Bill Loguidice's Blog, page 118

Review: OnyxLED Desk Lamp

I admit it, I’m particular about my working environment. I prefer standing desks to regular desks, mechanical keyboards to regular keyboards, a thumb trackball to a mouse, and a whole bunch of other things that make for a more productive setup. Among those other things is good lighting, which is harder to achieve than you might think. Fortunately, the OnyxLED desk lamp came across – and subsequently found a permanent home on – my desk.

The packaging for the OnyxLED Desk Lamp.

Solidly built with modern styling, the OnyxLED desk lamp has a nice white color temperature of 4500/5000K, a luminous flux (energy radiated over wavelengths sensitive to the human eye) of greater than 270LM for excellent brightness, and consumes a maximum of 6W, which is of course quite low thanks to the LED bulbs, which are rated for a service life of greater than 35,000 hours.

The lamp comes with an instruction manual and AC adapter.

There are three particularly nice features with the OnyxLED desk lamp. The first is that the lamp’s neck is adjustable a full 180 degrees, reaching up to 22″ (56 cm) in height. The second is the touch sensitive power button and dimmer, which goes in five steps, from a dim night light to 40%, 60%, 80%, and then 100% brightness. The third is something of a surprise, but quite thoughtful, extra, a built-in USB socket by the power adapter, which outputs 5V 1000mA.

 

I really like how the lamp looks on my desk and of course how much light it provides. It has replaced another LED lamp that simply couldn’t provide the same brightness across my desk as this could. At only $49.97 on Amazon right now, I highly recommend it.

The OnyxLED on my standing desk.

Thanks to PS Global for the review unit.

Review: Nubee Temperature Gun Non-contact Infrared Thermometer

Infrared thermometers are designed to quickly measure temperature from a distance. Whether in the kitchen for checking the temperatures of various foods, looking for hot or cold spots within your home to figure out where you might need to better insulate, or even to check on the temperature of the CPU in your computer, a good infrared thermometer can provide for a wide range of valuable data collection.

The front of the package for the Nubee Infrared Thermometer.

The Nubee Infrared Thermometer offers a great feature-set for a surprisingly low price (just $12.95 right now on Amazon). You get the thermometer, the required DC 9V battery, which goes in the handle, and a concise, yet thorough instruction sheet, which I also found quite educational.

The back of the package for the Nubee Infrared Thermometer.

There are four buttons on the Nubee Infrared Thermometer. One button turns the red targeting laser on or off, another button switches between celsius and fahrenheit readings on the LCD display, the other is the trigger for single or continuous measuring, and the last is for setting the emissivity, which is a measure of the efficiency in which a surface emits thermal energy and which should be individually set for each material type you’re measuring (in my video quick look that follows, I set the emissivity to 0.96 per the instruction manual to properly measure the ice’s temperature).

There’s little else to say about this device. It does exactly what it says for an extremely competitive price. I think it would be a fun and valuable addition to just about anyone’s toolkit.

The Nubee Infrared Thermometer.

Thanks to Volmate Technologies for the review unit.

Gameplay: The Story of the Videogame Revolution, available for DVD pre-order from PBS

Already available On Demand and from numerous video streaming and download services worldwide, our feature film documentary, Gameplay: The Story of the Videogame Revolution, will soon be released on DVD. Fans of physical media will be pleased to know that PBS will be distributing the DVD beginning September 8, 2015. You can pre-order from Amazon using this link.

Why continued success for Microsoft Windows and Office is no big deal

A heated discussion on one of the many forums I frequent dredged up the usual desire and possible path for the “obviously superior” Linux to dethrone Microsoft Windows on the desktop. I think 1998 or 1999 was the first potential “Year of the Linux Desktop,” followed by every year thereafter. I’m sure in another 20 years we’ll be hearing the same thing.

I think it’s clear at this point that Windows will not be disrupted on the desktop by MacOS, Linux, or anything else in the traditional mold. The best bet is mobile OS’s continuing to encroach on desktop usage, a la Google’s Android (with, however deprecated, it’s own roots in Linux). Nevertheless, if Microsoft’s vision of one Windows (desktop, mobile, console, phone, hybrids) continues to bear fruit, then perhaps even that will be slowed, if not halted.

With the above in mind, it’s important to remember why DOS, and then Windows, became the standard. Too many competing, mostly incompatible platforms made mass adoption and interoperability extremely difficult. It’s easy enough to argue that 90%+ marketshare for DOS/Windows was a necessary evil to turn a smoldering computer industry into a fire (the Web was of course the propellant that turned that fire into an inferno).

