DGT e-board VS Millennium Chess Computer

I think I need a new chess computer at home. But I can't decide if I should go for DGT e-board with a Raspberry Pi or the new Millennium Chess Computer. It seems that the latter is somewhat smaller in size compared to the standard DGT-boards, but it has lights that indicate the moves on the board. While the DGT e-board is more advanced and can be connected to a computer for online play and other things as well. 

What is your opinion on what is the best tool for home chess training?

In my opinion the better option is the DGT board (also without the Raspberry Pi). You can connect it with any pc with a compatible chess GUI interface software (there are a lot: Arena, Fritz, Lucas, etc.) and play against a lot of engines. Also the DGT is better built. True, it has no leds but you can hear moves from the pc speakers. The Millennium has only one chess engine. It can be connected with a computer only for saving games. 

@OP

I bought a DGT to record OTB games; I've not used it for anything else.  I have 2 problems with it: it is heavy and the pieces are expensive to replace (and kids break and lose them).  Otherwise, it works very well.  But I think those 2 negatives don't apply to you since you are talking about using it at home.

@Jsp74

Maybe it is the environment where you are using the DGT board.  Try placing it away from metal objects.

I have all three smart boards, Millenium Chess Genius , DGT Bluetooth, and square off board. DGT is the best hands down, you dint need to hook up anything and it runs on its own battery. If you want a good value check out the new king performance board coming out this fall, and you have to plug it in for about 340.00 or so. Millenium Chess Genius is nice to but you have to hookup alot to play a game and carrie more hardware. The king has everything built into the board. The square off board not worth it, when you play on line you most likely lose on time it take a little more time for the board to move the other player piece. No manuals or any support and they break to easy. Save your money on this one. Two great apps to use blue tooth Acid ape and Chess for android.

+1 for Certabo. I've had mine 6 months and really enjoy using it. Pietro the owner is very helpful too.

@sound67

I consider the lack of LEDs on the DGT board a plus as it makes the board like just like a normal chessboard; it is also required to meet tournament requirements of minimal equipment distractions.

An addition to the Bluetooth version is a built-in battery, allowing the e-board to function without any type of connection.  And if you bring it to the park, you can use it just like any regular chessboard while it records the moves (or sends them via Bluetooth to some computer or something for realtime analysis).

WRT to announcing moves, the DGT e-board can hook up to Fritz out of the box, and I believe you can ask Fritz (front-end) to say the computer moves.

The DGT e-board is very useful to players who play OTB games.

After reading what I just posted...I sounded like a DGT e-board salesman : )

Rest assured, I am not a supporter of DGT nor are they paying me anything. In fact, for the longest time, I've been trying to produce a $3 competitor e-board to the DGT e-board.

I created a post on the Site Feedback forum requesting Chess.com create a protocol for the ChessLink to allow Millenium Exclusive and Millenium King Performance boards to play OTB with Chess.com.  If you'd like to add your voices of support, here's the link:

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/site-feedback/chess-com-support-for-millenium-exclusive-and-king-performance-via-chesslink

This has been a very helpful thread to me. I'm getting back into chess after a long time away from it. I'm not a very good player, but I have a huge appreciation for the game. I'm looking to get a board I can hook up to my laptop, and I too was looking at the Millennium and DGT bluetooth boards as an option. After reading this thread, I think I'd favour the DGT board. I'm a complete novice when it comes to this technology. How do you hook up the DGT board to your laptop? Do you need any software to connect it, or does it automatically set itself up? Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

The DGT e-board comes with all the software needed (Driver, Rapid Queen, and Fritz 14, maybe now it is a newer version, I got my DGT e-board about 3 years ago) to connect to your laptop.

Thanks fot your help mgx9600. I must admit, I'm a little old school and I'd much prefer to play over the board than on my mobile phone. I'm so happy it looks like Chess.com might be supporting DGT boards in its Beta forum. I've just got to start saving now. I think I'd like the Bluetooth rosewood board with the DGT Pi device. Does anyone know which are the heaviest DGT chess pieces? Would it be timeless, or classic?

I hope the above info helps you. You can find some more details about DGT products here:

http://www.digitalgametechnology.com/index.php/marketing/product-information/398-product-catalog-2019/file

I cannot thank you enough havb 1961. This was exactly the kind of information I was after. I'm new to chess.com/forums, but I've got to say I've been really impressed with the chess community. Everyone is so helpful and welcoming. Thanks again.

You're quite welcome, I'm glad to help

I’d say just wait for Regium board to come out. It makes DGT seems stupid and useless: https://youtu.be/G3WWuHgIwQ0

Totally agree

Rubicon0367, I had never heard of this brand.  It's neat.  With the Pi and "open source" nature of the company, Certabo reminds me of amateur radio products.  (Note they'll give you the files to 3D print your own chess set!)

I get the sense that this product probably requires a little more of a "maker" attitude, when compared to Millenium and DGT (effectively ready to go as a complete product).  For example, you would make your chess pieces "readable" on the board by applying the included stickers (probably RFID tags) to it (or buying a set from the company).

Their software package is interesting.  It seems to overlay on top of the browser and detects the moves based on the website, then transmits to the board's controlling computer (Mac/PC/Pi) to act on the moves.  I'd be interested as to its stability, but this is a very elegant solution, and could be duplicated for nearly each of the electronic chess boards.  It would be interesting to see if Lichess.org (or other sites that don't do well with other electronic boards due to their anti-cheating protocols) works well with this system.

As for "Roms", I'm guessing that they are the computer code used in those older computers, not just the engine.  It's an interesting feature for sure, but this is exactly the type of feature that tells me that this is for a particular customer - one who is willing to play with the open source capabilities.

Sadly I just don't have the time for it, which is why I like products that provide a complete experience without too much additional work.