Vista-Friendly Peripherals, Part 2
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.
EXTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVES
A little more scarce that external hard drives bearing "Works" status are outboard optical drives. One that has earned the "Works with Windows Vista" designation is Microsoft's own:
Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player: Not just an add-on for the Xbox 360 console, Microsoft's Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player also "Works" with the latest OS. Retailing for just under $190, this high-definition DVD player offers Vista users an affordable Plug-and-Play option for watching HD DVD movies on their PC. It includes the appropriate USB and power cabling, a copy of Peter Jackson's movie King Kong on HD DVD (a limited-time offer), and an Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote.
FLASH DRIVES
While literally all flash drives are Vista-friendly, there's no guarantee that they're Vista ready. Instead, drives designed to take of advantage of Vista must be enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost and meet the speed requirements established by Microsoft. In other words, read the fine print before you buy. Here are a few I think are worth a look:
DataTraveler ReadyFlash: Offered in 1 GB and 2 GB capacities, Kingston's DataTraveler ReadyFlash is enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost. The drive is pocket-sized for easy transportability, and it offers a safe, reliable solution for storing important files. It's also affordable at $30 for the more capacious model.
JumpDrive Lightning: Available in 1 GB, 2 GB and 4 GB models, Lexar's JumpDrive Lightning sports a stylish, stainless steel case. It includes two applications: PowerToGo to install and run Windows programs from the drive itself, and Secure II to encrypt and shred files. The drive is Windows ReadyBoost compatible. And, at $45 for the 2-GB unit, it's also an exceptional deal.
Optima Pro Attach: Designed specifically for Windows Vista, PNY Technologies' Optima Pro Attach comes only in a 2GB model that retails for $30. Luckily, that's the ideal capacity for most needs. The drive is ReadyBoost-capable for improving the performance of small, random I/O activity. And it is easily recognized by systems that balk at other ReadyBoost-capable drives.
SPEAKER SYSTEMS
On today's speaker market, Vista-enhanced models are notably absent, even among USB-based alternatives. (But quite a few USB-based headphones are available that have earned "Certified" and "Works" standing.) Even so, one product deserves mention:
Z-10 Interactive Speaker System: Matching the design of the diNovo Edge keyboard, Logitech's Z-10 Speaker System offers built-in, touch-sensitive controls; back-lighted display; and bi-amp design with one-inch dome tweeters and three-inch high-excursion woofers that pump out rich, quality audio. While not a logo'd peripheral yet, the Z-10 is automatically recognized by Vista. For example, the OS will automatically install the speaker's appropriate drivers. One downside: the Logitech's software enabling LCD display of track information, time, volume and more under Vista is still Missing In Action (though it works great under XP). Nonetheless, with retail prices under $100, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better USB-based audio solution for the buck, Vista-compatible or otherwise. When the Vista-enhanced update arrives, it will be music to both the ears and the wallet.
COMPATIBILITY ADVICE
To summarize my findings in this two-part Recipe on Vista compliance: While more devices are now compatible with Vista than you'd expect, that doesn't mean they're as fully-featured as those certified to offer the best experience possible with the new OS.
A system builder's job is to help customers determine which peripherals need to be replaced now, and which can wait until later. System builders should also outfit their new builds with devices that provide the best computing experience.
My final advice: Keep the following points in mind when selecting Vista-compatible peripherals:
- It makes sense to choose peripherals that are Vista certified, even if the new OS is not being used. This way, both full compatibility and enhanced features will be supported when your customers upgrade from Windows XP to Vista.
- For those product categories where certified products are not available, those bearing the "Works with Windows Vista" logo are worth considering.
- If your efforts to find a peripheral bearing either the "Certified" or "Works" logo fail, at least seek a product known to be compatible with the OS.
- If a customer needs a peripheral that's currently not Vista-compatible, make them aware that the device could become "orphaned" if and when they upgrade to Vista. This is a risk all customers should take with eyes open.
- Because existing products are receiving logo'd status on a regular basis, check Microsoft's Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List frequently.
Vista compatibility is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. Namely, ensuring future compatibility and an enhanced user experience. So don't buck the system. Comply with Vista compatibility. The benefits will extend to both you and your customers.
CHUCK MILLER is a technology journalist and games consultant who has covered the computer and video-game industries for nearly two decades. He has previously filled editorial roles at Computer Gaming World, Game Briefs and GamePower.