MS-DOS – A necessary evil?

Fortunately, particularly for those in the anti-Microsoft camp, it’s clear that today we’re experiencing the best of both worlds, and that’s lots of different “standards” (i.e., choices like iOS, Android, ChromeOS, MacOS, Linux, Windows, etc.), while still maintaining a high degree of interoperability that’s critical to viability (key Web standards have arguably played the biggest role in this). So while the dream of unseating Microsoft is still not likely, at least there are viable alternatives for those who wish to utilize them. That seems like a win-win to me, so it doesn’t really matter what the ultimate market share or usage numbers are, or how they continue to fluctuate. Many of today’s viable platforms will still continue to thrive in their own way regardless of investor or fan boy obsession with who has a bigger share of the market.

Of course, going hand-in-hand with Windows and general Microsoft hate is a dislike for Microsoft Office and a trumpeting of quality free alternatives like Google Docs or LibreOffice, with many commenters wishing it was the latter that was the ultimate winner (due of course to a natural dislike for big, for profit corporations, even if it’s Google/Alphabet). One point that a commenter tried to make about continued Microsoft Office adoption in businesses despite free non-Microsoft alternatives was that IT/IS managers didn’t want to bother with the couple of hours it would take to train people on the new software. From what I’ve experienced in the business world, that’s ignoring more important factors, like guaranteed document compatibility and consistent tracked changes.

Genuine Microsoft Office is still the only way to ensure both of those things, which is why it’s not going to be dethroned any time soon. While there can always be better solutions for anything, there are advantages to standardizing on something good enough, although I’d argue that Microsoft Office, like Windows, is much better than “good enough” these days. Until we reach the same type of interoperability and superior compatibility we benefit from with the various operating systems, the one area where Microsoft will have no worries, much to the chagrin of its detractors, is with Office. Again, though, for general usage, it’s hard to argue with the availability of free alternatives (a Web-based version of Microsoft Office among them), which, as long as they continue to thrive (and there’s no reason to think they won’t), renders Microsoft Office’s dominance in business and professional use unworthy of the scorn heaped upon it.

You may not like Microsoft Office for any number of reasons, but you can’t say that it doesn’t work well.

Ultimately, this comes down to the expression of human nature that we’ve discussed in the past, and that’s the need to pick sides and identify with a specific group to the detriment of others. If you feel that your way is superior, it’s only natural to want to trumpet that “truth,” which in turn makes you feel better about your own decision. That’s where most of the hate for Microsoft or any other entity like it comes from, and because of that human nature, it’s a genuine (i.e., not forced) expression. It doesn’t make that perspective right, though.

Review: Solana Adjustable Wood Desk Easel with Drawers

Yet another curve ball of a review here on Armchair Arcade, today I’m looking at the US Art Supply Solana Adjustable Wood Desk Easel with Drawers. It’s a high quality, wooden easel that’s fully adjustable up to four different angles. It includes a drawer with three compartments, as well as a bonus wooden palette (the board you put and mix paint blobs on).

The packaging for Solana Adjustable Wood Desk Easel with Drawers.

It’s really portable.

It packs a lot into a small package.

I really like the fact that it’s genuinely portable, with a handle and three metal locking clasps. Considering the solid craftsmanship, even with frequent moves it should last a good long while. At only $15.96, it’s also a great value.

All of its components.

It’s also great for tablets of all sizes.

Thanks to US Art Supply for the review unit.

Review: 60 Warm White Color LED String Lights with Remote Control

The 60 Micro LED String Lights from RTGS Products offers over 20 feet (>6 meters) of bright, warm white light. The thin, silver wire provides four inches (10.16 centimeters) between lights.

The front of the box for the RTG Products 60 Micro LED String Lights.

The lights can be used indoors or out, and provide steady illumination in all directions. The lights themselves are actually fully submersible in water, although the accompanying battery box, which requires six AA batteries (not included), is not, but is still classified as “weatherproof.” Despite its weatherproof nature, the battery box has simple locking clips, so the batteries are still readily accessible.

The back of the box for the RTG Products 60 Micro LED String Lights.

ON, TIMER, and OFF controls are provided directly on the battery, with an included remote control duplicating its functionality. When new batteries are installed, you can expect over 48 hours of continuous use, although that’s hardly a typical use case. TIMER mode makes the lights glow for six hours at a time, then automatically turn off after 18 hours, at which time the cycle repeats. Using this mode, you can expect over two weeks of usage from fresh batteries.

