September 09, 2008

Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel



Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel
A racing wheel that feels like the real thing

WHEN YOU SEE the Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel, you might wonder if it were ripped out of a real Porsche. This licensed replica for Windows PCs and the PlayStation 3 both looks and feels the part, with solid construction and very precise control. But quality comes at a steep price: When you finish paying for this $349.95 gadget, you might feel like you've just walked out of a Porsche showroom.
The leather-wrapped wheel connects to your PC or PS3 wirelessly, using an included USB dongle. You can clamp the controler to a desk, mount it on your lap, or, if you're a true racing fanatic, screw it onto your replica racing cockpit. Two gearshifts-a sequential shifter and an H-pattern 6+1 shifter-are included.
Unfoortunately, the setup isn't completely wireless: You must plug the wheel into a wall outlet, as the force-feedback motors use to omuch juice for battery power.
The feel is fantastic, however, with an excellent force-feedback design replicating the resistance-and the vibrational feedback-you face when racing. THe feedback is so great that the wheel begs to be clamped to a table. The "wings" on the lap mount aren't quite as big as they should be to impart real stability.
The pedals don't feel as solid as the wheel, but they include a clutch in addition to gas and brake, and they can run off batteries for wireless operation. You can also use an included cable to power them from the wheel. -Denny Atkin
source: Computer Price September 2008.
www.fanatec.de

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