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We tested the Massworks ID-75
using both Windows 2000 and Windows Millennium. Installation of the
ID-75 under Windows Millennium went very smoothly, we did
not have any problems whatsoever. Installing under Windows
2000 was a different story though. Once we installed the
included software and drivers, and re-started the test
machine, we were prompted with the expected "New Hardware Found" dialog
box, but the drivers were not automatically installed. We
had to manually browse to the folder where .INFs are stored
under Windows 2000. Uncompressed copies of the drivers are
not included on the driver CD, so once the hardware was
installed, we had to hunt the driver files down ourselves.
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Installation and Setup |
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Some good...Some
not-so good... |
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With the software
and drivers completely installed, and the ID-75 connected to
your PC, accessing the configuration software is only a
click away...
An icon is placed in your system
tray that gives you quick access to the ID-75's main
features. Users can activate and deactivate layouts, setup
application tracking or load a specific layout. By
deactivating layouts, the ID-75 is basically disabled, and
will sit idle until reactivated. Application tracking does
exactly that...tracks applications and loads a specified
layout. Application tracking is great because it eliminates
the need for any intervention once a user assigns a
particular layout to a particular application. For example,
when PowerDVD is launched, the PowerDVD layout will
automatically open and the ID-75 is ready to use. Once the
initial setup is done, the ID-75 integrates seamlessly with
any application. Users can also assign a default layout that
will be displayed when their machine first boots. We set our
ID-75 to load a custom layout we designed with links to our
favorite websites on one side, and our most commonly used
applications on the other. Without having to touch our
keyboard or mouse, we can open our browser and read our
favorite sites, and launch Outlook to check our
e-mail...it's great!
Creating your own layouts is done using the supplied
software...
Although the layout software
looks fairly simple, it is very powerful and unfortunately
not terribly intuitive. Novice users may have to
overcome a fairly steep learning curve, while more "savvy"
users should be able to figure things out with a bit of
trial and error. Given the virtually limitless
possibilities provided by the ID-75 and it's layout
software, we would have hoped for some detailed
documentation, or at least some sort of electronic tutorial,
but there was none included. Hopefully Massworks will
rectify this in the future. With the layout software
you technically have control over every bit of "real estate"
on the ID-75's screen. Users may import bitmaps, and
assign an action when the bitmap is touched. The
actions can be anything from a simple keystroke to complex
macros (Including launching applications, playing
sounds...etc.) Although the ID-75 is being marketed as a game
controller, it really has virtually unlimited functionality.
A
quick trip to the forums on the Massworks web site will show
the number of unique projects currently in the works.
While working on this review, Massworks also released a beta
display driver for Windows 2000 users that allows the ID-75
to act as an extended desktop. Imagine playing games
on your monitor while keeping track of e-mails or your ICQ
list on the ID-75's display. Linux drivers are also
available, as well as examples on how to directly access the
ID-75 using Visual Basic or C++. The ID-75 has an open
architecture. The folks at Massworks continually work
with individuals trying to help them specialize their
ID-75...browse their forum and you'll see what I mean...
Aside from the layout software,
the ID-75 also ships with about 20 pre-made layouts for many
"top" games and utilities.
The above layouts are for Black & White,
PowerDVD, Quake 3 and Unreal Tournament. We tested the
ID-75 with all of these titles with mixed results. For
"slower" paced games like Black & White, or when using the
ID-75 with PowerDVD, it is an excellent edition. Just
touch the screen in the appropriate spot and bingo...your
game / application does what it's supposed to. We
found using the ID-75 during heavy action in Quake 3 or
Unreal Tournament counterproductive though. It's much
easier and more convenient to scroll through weapons with a
mouse-wheel or keyboard, rather than removing your hand from
the keyboard to touch the
ID-75. This was only be the case with "fast paced"
action games though. With simulators, strategy games,
"slower" games and applications, the ID-75 is definitely an
excellent tool.
We had a tough time taking clear shots of the
ID-75 while in use, but the two pictures below show the
included "Favorites" and Serious Sam layouts...
I'll be bugging the crew at Massworks to get
HotHardware added to their included "Favorites" layout,
we'll let you know how we make out! :)
When all was said and done, I
must admit that using the Massworks ID-75 was definitely a
pleasurable experience. Having the ID-75 alongside my
keyboard while working and being able to simply tap the
screen to open another application, or check my e-mail was
very convenient, not to mention very cool! The only
things I can honestly hold against the ID-75 are it's less
than perfect installation under Windows 2000, and the
price...a hefty $299US. If you think of the ID-75
strictly as a game controller, it is impossible to justify
the cost unless you have an unlimited budget (and a hardware
addiction). If you consider the number of
possibilities available to you by simply having piece of
hardware on your desktop, the price becomes a bit more
palatable though. The Massworks ID-75 functioned
exactly as it should, and it definitely the type of "gadget"
a hardcore gamer or true PC enthusiast would love. We
give the Massworks ID-75 a HotHardware Heat Meter rating
of...
You think you
know your hardware?
Then get into the Forum and Strut your Stuff!
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