 

At only $14.95 on the RTGS Products Website (or only $12.95 on Amazon!), it’s a great value. The light source is excellent and the fact that it’s battery powered makes it incredibly versatile. We’re making use of it in our backyard gazebo, but I can think of many places inside of our house where this might also prove handy.

Thanks to RTGS Products for the review unit.

Review: 1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

Reminiscent of the legendary Apple Wireless Keyboard, the 1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard features a lower price point ($19.99) and design and styling that fits better into more ecosystems beyond just Apple’s. In fact, the 1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard has built-in shortcuts for Android, Windows, and iOS, and has pairing that can be switched between all three with the press of the appropriate function key and letter combination.

1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard packaging.

Further distinguishing itself from Apple’s offering, which requires batteries, is the 1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard‘s built-in 280mA lithium battery. It’s quick to charge and provides for about four months of standby and 90 hours of continuous usage. Because the power is self-contained, it’s also slightly smaller than Apple’s iconic keyboard, with a height of 1.4cm/0.55in, length of 28.2cm/11.1in, and depth of 13.5cm/5.31in. Needless to say this is a keyboard you can easily take with you just about anywhere.

The 1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard comes with a manual and micro-USB charging cable.

Pairing with my Microsoft Surface Pro 3 running Windows 10 was easy. I just slid on the keyboard’s discrete power button (another nice feature) and pressed FN+C until the keyboard’s light started blinking. My Surface Pro 3 saw “1byone Keyboard” in its listing and I told it to pair. Simple.

The 1byone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard and micro-USB charging cable.

As for the all important feel, I had no notable issues typing on it, other than the usual learning curve that comes with a new keyboard. The keys are sufficiently springy and responsive, making for a pleasant portable typing experience.

Thanks to 1byone for the review unit.

The Sinclair Spectrum Vega (ZX Vega) games computer comes with 1000 games, and here’s the list!

The ZX Vega, aka, Sinclair Spectrum Vega, is a crowd funded, consolized interpretation of the legendary British ZX Spectrum computer. Instead of going with a full reproduction (like this, which I should be receiving soon), the ZX Vega provides the bare minimum physical interface to gaming.

Photo of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum Vega from the Retro Computers Facebook page.

Among the ZX Vega’s nice features is the fact that it comes with 1,000 licensed titles, though of course you can add any that are missing via the SD card slot. Even though the £100 + delivery cost is rather high for what is essentially a TV game console, it’s still hard to argue with the kind of value it brings to the table. Although the ZX Spectrum is a decidedly primitive computer, particularly if you’re used to vintage American systems, there are still plenty of gems in its generous library. As always, despite owning plenty of Spectrum-series computers myself and being on the list for the aforementioned Bluetooth keyboard reproduction, I have to admit I’m tempted to eventually get this one as well.

Since I haven’t seen the list of 1,000 games posted anywhere other than on Facebook, I thought I would take the time to reproduce the list here for easy reference (I converted the straight text list to an HTML table of 250 games per column):

1999
Elvin the Elf
Moggy Adventure
Stuart Henry’s Pop Quiz


2088
Emilio Butragueno Football
Mole on the Dole
Subacuatic


1994 – Ten Years After
Emilio Sanchez Grand Slam
Mole Rat!
Subacuatic Reloaded


20-20 Vision
Encyclopedia of War
Molemania
Submariner


3D Noughts & Crosses – V1
End Zone
Monono
Sudoku


3D Noughts & Crosses – V2
Endless Forms Most Beautiful
Monty is Innocent
Sumer


3D-Tanx
Endurance
Monty on the Run
Sun Star


A Bomb Under Parliament
Engineer Humpty
More Tea, Vicar?
SunBucket


A Day in the Life of Arnold
Eric & the Floaters
Morris Meets the Bikers
Super Brat


A Dungeon Romp
Escape
Mothership
Super Cars


A Harvesting Moon
Escape From Hodgkins’ Manor
Motor Massacre
Super Scramble Simulator


