Vista-Friendly Peripherals, Part 2

In Part 1 of this Recipe, I shed light on the difference between products "Certified for Windows Vista" and those receiving "Works with Windows Vista" status. I also recommended several Vista-certified peripherals. Now, in Part 2, I conclude this Recipe by investigating some praise-worthy devices bearing the "Works" logo and peripherals that, while fully functional with Vista, lack OS-specific enhancements. I also offer some general advice on compatibility.

Compatible Peripherals

Check the Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List, and you will discover that fewer peripherals have received "Works" status than are logo'd "Certified for Windows Vista." Of course, both categories are outweighed by devices qualified as "Compatible" or of "Unknown" compliance. In time that will change, but at present it's expected. My attention here is limited to representative peripherals granted "Works" status.

As in Part 1 of this Recipe, the "best price" averages provided for each device are taken, in most instances, from Pricewatch.com.

GAME CONTROLLERS

So far, few dedicated game controllers have qualified for the "Works" logo and next to none have received "Certified" status. They'll eventually arrive, but today the pickings are slim. Here's a pair known to function properly:

ChillStream: What sets Logitech's $30 ChillStream apart from other controllers is active cooling. An integrated, low-noise, three-speed fan (off, low and high) keeps hands cool to reduce sweating when game intensity increases. High-performance analog sticks and triggers, soft rubber grips and a Windows Vista Guide button for easy, one-touch game access round out the package. Though large-handed gamers will find it undersized, the ChillStream's compact dimensions make it a good alternative for adults with more petite digits and kids.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows: Basically a wireless Xbox 360 controller paired with a wireless receiver, Microsoft's $60 cordless, Vista-friendly gamepad is a great alternative for those who already own or plan to purchase an Xbox 360. Providing a consistent, gaming experience, it even offers vibration feedback in supported games. Those who already have the wireless controller can purchase the $20 Wireless Gaming Receiver, enabling them to use all wireless Xbox 360 accessories with Vista including the Wireless Headset and Wireless Racing Wheel. A wired version of the controller is available for $30.

While CH Products' line of flight sim controllers haven't received logo'd status yet, they have Vista drivers available.

The same is true of Logitech's [current gamepads, joysticks and racing wheels. But some kinks with button configuration are still being addressed. Many of Saitek's and Thrustmaster's PC controllers, as well as Belkin's Nostromo line are listed as compatible, too.

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES

Most external hard drives either bear the "Works" logo or at least function normally with Vista. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean all bundled backup software is compatible. Still, it's not a deal breaker due to Vista's built-in backup capabilities.

FreeAgent Go: Little brother to the FreeAgent Pro (see below), the FreeAgent Go is a slick, portable, USB-powered hard drive designed to tag along anywhere. With capacities of 80, 120 and 160 GB, this $100 to $150 Seagate drive makes data transport easy. Special software allows favorites, passwords, IM and email clients, contacts, cookies, and settings and files to be temporarily used with any computer. The Go employs strong file encryption and saves all private information on itself so no activity traces are left behind. Just plug it in via a single USB 2.0 cable and go.

FreeAgent Pro: Fresh from Seagate, the FreeAgent Pro commands the top spot in their new line of outbound hard drives. Besides offering storage capacities of 320 GB to 750 GB ($285 for the latter), it automatically duplicates and moves selected content to multiple locations. For instance, it will copy e-mail and contacts to an iPod, photos to a Shutterfly account, an entire Documents folder to itself, or shuttle data to an online space for 24x7 access. Two interchangeable interfaces are provided, one with USB 2.0 and eSATA ports, the other with dual FireWire. A five-year limited warranty is included, too.

OneTouch III: In need of a FireWire 800 solution in an external hard drive? Maxtor's OneTouch III provides reliable protection along with ease-of-use features, such as one-button and automated backups, file synchronization between multiple computers, password protection, and System Rollback for incremental restores. It also sports FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 connections. The drive comes in capacities of 300, 500 and 750 GB; the latter retails for about $300.

Shared Storage II 1TB: Maxtor's Shared Storage II is a 1-terabyte (that's one trillion bytes) external drive that offers shared storage and backup at the fairly affordable price of $485. It automatically configures itself, stores and backs up data on networked computers, permits media playback to networked media systems without a dedicated host computer, and sports a simple user interface. Gigabit Ethernet and two USB ports for printer sharing or automatic backup to additional hard drives cinch the deal.