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At the recent E3
Expo earlier this year, we had reported that Saitek will be shipping
in quantity a successor to the X-36; aptly named the X-45. So
how does the X-45 work and why exactly is it the quintessential
peripheral for flight simmers everywhere? Let's take a look
:
For the
unfamiliar, the X-45 is a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick)
peripheral. The stick itself features two eight way hats, five fire
buttons which includes a trigger, a pinkie switch and yet another
one of those "missile button" covers. The throttle unit has two
rotary knobs, two three position switches, a micro stick-like
pointing device, a singular button and is complemented with a fully
working pair of rudders. Fire buttons have a positive feel (read :
not mushy) and stick throw is approximately 1.5 inches in radius. It
also has three distinctive detents to denote idle, max military and
reheat (afterburner) positions.
To begin with,
the X-45 does indeed look exactly the same in terms of dimensions as
the X-36. Aside from cosmetic changes outside that features a
different paint scheme and back lit buttons, the look and feel is
identical. There have been subtle changes in this redesign and none
more important that Saitek's very own gaming extension (*.SGE)
incorporated in the very latest build of the programming software.
In a surprising move, Saitek had incorporated a GUI as part of the
new Smart Technology programming interface. Now, instead of
cumbersome attempts at programming your favorite macros and complex
commands, users now can simply highlight the button of choice and
key in the necessary commands. Also featured within the GUI are 3D
models for easier button association and both throttle and stick
controller models can be rotated to assist in your quest for
clarification and definition. Moreover, you can print out your
profiles for reference as well as export them and many such files
can be found @ Ron Hunt's most excellent Saitek Help site should
you be in need of looking for a specific profile. Should you decide
to leave the settings to default, the buttons work as part of the
DirectInput API and can be mapped via software in some
simulations.
Installation was
a snap - with a USB interface, one is guaranteed compatibility with
all machines equipped with USB ports - Macs included. Note here that
you can only use first-tier USB ports; i.e. one of the two
main ports on the system and not any of the second-tier ones found
in USB hubs or mainboard extensions. Prior to hooking up the
peripherals, the software has to be installed first or the result
will be an exercise in futility. Within minutes, we were up and
running and well underway in the process of breaking in the set. One
point of contention here is that manual was EXTREMELY poorly
written. It hardly any information that pertains to the
programming aspects of the software let alone any figures / pictures
that aided you in the application process. Much was left to be
desired and newcomers may feel a little left out in this department.
Then again, with sites like Saitek Help, one isn't very far
away from an answer or solution.
In our varied
tests, the X-45 worked flawlessly (after the programming aspects
were resolved) in Typhoon, Xtreme Air Racing, IL-2
Sturmovik, FS 2000 / 2002, Falcon 4 and Flanker
2.0. At no time did any of the bases tip in the furious action
that ensued - and even at the highest friction levels, the supplied
suction cups provided a firm plant onto the glass table top. It
should also be mentioned that this is probably the best rendition to
date that Saitek has produced and has personally brought me back to
a heightened level of enthusiasm for older, more complex
simulations. For those without a complete HOTAS or just looking for
a good, affordable solution, the choice is
obvious.
As mentioned
earlier, the controllers feel exactly the same as the X-36. Saitek
had listened to initial feedback and the result had some impact on
the X-45s. Grips are now rubberized and a friction screw can be
found on the underside of the throttle to suit the various assorted
needs of any simmer. In listening to complaints about how the
tension on the X-36 stick itself was too heavy, Saitek had eased the
return springs (to the dismay of this reviewer) and although it
works flawlessly, one would wish they had given the option to
tighten the tension springs as well. Aside from that, there isn't
any more to gripe about. The limits of the peripherals and Smart
Technology software are only as good as the consumers'
imagination. For the price to performance ratio, the Saitek X-45
does indeed fit the bill well. Considering the X-45 does 90% of
what the leading competition can do - but at about 27% of the cost,
it would be the obvious choice for novice simmers. At only USD$79.90
and still cheaper than the X-36, the X-45 can certainly do anything
one can dream up - in the simulation world at
least.
- De
Janitor
Rating :
4.5 Outta 5.0 Arcs ... 
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