A Hero for Sorania
Espionage Island
Motorcycle 500
Super Sports


A Legacy For Alaric
ETa
Mountie Mick’s Death Ride
SuperCom


A Serpentine Tale
Everyone’s A Wally
Mr. Wong’s Loopy Laundry
Superkid


A Stroll in the Bleak Forest
Evil Realm
MultiDude
Superkid in Space


A Touch Too Much
Excalibur: Sword of Kings
Munch Man
Swettibitz in Space


A Visit to Trev and Carol’s
Extreme
Munchman
Switchblade


A.T.A.C.
F.I.R.E.
Murder – He Said
Sword of Bhakhor


ACE 2088
Factory Daze
Murder Hunt
Swordfight at Midnight


Advent
Faerie
Murder Hunt 2
Swords of Bane


Adventure In Bristol
Fahrenheit 3000
Murder Mystery Weekend
Tank Command


Adventures of a Common Frog
Farmer Jack 1
Music Maker
Target


Afteroids
Farmer Jack 2
Mutan Zone
Tax Returns


Agatha’s Folly
Farmer Jack 3
Mutant Monty
Tears of the Moon


Ahhh!!
Feline Fancy
Mutant Monty 2
Techno Cop


Aladdin’s Cave
Find the Mate
Mutiny
Teenage Emergency


Albatrossity
Finders Keepers
Mystery of the Indus Valley
Ten Green Bottles


Alien Destroyer
Firestorm
Myth
Ten Pin Challenge


Alien Evolution
Firewolf
N.E.I.L. Android
Tenebra Macabre


Alien Insects
Fistful Of Necronomicons
Nato Assault
Terraform


Alien Maze
Flameout
Necks Please
Terry’s Travels


Alien Research Centre
Flight Simulation
Nemo’s Island
The 12 Days of Xmas


All In A Day’s Work
Flight Simulator
Nervos This Position
The 39 Steps


All Present and Correct
Flippit
Nifty Lifty
The Abbey of Death


Alter Ego
Floarea Soarelui
Night Stalker
The Adventures of Crusoe


Alter Ego 2: Dreamwalker
Football Frenzy
Nightwing
The Adventures Of Robin Hood


Amaze
Football Glory
Nim
The Adventures of Sinbad


An Everyday Tale…
Footballer of the Year
Ninja Hamster
The Amulet Of Dareth


Angler
Footballer of the Year 2
Ninjajar
The Apprentice


Another Brick on the Wall
For Pete’s Sake
No 1
The Armageddon Man


Another Brick on the Wall 2
Forbidden Planet
Norman
The Bardic Rite


Apple Jam
Force Fighter
Norman’s Lament
The Beast of Torrack Moor


April 7th
Forest of Evil
North Star
The Beginning Of The End


Aquasquad
Formula One
Nosferatu the Vampyre
The Bermuda Triangle


Archaic
Four Minutes To Midnight
Nous
The Black Tower


Army Moves
Frank N Stein Rebooted
Nth Zone
The Blackskull Mountains


Arnhem
Frank the Flea
Nuclear Countdown
The Challenge


Arnold The Adventurer
Frankenstein
Number Six In The Village
The Chard


Arnold The Adventurer II
Fred
Ocean Racer
The Charm


Arnold The Adventurer III
Freddy Hardest
Oddball
The Citadel


Artura
Frightmare
Odyssey 1
The Cloak


Astroblasters
Frog 5
Office Space
The Crown Of Lithrune


Astronomer
From Out Of A Dark Night Sky
Olli & Lissa II: Halloween
The Crystal of Chantie


