Name:  - X45 Digital Joystick and Throttle
Saitek Description:
The new X45 Throttle and Stick combination promises to give you the most realistic flying experience ever. The Throttle and Stick come in two separate units - giving you the ideal flying position - and they are laden with features to keep your hands off the keyboard during complicated manoeuvres. The X45 combines stunning looks, an advanced feature set and virtually unlimited programmability thanks to Saitek Gaming Extensions (SGE), the advanced software interface from Saitek. The sculptured design and fingertip control allow hours of fatigue-free game play - and as the X45 is one of the most solidly built controllers on the market today, it won't let you down. So the next time you take to the skies, be sure to come fully equipped with the X45, the world's most advanced Flight Control System.
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10/14/2001 - Every manufacturer sooner or later finds themselves with a good product and good feedback from their customers. When Saitek got their feedback, they acted on it swiftly… and we (the customers) are the benefactors.
This package is basically Saitek's new version of the X36 Flight System - along with some great enhancements.
You could basically read my X36 review, and add my favorite new highlights: lighting on several of the buttons and an excellent 'on controller' graphical template that easily identifies which button is named what. One of the most confusing things about sophisticated controllers, is when you get ready to program a function to a specific button - you can never remember what button they named what. Saitek has solved that problem with their latest enhancement!
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Improvements to a Winner
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89
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| First Impression |
Saitek lifted the excitement level with an even better looking controller. The new enhancements were even more inviting than the X36.
Included in the package is a flight controller, throttle controller, optional use skid pads, software installation CD, technical support stickers, and instructional manual. Well done!! |
9.8
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| Software Installation |
The software was easy to install, and I didn't experience any problems. The installation CD takes you by the hand, and lets you know when to plug in the controller. And for those of us that at least like to glance at something in writing while plopping in the CD, the manual is detailed and makes the installation easy. |
8.5
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| Software Controller Interface |
If you are familiar with Saitek's latest controller interface, then you will be like me and not notice anything different (which I find nice when you get used to a particular company).
The configuration software for this system is designed to be very intuitive… just remember not to be scared to click on something when you see it. As long as you look around and click, the controls are easy to configure.
This interface gets a big thumbs up for a plethora of configuration options, to go with the controller's robust hardware options. This combination of controller options and extensive software interface delivers the goods to allow you to do nearly anything you can dream up. Specifically, you can program combinations of Actions, button assignments, and DirectX combinations to each hardware option. And when you think you have all of your options configured, you can do them all again - two more times! That's what I'm talkin' about! You have the ability to program all options three times and easily go between the three modes with the mode button found on the throttle control. Anyone who regularly uses flight sims, understands the value of being able to assign all of the actions you need. |
8.5
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| Game Included |
None. I have a hard time penalizing this controller for not having a game. It is a specialty controller, targeted at flight sims and there has to be a flight sim out there somewhere to ship with this game. However, if the idea is to keep the cost to the barest minimum to make sure as many people can enjoy it as possible… then I'll have to settle with an even score. |
5.0
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| Help Instructions |
The paper help manual is basic, but inclusive enough. When you need more details you will have to defer to the CD. The help file contained on the CD is adequate enough to get you where you need to go, and if you have been reading the review, you noticed that the system comes with an intuitive controller interface. I would like to see more pictures and details in the paper manual, but basing the review on today's standards - what they did was acceptable. This category has improved since the X36. |
8.4
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| Comfort |
I said 'wow' about the X35T throttle control - and the new throttle control warrants an equal reaction. The new controller combination feels great together.
They maintained the plethora of buttons in just the right spot. All of the hats had a nice 'clicky' feel, and the rotor knobs had 'dead center' feeling areas to help you easily find the center of the rotor action. Each of the buttons nicely 'clicked' and stayed clicked, and I didn't experience any 'sticky' buttons if the buttons weren't suppose to stay put. |
9.8
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| Construction (Quality) |
In my opinion, Saitek offers it's best quality with this controller package. This package can proudly stand by any like package and be a formidable option. |
9.8
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| Looks |
I still think they nailed the design of this controller combination. The launch flipper found on the flight controller, was cute and effective. If you keep the flipper up during your flight - it stays up until you need it - preventing premature missile launching.
The looks set up the entire experience, and if you haven't figured it out yet - the experience is incredible! |
9.9
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| Value (price for what you get) |
When you compare the price and quality of this product to any out there, you see why it is among the best values on the market. |
9.8
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| Recommend to Others |
The enhancements Saitek made to this product show their commitment to making a good controller that can compete in the market place. If you have made a judgement about Saitek for some of their more 'competitively priced' products, you need to take a new close look at this controller before you purchase. |
9.5
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
LAZ
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Saitek maintains it's standard 1 year warranty - but I would like to see them increase the warranty on this obviously higher end solution.
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Get a good helicopter game that will demonstrate what this baby can do!
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Add pictures to your help file, and integrate it into the software configuration.
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I am still waiting for your force feedback version, for the ultimate experience.
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