Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n50 10-Button | 
| Brand: Belkin
Buy New: $34.99
Rating:  27 reviews
Platforms: Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 95
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Operating System: Windows 2000
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.2
Dimensions (in): 11.3 x 9.8 x 2.9
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
MPN: F8GFPC001
Model: F8GFPC001
UPC: 722868332702
EAN: 0722868366387
ASIN: B00005U2DX
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Box a little smushed, contents inside new
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| Features:
| • | Adjustable ergonomic gaming device with 56 programmable functions | | • | 10 programmable keypad action buttons | | • | Programmable 8-way directional pad | | • | Throttle wheel | | • | Intuitive and easy to use with low learning curve |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The n50 SpeedPad is the first gaming device of its kind, a completely new gaming tool that transcends conventional categories such as game pads, joysticks, etc. The SpeedPad can best be described as a combination keyboard and game pad. The 10 keys on the n50 act as keys on a keyboard with the advantage of being easily accessible and intuitively configured. The n50 also has an eight-way directional pad, much like the d-pad on a standard game pad. It's an innovative, multipurpose tool that will lift your gaming experience to a whole new level.Sophisticated, cutting edge software and drivers lets you use the SpeedPad in combination with the n30 Gaming Mouse for excellent control in any keyboard-based game. Also it works with any other mouse. This adjustable ergonomic gaming device with 56 programmable functions is intuitive and easy to use with very low learning curve.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 22 more reviews...
 Glad I didn't pay much for it. (2 and a half stars if I could) May 14, 2007
Gamer (Debary, Fl.)
Once set-up is better than using the full keyboard at times. Set-up is tricky. Trouble using with new game so just using keyboard till I want to try again. Maybe opt to by the newer version and commit to the time it takes to get set up. Problems with the software recognizing it's own profile style ,from with I made and saved in its folder, for a game I was playing. Ended up reloading the software. OK if you like toys and don't mind spending the time to set-up. Not sure I game any better with it.
Great item, especially with the right programs March 25, 2007
C. Kira (Miami, FL USA)
I've had this device since I started FFXI, and now use it on a variety of games. I'm now at the point where I can't imagine MMORPGs without it.
I bought it long in the cycle, and I'm using Windows x64, so the drivers on the cd that came with it are totally useless. However, there are programs like Total Game Control from Digital Transforms (a shareware product that you'll have to find using an online search) that allow you to let the pad work properly in any Windows version, including Vista. This was a major time saver.
I simply configure the keys for whatever program I want and go from there. You can even bind things like Winamp and WMP hot-commands to make it easier to flop music while in your favorite game. The shift wheel is about the only part of the device that isn't ideal, as it tends to get shifted by stray movement.
I haven't tried the n52, which I've heard is an even better product, but if you can pick this up on the cheap somewhere, I think it's well worth it with the program I mentioned before.
Great device for its price March 23, 2007
M. Boulerice
I bought one of these mainly for playing World Of Warcraft. It puts your 10 button spellbar in a much more acessable position. I have seen my speed in getting a spellchain off improve greatly increase comparedto using the default keybindings. Additionally it is a more comfortable position than keeping your hand on the keyboard, as the device fits the curve of my hand perfectly. If you game alot this also reduces the wear on your keyboard.
Does take a little time to adjust to, about a day and a half in my case.
 This product is awesome for work February 16, 2007
Wayden Enciso (Socal, USA)
This product is awesome for work. I use each button for a certain macro and especially that alt tab macro is useful when your reading news and you hear a rumbling from behind. Beware, once you start using it you want to punch everyone elses computer that doesn't have it in the face with brass knuckles.
May Not Improve Your Play But Will Save Your Wrist April 28, 2006
K. Parmalee (Atlanta GA USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
As someone who has gone to bed at night with their left hand stuck in the "fighting crane" position, I can say this device might save you from arthritis (hope the FDA doesn't sue me for touting the pad as having "medical benefits"...). As a bonus, it might make you a better player too.
As others have said, you can map the various inputs (keys, d-pad) to single keys or key combos. You can also allocate some of the keys as "function" keys (nostromo uses red, green, and blue to denote different function levels) to expand the range of available mappings (for instance you can have 10 normal keys, or 9 normal and 9 "red" keys, or 8 normal, 8 "red", and 8 "green", etc.)
That said, its' two main flaws are the d-pad, in both feel and durability (the n52 improves on both) and that it has been generally deprecated by the n52.
Others might say that a well-mapped standard keyboard negates the need for a specialized keypad. I would agree to a point. For me, the n50 brings comfort and minimizes errors in key usage during games, which helps in keeping one's focus on mastering the enemy.
I have since gone over to the n52, but bought a new n50 just in case. I recommend the n50 to those curious as to what a keypad can do without shelling out for an n52. And for some, it may be all you need.
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