Hi. I'm considering buying a dedicated chess computer. Has anyone any experiences with the Novag Obsidian? I find it the most attractive option right now. Why should/shouldn't I buy it? Any better options? Something around 125€, like the Obsidian, is what I plan to spend.

I could recommend for you if you weren't living in Sweden.  I personally use Hewlett Packard Computers, as they are quite cheap, durable, as well as the fact they have wonderful specs.  I personally would buy that if the cost of importing it was worth it.

Oh, sorry if I wasn't specific enough. When I was referring to a "dedicated chess computer" I meant the kind of equipment that Saitek or Novag offers. Like this (the Obsidian):

/D

The Obsidian seems like a nice machine indeed.  Have you considered the Excalibur Grandmaster?

(http://www.chessbaron.co.uk/chess-CMD2005.htm)

I have seen the Grandmaster. It's just that Novag seems to be better quality. Excalibur has the look of toys in my opinion. The Obsidian comes with wooden pieces which really raises the impression.

Thanks for the tip anyway.

Good point.  The wood pieces on the Obsidian definitely trump the vinyl board on the Grandmaster. 

However you do have to look at Excalibur's higher quality stuff. Who else makes a chess board that moves the physical peices on its own

  True!  But on the down side, have you seen the YouTube videos of that thing?  It's not exactly graceful, but the worst part is all the whirring and grinding.

I'm digging up an old post here.    Did you every purchase the Obsidian and how do you like it?

No I haven't. Still thinking about it though. We'll see.

If I do, I will surely share my impressions here.

I'm looking for a dedicated chess computer now myself, and I'm killing myself trying to decide between the Obsidian and the Mephisto Master from Saitek.  It's an epic battle of stronger (Mephisto Master) vs. just all-around nicer (Obsidian).  (The Obsidian is also a bit less expensive.)  One (non-vendor) source rates the Obsidian at about 1970 Elo and the Master at 2100.  Apart from that, there are a few minor feature differences that don't amount to much.

If you've got first-hand experience with either or both of these, I'd love to hear what you think.