I have the Radio Shack Master 2200X. Still works perfectly. I play it from time to time. Still a lot of fun.
Anybody here still enjoy those older dedicated chess computers?
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All the Radio Shack chess computers were of course clones of Saitek machines, the 2200x is a clone of the Saitek Kasparov GK2000 (ELO around 1,900), with a Frans "Fritz" Morsch engine.
What does ELO stand for? I know it means rating.
It is named after Arpad Elo who devised the rating system.
I own what i consider a somewhat sizeable collection of mostly upper "mid" range dedicated units. I am open for selling or preferably trading some of them. I will post a list shortly when i have them sitting in front of me.
I suppose i will just start with the one i have been using lately. I tend to bounce around from the different machines ive accumulated....... The Saitek Cougar is a fun one.
Saitek Centurion and Radio Shack Master
Both are directly related clones as far as i know.
Filphil wrote:
I own what i consider a somewhat sizeable collection of mostly upper "mid" range dedicated units. I am open for selling or preferably trading some of them. I will post a list shortly when i have them sitting in front of me.
What does "dedicated" mean?
I mean, "dedicated chess computer".
The Saitek Centurion is a prime example of a "best bang for the buck" chess computer. In eBay Classifieds they're available in good condition from anything between 35 and 55 Euros, the design is sleek and modern, the functionality is great, and it has an ELO 2000 (SSDF) engine that'll beat 98% of us. 
"Dedicated" refers to the fact that their sole purpose is for playing chess, distinguishing it from newer age devices.
Saitek Advanced Travel Chess
I had a another one of these that i just sold my pool playing buddy. I love it. Most people would probably dislike how small the pieces are.
2 Mephisto Maestro and its little bro the Mephisto Touch Screen Travel Chess which doesnt have a backlight. Maestro are a must have to play in no light situations
Filphil wrote:
"Dedicated" refers to the fact that their sole purpose is for playing chess, distinguishing it from newer age devices.
I see, thanks
Nice collection @Filphil
By the 1990s many medium price chess computers could play at closely to ELO 2,000 (FIDE), they'd beat 99% of all chess players easily. The last machine I truly grew out of was the Fidelity Sensory 9 (Elo about 1,600), I'm not sure I could beat it so easily today.