DGT Centaur chess computer brief review

A bizarre element of the design of the Centaur is that DGT for whatever reason decided not to cover the bottom of the machine, leaving the field sensors visible and potentially susceptible to damage:

I have also just bought the DGT Centaur.  I have a collection of chess computers ranging in age and strength - nearly all attained via charity shops.

I suspect the problems you are having with your Centaur may have more to do with your unfamiliarity with move inputs when making moves on a chess computer than the computer itself.  In terms of enpassant capture, you have to move your pawn diagonally first then remove the computer's pawn second.  (remember that enpassant can only be made in the replying move and not the next or later moves). If you remove the captured piece first in any capture the computer will correctly think that either you are trying to take a move back or that you you are trying to move the same side consecutively.  All chess computer work this way and factually, it is how you would move your chessmen and pawns in a tournament given you are only allowed to use one hand to make your move and press your chess clock button.  Additionally, if in a tournament you move your opponent's piece first it would be considered an illegal touch move.  Thus the computer is in fact correct to insist this move order when conducting a move for you or the computer.

Another thing to note is that when castling, it is imperative that you move your king first and then your rook.  This applies both on the computer chess board and in a tournament.  If you moved your rook first you have made a rook move that, if you let your rook go would have to stand,  If you still have hold of your rook, you can put your rook back but in a tournament, under touch rules, you have to move the rook and no other piece.  Chess computers in this instance play under friendly rules as they allow you to move any other piece instead.

A side note is that when setting up a position, if you want castling rights, you must NOT clear the board first, then place your king and rooks on the board.  The computer will count them as having moved and will not allow castling.  Therefore, if you want castling rights, you must set up a New Game position, enter set up mode and leave your kings and rooks alone that you want castling rights for.  This applies to all stand-alone chess computers I have used.

I have not experience any problems with my Centaur making moves and captures which is why I make this post because occasionally I come across folk who who blame the chess computer because they are not understanding the strict move inputs the computer requires.

Given the centaur uses standard chess computer move inputs, if you are still having problems I would recommend you search a chess computer manual online such as the Millennium 2000 which has a more in depth user guide than the Centaur.  Just remember you don't need to press down on the squares with the Centaur. 

I have a question about the Centaur's battery. When it comes to its end of life cycle, how easy is it to replace it ? Could you continue using it with its AC adapter/charger? Is it a common type you can find easily and replace on your own ? I'm considering buying the Centaur, but I'm concerned about having to send it back to the manufacturer (or wherever) just for a battery replacement. Thx in advance for any feedback