Astro-Wars
Frost Byte
Olympics
The Crystal Of Kings


Atic Atac
Fuddo And Slam
On Reflection
The Cup


Auf Wiedersehen Monty
Future Knight
On the Oche
The Curse Of Calutha


Aunt Velma
Galactians
On the Run
The Curse of Nimue


Aurascope
Galactic Gunners
One Day Cricket
The Dark Tower


Aussie Rules – V1
Galactic Invasion
One Hundred and Eighty!
The Darkest Road


Aussie Rules – V2
Galactic Jail Break
One Of Our Wombats Is Missing
The Dogboy


Automonopoli
Galactic Patrol
Operation Hormuz
The Domes Of Sha


Autorennen
Galaxy Attack
Orion
The Double


Avenger
Galaxy Fighter
Orpheus in the Underworld
The Dragonstar Trilogy


Aztec Assault
Game Over II
Outcast
The Duct


Babaliba
Game Without A Name
Overkill
The Egg


Back to Skool
GBA Championship Basketball
Pandemonia
The Elfin Wars


Backgammon – Version 1
Gee Bee Air Rally
Parabola
The Ellisnore Diamond


Backgammon – Version 2
Gem Chaser
Paradise in Microdot
The Emerald Elf


Ballbreaker
Gem Chaser 2
Paris Dakar
The Enchanted Cottage


Ballbreaker II
Gerry the Germ
Pass Your Driving Test
The Energem Enigma


Balowwwn!
Get Me To The Church On Time
Paws
The Envelope


Balrog And The Cat
Ghost Castle
Pegasus
The Escaping Habit


Balrog’s Day Out
Glug Glug
Pegasus Bridge
The Extricator


Bananaby
Gobbleman
Pendragon
The Eye of Bain


Banger Management
Gods of War
Periscope Up
The Final Chorus


Bargain Basement
Goku Mal
Personal Computer Whirled!
The Final Demand


Battery’s Not Precluded
Gold Mine
Pets vs Aliens Prologue
The Final Frontier


Battleships – Version 1
Gold or Glory
Petulant Poogslay
The Fire Ruby


Battleships – Version 2
Golf
Phantomas at the Museum
The Forest Stop


Battleships – Version 3
Gommy, Medieval Defender
Phantomas Saga: Infinity
The Fury


Beatle Quest
Gonzalezz
Phantomas Tales #1
The General


Behind Closed Doors
Goody
Phantomas Tales #4
The Golden Apple


Behind Closed Doors 2
GOR
Phantomasa 2
The Golden Locket


Behind Closed Doors 3
Gravibots
Phoenix
The Golden Pyramid


Behold Atlantis
Grebit
Pi in the Sky
The Gordello Incident – Intro


BeTiled!
Grid Master
Pi There
The Great Detective


Beyond Eldorado
Grid Patrol
Pi-Balled
The Green Death


Big Ben Strikes Again
Grid Trap
Pi-Eyed
The Hammer Of Grimmold


Bismarck
Ground Zero
Piggy
The Hit


Black Beard
Grumpy Gumphrey
Pi-In’Ere
The House


Black Sun
Gunboat
Pimania
The Infiltrator


Blastermind!
Gunfighter
Pimeval Man
The Invisible Invader


Blind Panic
Gunfright
Pizza Bar
The Islands Of Sinbad


Blink
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot
Planet of Death
The Jade Necklace


Blitz
Gutz
Planet of Shades
The Khangrin Plans


Blood Valley
H.A.T.E.
Planetoids
The Krazy Kartoonist Kaper


BMX Ninja
H.R.H.
Potty Pigeon
The Labours Of Hercules


Bog Of Brit
Hades Nebula
Pride of the Federation
The Last Mission


Boid
Halls of the Things
Pro Golf – Pebble Beach
The Last Mohican


Bomb Ed
Handy Andy
Pro Golf II – Royal Lytham
The Last Vampire


Bomber
Hard Cheese
Pro Mountain Bike Simulator
The Legacy


Bombscare
Harry Hare’s Lair
Professional Soccer
The Little Wandering Guru


Bonkers
Haunted House
Punch & Judy
The Living Body


Book of the Dead
Henry’s Hoard
Push Off
The Lone Electron


Bootee
Herbert’s Dummy Run
Pusher
The Lost Children


Boovie 2
Hercules
Pyjamarama
The Lost Temple


Bored Of The Rings
Here Be Tygers
Qang
The Lost World


Bounder
Hero Quest
Quadracube, 3D
The Magic Isle


Bounty Hunter
Hero Quest 2
Quann Tulla
The Mapper


Box Reloaded
Hide and Seek
Quantum Gardening
The Master


Boxing Coach
High Steel
Quest For The Holy Joystick
The Menagerie


Boxing Manager
Hob’s Hoard
Race Track
The Mines of Lithiad


Boyd File
Hop ‘n’ Chop
Radiomania
The Miser


Breakaway
Horace & the Spiders
Ragnablock
The Mummy’s Crypt


Breakout
Horace Goes Skiing
Rakattak
The Muncher


Brian The Dishonest…
Horace Goes to the Tower
Rally Driver
The Mystery of The Nile


Brian The Novice Barbarian
Hostage
Ramire the Vampire 1
The Nether Regions


Bronx
Hotch Potch
Ramire the Vampire 2
The Odyssey of Hope


Bubble Buster
House on the Tor
Ramon Rodriguez
The Official Father Xmas Game


Bugaboo the Flea
Howzat
Rapede
The Oppressed Land


Bugsy
Hudson Hawk
Raymond Pringle
The Paranoia Complex


Bulbo And The Lizard-King
Humphrey
Realm Of Darkness
The Pawns Of War


Bunny
Humpty Dumpty 1
Reckless Rufus
The Pendant of Logryn


Burlish Adventure
Humpty Dumpty 2
Redbeard’s Treasure
The Planets


Bustout
Hungry Horace
Reflections
The Prodigy


Butcher Hill
Hunter
Rescue
The Quest For The Holy Snail


Buzzsaw+
Hypa Raid
Rescue in the Gulf
The Real Stunt Experts


Byte Me
Hyperlane
Revenge of the C5
The Realm


Cadaverion
Hyperlane+
Revenge of the Killer Tomatoes
The Return of the Holy Joystick


