switches with LED indicators
• •up to 180 different control functions available
• •tactile overlay and audible feedback on switch action for heads-up use
• •bundled with command sheets for 10 top games
• •superb Windows interface for designing your own command sheets
• •print sheets for sharing with friends, or up-load to our web site for sharing with all
• •CD ROM complete with playable game demos
• •stores easily at side of PC
• •adjustable angle
• •programmable keyboard actions include keydown, keyup, auto-repeat, toggle, multiple key combos, multiple strings
• •PCDash™ can be daisy-chained for multi-player games or especially complex games, or for use with Saitek X36 control system

For software updates go to: Saitek