So, Steven, Should I....?

[JonP01]

Yes, that is a huge problem with it and I made mention of that sortcoming in another thread. I should also point out that Novag have used the Beryl name on a few machines now, but only the Star Beryl appears to have the newer 4K program. All the others (Beryl, Beryl Plus) appear to be earlier versions with the weaker program.

[Steve B]

I have Beryl and for me it gives good matches, but that doesn't say too much.
But I don't like it of another reason. It has only a display for the chess moves and that is ok for me.
But:
The display isn't seen from where you are, when you are playing. You must lean forward over the computer to see what the display says. Very uncomfortable. I can’t recommend the chess computer.

Georg

hi Georg

hmmm
i did not know that
very awkward
thanks for your input

Vacillating Regards
Steve

[JonP01]

Hi Steve,

The problem is actually even worse than you may realise. It's not just the silly alignment of the display (as Georg, says, you have to lean forward to see what it says), but it's also the angle at which you need to view it in order to obtain the correct contrast of the LCD characters against the background. For some reason, Novag displays exhibit this extreme sensitivity to viewing angle, but the Saitek ones do not.

Basically these two issues with the Beryl display are in complete conflict with each other - if you look at the display at a perpendicular angle, you might be able to see all the characters, but the contrast is extremely low. And if you look at a steeper angle to obtain the correct contrast, the edges of the characters are obscured - you can't tell the difference, for example, between "E" and "F". Accordingly, you need to reference the position on the board and read off the piece symbol on the display in order to know exactly what you should be doing. Even then I have often pressed down the wrong piece and gotten an error beep.

It's a rediculous design oversight which is why I feel the unit would only appeal to hardcore collectors who appreciate the fact that they possess an extraordinary program. I really don't understand why Novag did not move to fix this - afterall, the Star Beryl is the third iteration of this particular housing, so they have had two chances to resolve the problem. All they had to do was slightly increase the size of the display window and put a bevel around it rather than the straight cut sides that it has now.

As my brother mentioned, perhaps it is better to wait and see if Novag bring the program out in a different / portable housing. I'm thinking "Star Granite"

[Steve B]

Hi Jon,

It's a rediculous design oversight which is why I feel the unit would only appeal to hardcore collectors

now your convincing me again the other way!
the quirkier and buggier a released chess computer the more collectible(but not more playable of course)

As my brother mentioned, perhaps it is better to wait and see if Novag bring the program out in a different / portable housing. I'm thinking "Star Granite"

actually i love the Amber\Granite housing
great to toss in the old briefcase for the commute to work
i still dont know why i never pulled the trigger and acquired the Granite
just getting senile in my old age i guess

Where Am I Now Regards?
Steve

[mclane]

sorry for interrupting you. but look here.

i remember this flyer about "the first CMOS ROM chess computer".
before they used normal ROM and these ate more electricity.
than the new version of Mephisto came out with CMOS rom.

with this version it was possible to change the room without batteries, just because the "machine" used so few energy that the electricity interruption was not important.

of course you had to hurry.
but it worked.

just switch the machine into standbye.
change room.
plug it in and switch back from standbye.


I would like to get Rybka into this machine.
with a fast but cold CPU.

[Steve B]

hi Thor

ahhh yes.. THE Mephisto II in Mephisto II Brikett
a true classic

Those Were the days regards
Steve

[Georg Langrath]

Yes, that is a huge problem with it and I made mention of that sortcoming in another thread. I should also point out that Novag have used the Beryl name on a few machines now, but only the Star Beryl appears to have the newer 4K program. All the others (Beryl, Beryl Plus) appear to be earlier versions with the weaker program.

That is very unlikely to me. Why should they work on getting a 4k program stronger? They don't even work on getting bigger more expensive programs stronger today.
At least my Novag Beryl Plus also finds the "Marshall Levitsky Queen sac" in about 12 seconds. The move that started this discussion of Beryl.

Georg