Cannibals from Outer Space
Hysteria
Revolver
The Secret of Little Hodcome


Canyon Warrior
I Alien
Rex
The Secret Of St. Brides


Cap’n Rescue
I Need Speed
Rhyme Cryme
The Sefton Manor Assignment


Casanova
Ice Station Zero
Rik the Roadie
The Shard of Inovar


Castle Adventure
iD
River Rescue
The Sillycon War


Castle Quest
iLogicAll
Road Racers
The Slaughter Caves


Catch 23
I’m in Shock
Robin the Outlaw
The Smuggler


Catwalk
Impact
Robore
The Snow Queen


Caveman
Implosion
Robot Rumpus
The Song of Taliesin


Cavemania
Impossamole
Rock ’N Roller
The Spore


Caverns of Kontonia
In Search Of Angels
Rogue Comet
The Staff Of Power


Celtic Carnage
Inca Curse
Romit
The Star Fly


Centipede – Version 1
Indoor Soccer
Ronnie Goes To Hollywood
The Survivors


Centipede – Version 2
Infernal Combustion
Room Ten
The Taxman Cometh


Centipedes
International Rugby
Rugby Boss
The Three Lights of Glaurung


Cerius
Into The Mystic
Run Bill Run
The Time Lords Amulet


Chain Reaction
Invaders – Version 1
Run for Gold
The Trader Trilogy


Chambers of Death
Invaders – Version 2
S.M.A.S.H.E.D.
The Train Game


Championship Baseball
Invasion Force
Sabre Wulf
The Treasure Of Santa Maria


Championship Sprint
Investigations
Saimazoom
The Trouble With Trolls


Chequered Flag
Iron Soldier
Sam Stoat Safebreaker
The Tunnel


Chess Tutor
Itemiada
Sam’s Unexcellent Adventure
The Twilight Zone


Chinese Patience
Iythus
Samurai
The Unborn One


Chopper Mission
Izzy Wizzy
Santa
The Valley


City of Death
Jack And The Beanstalk
Sarlmoor
The Very Big Cave Adventure


City Patrol
Jack in Magicland
Satcom
The Violator Of Voodoo


Civil Service
Jack the Nipper
Savage
The Warlock’s Treasure


Civil Service II
Jack the Nipper II
School
The Well Of Zol


Classic Axiens
Japanese Monster Castle 3
School 2
The Wizard Of Oz


Classic Invaders
Jason’s Gem
Scoop
The Wonderful Whotsit


Classic Muncher
Jester Quest
Score 3020
The Woods of Winter


Cloud 99
Jet Paco
Sea Battles
Theatre Europe


Coliseum
Jetpac
Seahawk
Theme Park UK


Colossus Chess 4
Jet-Story
Seaside Sorcery
Theme Park USA


Columns
Jigsaw
Secret Code
Theodore Can’t Fly


Comando Tracer
JINJ 2: Belmonte’s Revenge
Sector
There’s a Hole in Your Bucket


Combat Zone
Jock and the Time Rings
Sector Invasion
Thing Bounces Back


Complica DX
Journey to the Centre…
Seekey
Three Weeks in Paradise


Confused
Juggernaut
Se-Kaa of Assiah
Thro’ the Wall


Confuzion
Julifrustris in the City
Sgt. Helmet Zero
Thunderturds


Connect 4
Jumble
Shaws III
Tiless


Contact Sam Cruise
Jump
She Vampires
Time Machine


Convoy Raider
Jungle Jie
Sheer Panic
Time Wreck


Coracle
Jungle Warrior
Sherlock: A Matter of Evil
Timezone


Corporal Stone
Just One Of Those Days
Sherwood Forest
Tinderbox


Corsairs
Kaboom!
Ship of Doom
Titanic


Cosa Nostra
Kentucky Racing
Shoot Redux
Toddler Trouble


