Hands-on: Logitech's Rumblepad 2

The last gadget that my brother bought along with the other two, that I previously mentioned before; is Logitech's Rumblepad 2.

Since he loves to play games such as Oblivion 2, the Simpson, Sam & Max, and some racing games; he's long for using a game-pad after abandoned his PS3 console. So, lucky for me and you; this is a good chance to take a closer look of Rumblepad 2.

Especially when my brother also love to take pictures of his gadgets, and made animation out of them. Like what you can see at the left animated pictures, is the opening process of the Rumblepad 2. Some of the thumbnail pictures can be clicked to view them larger, no need to squint your eyes.

Inside the plastic package, there isn't much to be found besides the usual basic stuffs. There is the main unit itself, one USB transmitter, two AA batteries, one mini CD driver installation, and one small user manual. When we opened it up, well actually it's my brother who opened it and I was only watching from behind ;-p, we're surprised by how compact is the small plastic package inside.

And by small, I mean very tight and close together. Everything is placed so neat in that small space, like you can see it yourself at the right animated picture. Made us feel sorry to cracked it open... ~LOL~

Head on to the features, I can't say much besides like what are said in its manual:

• Dual Vibration Feedback Motors: Feel all the hits, crashes, explosions, and effects.
• 2.4 GHz Wireless with 30-foot Range: tested and it's indeed pretty far.
• 10 Programmable Buttons: nice feeling when pushed.
• Dual Analog Control: smooth 360° control with good spring feedback.
• Familiar Layout: 8-way D-pad, plus Mode and Vibration selectors.
• Finishing: plastic rubber with black matte finish.
• Construction: light weight & high durability

Oh, and yes. It is a wireless game-pad, thus allow my brother to use it far away from his 17" LCD monitor while playing games. Quite of an experience, when I tried it myself.

Back to the main unit, the Rumblepad 2 offers ease of use when my hands are gripping on both of its palm rests. At first I thought the black matte colored paint will make it slippery, but in fact it's the opposite. And its weight also make it feels sturdy when in use, overall it assures you of Logitech's famous reputation for making mobile devices.

One thing that might be missed in most of the reviews I read on the net, this Rumblepad 2 is able to save power when not in use. It will only try to find signal that match with the USB transmitter, when you push one of its many buttons. An important and yet often neglected feature for mobile devices. Well, you don't want to ran out of battery juice when you're about to enter a crucial level in the game, right?

And for the last words, I'd like to give advice to you who're going to buy any of Logitech's products. When my brother opened this Rumblepad 2, he had hard times trying just to find a crack to cut it open. And the plastic packaging is really-really hard, not to mention very close to the product inside. So in the end, he was able to open it up with a cutter. But he accidentally sliced the right handle, when he's doing it.

It's not only with this Rumblepad 2 packaging, I also always find it hard to open other Logitech's products I've ever bought. Either they are cordless mouse, keyboard, etc. And I happened to came across a customer feedback, where one of users said he too had troubles to open every Logitech's packaging.

Perhaps this is just Logitech's tactic to avoid having cutomers returned its products, because if the packaging is broken; then the customers aren't entitled to return the goods. Is this the case?

[blogged with my Treo 750v]