Killer Tech from GamePro Labs!
- March 14, 2008 14:46 PM PST
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Think it's all just fun and games here at GamePro? Nope, we get to test out some awesome hardware too. This week, we take a look at the Nyko Wii Net Connect, the Razer Mako 2.1 Speaker System, and the Drumshhh! drum kit.
Nyko Wii Net Connect
www.nyko.com
MSRP: $24.99
Getting your Wii online isn't always easy. Getting your wireless connection to play nice with your console can lead to headaches not the mention the fact that some gamers are stuck with a regular old fashioned wired connection. So does that mean you have to miss out on all the sweet online gaming action and old school Virtual Console titles? Not if you get your hands on the Net Connect. This handy device lets you hook your Wii up to a wired Ethernet cable, eliminating the hassle of dealing with the Wii's sometimes fussy wireless connection.
It's simple to use and it works as advertised: you simply hook the USB connector into the Wii, plug your Ethernet cable into the other end and have your Wii look for the connection. The only sticking point is the price-twenty-five bucks is somewhat steep-as well as the fact that you'll have yet another wire running around your living room but if you hate fuddling with the wireless connection or you only have a wired network, the Net Connect is an easy way to get your Wii online.
PROS: Easy as pie setup. No need to mess about with complicated settings.CONS: A tad on the pricey side. Unit sticks out a little when connected.
Fun Factor: 4.25
Razer Mako 2.1 Speaker System
www.razerzone.com
MSRP: $399.00
People tend to overuse the word 'best' when describing things. We're guilty of it too but we really hope you will believe us when we tell you that the Razer Mako speaker system is the best set of 2.1 speakers we have ever tested. That's not just hyperbole, people, it's the truth.
With a slick and attractive design, the Mako looks great, but it's audio performance is where it really shines. Its downfiring satellites and hefty subwoofer combine for 300-watts of room shaking power. We threw a bevy of games, movies and music at it and it handled it all like Andre the Giant taking on a pack of five year olds. We also loved that the system accepts RCA inputs, which means you can, and should, hook it up to your home entertainment system. Your game consoles, DVD player and CD system will thank you for it.
The only grumbles we had were with the expensive price and the speaker wires, which were thick and hard to manage; the touch sensitive control pod is also slick but a little finicky. Oh, and because it's a 2.1 system, you won't get a true surround sound experience but those are tiny little flaws on what is otherwise an incredible sound system. If you're in the market for a set of gaming speakers, you owe it to yourself to put the Mako right at the top of your shopping list.
PROS: Amazing audio performance combined with an attractive design.CONS: It's not cheap by any means; speaker wires can be unruly; control pod can be fickle.
Fun Factor: 4.75
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Drumshhh!
www.drumshhh.com
Price Varies
We love Rock Band but we hate that the drum kit is so freaking loud, especially when they're being played by some of the ham-handed members of the GamePro staff. We tried everything, including wrapping the drum sticks in paper towels to try and dull the noise but nothing proved successful.
So we were pretty excited when the Drumshhh! pads came in for testing. They're basically felt pads with adhesive backings that you put over your Rock Band drum kit to insulate against the noise. Installation's a snap you just take off the backing, place them on the four pads and push down and you can easily peel them off later if you want to.
We put the Drumshhh! through some marathon sessions and found that, while they don't completely eliminate the noise, they lessen the ruckus noticeably. We also didn't notice any negative impact on performance, which would have rendered the product useless. The basic pads are only about fifteen bucks and while you could go to a fabric store and roll your own, the Drumshhh! pads are still a worthy investment if you are a hardcore Rock Band player.
PROS: Easy installation. Pads do an adequate job of reducing drum kit noise. Can be removed later if needed.CONS: They don't completely eliminate the noise. The fancier sets are pricey.
Fun Factor: 4.25