Cousin Horace – Introduction
Khazzad-Dum
Shoot-Out
Toilet Truble


Crack City
Kick Off
Shove a Sledge
Tour de Force


Crack-Up
Kidnap
Shuttlebug
Tower of Brahma


Crawler
Kidnapped
Silhouette Colour Doodle
Tower of Evil


Cray 5
Kim
Silverwolf
Tracer Command


Crazy Castles
Knight Life
Sir Ababol
Tracksuit Manager


Crazy Er*Bert
Knight Lore
Sir Ababol 2
Trailblazer


Creatures And Caverns
Knight Tyme
Sir Ababol DX
Trailer 2


Creepy Dungeons
Knights & Demons DX
Sir Fred
Tranz Am


Cricket-Crazy
Kobyashi Ag’Kwo
Sito Pons 500cc
Tridex


Crossfire
Kobyashi Naru
Skate Crazy
Trom


Cuddles
Kong’s Revenge
Skatin’ USA
Trooper: Point 5


Curse of the Seven Faces
Krakout
Skittles
Tuareg


Cybex
Labour Pains
Skool Daze
Turbo Girl


Cyrox
Labyrynth
Slubberdegullion
Turbo the Tortoise


Cyrus IS Chess
Lala Lah
Snake
Turtle Timewarp


Dandy
Lala Prologue
Snake Byte
Tusker


Dark Castle
Larry the Lemming
Snare
T’was a Time of Dread


Dark Fusion
Laserwarp
Snoball in Hell
Twilight


Dark Star
Laskar’s Crystal
Snookered
Twinz!


Davy Jones Locker
Laskar’s Return
Snow Joke
Twister


Daylight Robbery
Lazy Jones
Soccer Boss
Type-Rope


Dead or Alive
League Football
Soccer Challenge
Ulises


Deadly Labyrinth of Lord Xyrx
Leopold The Minstrel
Soccer Cup Quizmaster
Ultimate Warrior


Deadly Mission
Lifeboat
Soccer Star
Underwurlde


Death Before Dishonour
Lifeline
Soccer Supremo
Urban


Death Chess 5000
Lifeterm
Sokoban
Uwol, Quest for Money


Deek’s Deeds
Lightmare
Solar Fire
Vampire’s Empire


Deep Strike
Limelight
Sophistry
Vendetta


Defender
Livingstone II
SOS Rescue
Venom


Deflektor
Livingstone, I Presume
Space 7
Venturama


Demigod
Loads of Midnight
Space Crusade
Vikings


Demonslair
Loco Bingo
Space Raiders
Vixen


Desert Island
Loose Ends
Space Warrior
Vulcan


Desert Rats
Los Amores de Brunilda
Spawn of Evil
W*H*B


Desmond And Gertrude
Lost In Time
Special Intergalactic Painter
W.A.R.


Devil Diver
Luna Atac
Specman
Wanted – Monty Mole


Devilish Autocrash
Lunar Jetman
Spectrum Chess
WC Boxing Manager


Dex
Lunar Rescue
Spectrum Chess II
Weaver Of Her Dreams


Diablo!
Mad Dash
Spectrum Micro Chess
Wells & Fargo


Dilithium Lift
Mad Flunky
Spectrum Says
Wheelie


Discs of Death
Mad Mix Game
Spectrum Voice Chess
Who Dares Wins II


Disposable Heroes
Maglaxians
Speed Duel
Whopper Chase


Doctor What!
Magma Man
Spellbound
Why Is…


Dodge’Ums
Magnetic Moon
Spindizzy
Willy the Wasp


Dogmole Tuppowski
Man About The House
Spirits
Willy the Wasp 2


Dollars in the Dust
Mansion Quest
Spitfire 40
Wind Surfer


Dominator
Mariano the Dragon
Splat!
Winter Term


Dominetris
Marie Celeste Adventure
Splattr
Witch Hunt


Doombase
Maritrini Monster Slayer
Spooky Castle
Witchfiend


Double Agent
Marooned
Stage Coach
Wizard Quest – The Guide


Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde
Martian Knock Out
Stainless Steel
Wolfman


