XB Comm Score: 95% Developer: Hip Gear Device Type: Controller

Function: With several companies finally cutting the wires on their controls, more and more third party hardware makers are starting to delve into the world of wireless controllers. Hip?s XB-Comm ups the ante by featuring Bluetooth technology and a solution for Xbox Live voice chat.

Performance: At first glance, the XB-Comm looks like a typical Xbox controller. Button layouts and spacing are perfect, so anyone familiar with the layout of the regular controllers shouldn?t have to do too much adjusting. Other than the lack of a wire, giving you a little more freedom of movement, the only real difference between the XB-Comm and a standard controller is the weight. All of the added technology in the XB-Comm gives it a weightier feel. The heavier feel gives the controller a sturdier feel. The most innovative feature of the controller is its use of Bluetooth technology which, for those who don?t keep up with their tech terms, means a much stronger radio signal. This translates to less interference from outside sources. The inclusion of Bluetooth does bring up concerns about power consumption since it tends to suck up the power in other devices. Hip claims that the XB-Comm can get about 50 hours from one set of AA batteries. While I haven?t logged in quite that much time, the signal is still running strong. Of course, the battery life spans will differ depending on which of the features you turn on. Using the rumble and Live communicator functions will obviously suck up a little more power. In addition to the standard buttons found on an Xbox controller, the XB-Comm also features a Turbo button. Setting the Turbo function is rather easy; just hold down the Turbo switch then press the button you want to use the function. The function is turned off just as easily by pressing the Clear button. The placement of both Function buttons is out of the way, assuring you won?t accidentally hit one during gameplay. The second major component of the XB-Comm is the Live Communicator that plugs into the bottom of the controller. The decision to make the headset wired is a bit of a confusing one; but it might have driven up the already pricey controller. The communicator?s ear piece is extremely comfortable and the design is flexible enough to allow you to place it on either your right or left ear. The earpiece is connected to a stiff arm that holds it to your ear. The springs are tight enough that it never feels too loose, but at the same time your ear won?t feel like it?s in a death grip.

Features: Up to 10 meter (30 foot) range Headset can be switched for use with left or right ear Auto channel scanning for maximum signal strength Turbo fire Power Saving Mode Super Long Playing Time - Up to 50 hours (with vibration deactivated) Expansion port for Memory Cards Fully analog buttons Rubberized Grips

Drawbacks & Problems:: The XB-Comm comes with few drawbacks, all of which are minor ? except for one. The receiver module connects to the console via a wired hub. The problem is that the wire is a little too long, making it hard to place on a shelf. I ended up tucking it up on top the console, which made for a much better alternative to letting it hang over the side of the shelf. Plugging the module directly into the console would have been a much better design decision. Another minor problem is the ?spongy? feeling to the trigger buttons. Compared to the standard controller, the XB-Comm?s triggers lack the tight ?spring?, taking away some of the responsiveness. The XB-Comm?s biggest drawback is the price. The $60 tag is a bit much for a controller; wireless or otherwise. If you really need a wireless and have money to spend, you can?t go wrong with the XB-Comm. If the price is out of your price range, there are cheaper alternatives.

-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker