It must be the cheap way to go. I have a Palm device and of course the display is good, much better tahn the dedicate handhelds.
I think everyone ought to just go for a pda or phone or other handheld device. Programs can be had or free, and they are strong, while very strong programs cost just a little, like Pocket Fritz and Hiarcs.
Netbooks are a nifty inbetween-size with lots of capability.
If you will get use out of such a device they are very handy, and if you want to play a strong opponent they will satisfy--GM strength.
I'm not talking about the dedicateds, of course.
I don't care about the LCD displays, as long as I can tell which piece is where, I tend to set up my board and play against the computer using my chessboard to make all the moves.
I have an old Palm Zire 21. A new Zire 22 can be had for <$100 US on ebay. Pay more and get more in terms of a processor and screen. A pocket PC would be enough for any strength player, and it can use its own form of Chessbase as I recall.
If you have a new-ish cellphone (I stole my sisters old one), you can probably download a decent chess program.
It's a very reasonable choice, the Zire 22. Color screen, adequate battery life to play a very long game with no worries.
You may have to google zire 22 chess to find some personal endorsements re strength and screen quality and battery life, but my old monochrome Zire 21 is fine and also plays at strong master level. Plenty for a game though I use the usual suspects on my laptop for a thorough gimme-the-truth analysis.
Which would you guys recommend - chess on iPod/iPhone or on a PDA? What advantages and disadvantages does each have?
Chess on the iPhone (also my sisters :P) annoys me because of the touch screen.
I don't use a phone for chess, but I would not like to play on a too tiny screen. Check to be sure about program availabilty for your hardware, and what kind of features and strength it can provide.
PDAs meet most anyone's chess needs as there is quite a lot of variety in processors and screens--but all adequate I think for a serious chess student looking for a very strong opponent. There are good free programs and very good ones that can be bought for c. $40 ( Hiarcs).
I tried the handhelds myself when my palm died. I was so frustrated with the screens that I just bought an iphone. Still waiting for the chess.com app...
I would avoid Saitek. I had two and both developed problems within just several hours of careful, easy use. On the first, the 2nd rank would not work. On the second one that I purchased years later, a few of the squares would not sense the stylus, and I was always careful not to push too hard or wear it out. I've decided not to waste any more money on LCD-based games like that. It's actually not a bad idea to purchase a really small laptop computer (the smallest you can find) and load it up with your favorite software. I think it's really the ultimate way to go. Besides, you can always use it for other purposes if you need to.
Anyone have any opinions on why the LCD display/board screens of handheld chess computers are typically so poor? Having done a bit of research into the subject, I can't seem to find a good one yet. They either have problems with backlighting, or have poorly distinguished or illuminated pieces. Or all three. Plus - just as bad - they have monochrome displays.
iPods etc. are smaller and yet manage to offer chess with colourful, high-res screens, boards and pieces. (Plus zillions of other functions the handheld comps don't usually have (like storing games and databases)).