Dragon Quest
Masterchess
Stalker
World Class Leaderboard


Dragonia
Match Point
Stamp Quest
World Cup Football


Draughts
Matchmaker
Star Dragon
World Heavyweight Boxing


Driller Tanks
Maziacs
Star Flaws
Wunderchar$


Drunk Policeman
Mega-Apocalypse
Star Paws
X=Y=Z


Dung Darach
Meganova – The Weapon
Star Pilot
Xenon


Dungeons of Maldread
Meltdown
Star Swallow
X-Mas Ludo


D’Veel’Ng
Merhownie’s Light
Star Wreck
Xtroth – The Adventure


Earth Defence
Metabolis
Starbuster
Yeti


Earthshock
Metal Man Reloaded
Stardust
Zaraks


Easy Peasy Adventure
Metalyx
Starfox
ZEN


Eclipse
Meteoroids
Starion
ZEN II


Egghead
Micro Olympics
Starship Mulvaney
Zen Quest


Egghead 2
Microball
Starship Quest
Zig Zag


Egghead 3
Microfair Madness
Stop the Express
Zombie Calavera Prologue


Egghead 4
Millimon
Stormbringer
Zulu Wars


Egghead 5
Mindstone
Stranded
ZX Adventure


Eights
Mini Adventure
Stranded 2.5
ZX Columns


El Stompo
Missile
Strangers from Outer Space
ZX Mines


Electra 9000
Missile Command
Street Sports Basketball
ZX Mines 2


Elfindor
Mission X
Strike Force Cobra
ZX Spectrum Golf


Eliminator
Moggy
Striker Manager
ZZZZ

 

Thanks to onmode-ky for the heads-up about the game list forum posting.

Review: Illuminated Desktop Earth Globe

Well before today’s ubiquitous satellite imagery, online maps, and GPS, I was fascinated by the beauty of cartography. Growing up, I had an oft-referenced globe and a book of local maps that I’d sometimes try to replicate with what was then a blossoming artistic ability. There was just something about the physical nature of that globe and those maps that I never quite felt since transitioning to all digital technology.

The box for the TCP Global Desktop Globe.

With those physical childhood artifacts long since gone from my life, I was pleased to be asked to review TCP Global Corporation’s 10″ Inch (25cm) Illuminated Premium Antique Desktop World Earth Globe. Although constructed from ABS plastic materials for durability, the globe has a decidedly premium look and feel, particularly with its polished bronze metal base, which provides for a 23.5° tilt angle and vertical axis rotation.

The TCP Global Desktop Globe when it’s not illuminated.

The globe itself features names for oceans and seas, major cities, countries and capitals, and islands and continents (its natural scale is 1:52,000,000 and it’s about the size of a soccer ball). As expected, there’s a helpful legend, but also information on ocean currents, a solstice guide, a time dial, and latitude and longitude reference lines. While it’s obvious TCP Global Corporation wanted to make an attractive globe, it’s nice they didn’t skimp on the more informative details that makes this not only a nice display piece, but also something educational. While I don’t expect my daughters to develop the same fascination for cartography that I had, I do think a physical artifact like this will help give them a better appreciation for where things our located on our little planet.

A view of the TCP Global Desktop Globe when it’s illuminated.

The globe is a compact size, with a 14″ total height and 11″ total width, so it should fit on many desks. At only 2.66 lbs., it’s easily transportable, but of course because of the nice switch-based illumination, you’ll likely want to place it near an electrical outlet.

Another view of the TCP Global Desktop Globe when it’s illuminated.

Amazon has the globe for $59.96 right now, and you can also get it in blue. While they offer a non-illuminated version for about half the price, the illumination makes the map details and text (particularly the red text), much easier to see.

Thanks to TCP Global Corporation for the review unit.

Review: Smart Weigh Digital Scale

While you might be expecting a review of a Bluetooth-enabled, app-based scale here on Armchair Arcade, this is in fact a review of a perfectly ordinary scale. And that’s OK. You see, the Smart Weigh Digital Vanity Scale is attractive and durable, and provides a readable display of the weight of whatever is placed on it, including of course, you or your loved ones.

The front of the box for the Smart Weigh Digital Scale.

The back of the box for the Smart Weigh Digital Scale.

Included in the box with the compact scale itself is a multi-language instruction manual and the necessary four AAA batteries that make it function. Operation is simple, with ON/OFF by stepping on and off, respectively (despite the manual saying there’s an actual ON/OFF switch), and an ability to change between several different weight units: lb., kg, and lg./St.

The insides of the box for the Smart Weigh Digital Scale.

While it’s primarily designed for bathroom use, the contemporary styling, with tempered glass frame, should be a fit for many different types of locations within your home or anywhere else such a device is needed. At only $24.99 on Amazon at the moment, it’s also a reasonable value. My only real complaint is that the Smart Weigh logo tries a bit too hard to channel the formidable Weight Watchers brand. I can let that attempt at consumer confusion slide, though, because I’m sure the market for no-frills scales is extremely competitive and they likely need every advantage they can get to help what is a genuinely quality product stand out.

The Smart Weigh Digital Scale is compact and attractive.

Thanks to Smart Weigh for the review unit.