At least I am between the new ones (more expansive but with warranty and maybe something else...) and the old ones (chipper but with some risk).
NEW
1) Millennium Chess Genius Pro
150 euros
ELO 2250
20cm
2) Mephisto Explorer Pro (2008)
150 euro
ELO 2000
20 cm
OLD
1) Saitek Kasparov Cougar
80 euro
ELO 2000
20cm
2) Saitek Kasparov Virtuoso
50 euro
ELO 2000
20cm
Wooden***
3) Saitek Kasparov Turbo Advanced Trainer[/url]
80 euro
ELO 2000
20 cm
What do you think?
What do you suggest?
The Kasparov Virtuoso is very small, but has nice wooden pieces and a wooden frame. For €50 it's a steal (I've seen them being sold for €150).
There's a problem in the lack of display (in general in the computer chessboards and in particular in the "Virtuoso")?
Thanks
Well, a few months ago I was in the same boat as you right now > tired of screens and wasting my time waiting for moves played by those who where already lost (a full Queen down, for example)... So I've bought The King Performance (Millennium)! Nice wooden - like board, with wooden pieces...and the program definitely plays human - like. You have also the options to adjust it's strength and playing style... Maximum ELO = 2450 - isch. Still way to strong for 98% of all chessplayers (myself included).
Long story short: highly recommended, if you want to spend 350 euro...
Well, a few months ago I was in the same boat as you right now > tired of screens and wasting my time waiting for moves played by those who where already lost (a full Queen down, for example)... So I've bought The King Performance (Millennium)! Nice wooden - like board, with wooden pieces...and the program definitely plays human - like. You have also the options to adjust it's strength and playing style... Maximum ELO = 2450 - isch. Still way to strong for 98% of all chessplayers (myself included).
Long story short: highly recommended, if you want to spend 350 euro...
Thanks for sharing your choice.
For me 350€, now, it's to much.
As new I could afford only the Millennium Genius Pro (220 Elo) at 150€
Ok, but between the Cougar (1998) and the Genius Pro (new), except the pressure sensory, there are some differences?
The new Genius Pro or your Mephisto Explore Pro does they have anything better compared to the Cougar?
Hi, the "Virtuoso" owner decided not to sell anymore.
The Kasparov Cougar's owner sent me some video to show me the chessboard functioning:
Everything seems to be working fine: what do you think?
We can do a Whats App video calls where I can ask him to show me something more.
I check on "The spacious's mind" and it's quite similar to the "Mephisto Explorer Pro", even if it's 10 years older.
I can get it for 80€ (shipping included).
What do you think?
Thanks
The only problem is the battery side: it works with 6 x R14. I should buy rechargeable batteries and charger: 45/50 € more.
Total price 130€
Maybe I should buy a new “Mephisto Explore Pro” fo 150€ that works with 3 x AA batteries that I already have (included charger).
The functioning of the Mephisto Explore Pro with batteries is the same as with the power adapter?
I ask this because I found here (https://www.chesshouse.com/collections/advanced-chess-computers/products/millennium-chess-computer-chess-genius-pro) that “The battery operation is fine, however the playing time rates well below that of the previous model.”
What do you think?
FYI, a broken link on the Chesshouse link above.
Link fixed
A problem that I had not calculated is the battery, as I would also like to use it outside.
The Saitek Cougar that I would be about to take, works with 1.5 torches: very expensive if rechargeable. I would therefore be forced to buy a powerbank with a 9V output which costs about € 30/40 and in total I would reach € 140.
At this point, however, perhaps I should take a new one, the "Mephisto explorer Pro which costs € 150 new and which works with simple AA bbattery (and I hope also with rechargeable ones, although according to some the rechargeable ones have less power and do not lend to computerized chessboards).
What do you tou think?
If you don't want to spend much, you'd be better off with an older Saitek Centurion, Mephisto Explorer, or a Mephisto Chess Academy...
I hadn't thought about the problem of using it away from home: I would like a chessboard that I can use while traveling: rechargeable (like a mobile device), or to be used with rechargeable batteries (if they have sufficient power) or with a power bank (risking, however, spend a lot)
In conclusion, I am looking for a chessboard that:
1) has a level of at least 2000 Elo (i think 1800 is too low, but I'm not sure: thanks if you confirm me )
2) allows me to play even outside the home (built-in batteries like in mobile devices, rechargeable batteries,)
3) it allows me to learn (I have been playing for many years, even with experienced players, but I have never read a book or followed a course)
I bought a Mephisto Explorer Pro a couple of months ago, and it's nice: good engine, very sensitive board, and you can store the pieces in the frame.
Thanks for the explanation and for the eBay link.
How it works without power? Can i use it with rechargeable batteries?
I am tempted to get the Millennium Chess Genius Pro...
I realize that, as someone pointed out to me, it is "plastic" but:
1) it seems to me that it has a fairly high level (2200 ELO)
2) has various learning possibilities
3) there is a small screen which, although not essential, is still comfortable
4) uses AA batteries (1.5V rechargeable for 23 € - very cheap non-rechargeable)
5) on Amazon is 225 € (shipping included and 12 months financing from 18 € per month).
To buy or not to buy that is the "chess"...question...
Which one did you get finally ?
The Saitek Centurion (later sold as the Mephisto/Saitek Chess Challenger, which has the same engine and design except that it's black) is only marginally weaker, but can usually be had for €40-60. It's not big, but the pressure sensory board works great, and it has a big LCD display.
First of all: thanks!!
There are some chessboard with different names even if they are the same.
When you talk about "The Saitek Centurion (later sold as the Mephisto/Saitek Chess Challenger, which has the same engine and design except that it's black)" do you mean the Saitek Kasparov Turbo Advanced Trainer ?