The Saitek Expert Chess Computer Review
The Expert from Saitek is the strongest in computer chess the company makes, and has the build quality of a quality German car. The peg style machine is superbly crafted and has an ease of use that many other machines (including, sadly, some from the same company) could benefit from. The pegs insert into their female receptors (no sniggering at the back please) and lightly activate a sensor at the bottom to register the move. The machine is very strong at it’s highest setting and can of course be set ‘down’ for us mere mortals to be able to enjoy a reasonable game. The machine is considered a bridge between handheld chess computers and desktop chess computers - it does fit into a large pocket and is portable, but is generally happier on a table top.
Any weak aspects for the machine? Yes - one. Pleeeeease Saitek - listen and change this part of the machine to make it exceptional. The pieces come on a plastic strip that resembles the airfix kits of old - they are each torn off and used as individual pieces, Tacky. Cheap. And not befit for the rest of the excellent product. Metal ones would be superb, or if this isn’t possible, better quality synthetic material could be used. Otherwise - a great product. Generally customers are very happy with this product.
The Saitek website provides the following specification: