I've been playing chess on and off for a while now and have decided to get an electronic chess board, as I don't have many people to play with on a regular basis. I have narrowed my choice down to three: The Millennium King Performance, The DGT Centaur, and the Square Off Kingdom. Each board is different and I'm having a hard time deciding which would be the better option for me.
The Square Off Kingdom is best in terms of price, as it is the cheapest option. In terms of looks, the King Performance is best for me, as I like the classic, retro-feel of it, with the Square Off right behind in terms of looks. Although I think the Centaur looks cool and modern, I prefer the classic look of the other two. In terms of play itself, the Centaur seems best as it is the only one of the three that does not need the pieced to be pressed down to move.
In terms of longevity, it seems the Centaur and King Performance would inherently be on top, considering they don't have the extensive inner mechanisms the Square Off does, and this also means they will be less likely to malfunction than the Square Off. After reading reviews, it seems like the King Performance offers a better computer engine to play against when compared to the Centaur, and comes with nicer pieces than the Centaur.
In terms of batteries, both the Square Off and Centaur have built in batteries, while the King Performance does not, although a power pack can be purchased (I do not intend on purchasing it right away).
In terms of internet connectivity, the Square Off requires a constant connection (severe downside for me), while the Centaur and King Performance can both be played offline, and connected to online play if desired and if the proper additions are purchased (not a big deal for me right away).
Despite some minor issues (ie. no internal battery, having to press the pieces down, and some user concerns over it not laying flat), it seems like the King Performance is just edging out the Centaur for me as of right now.
I guess what I am asking with all of this is, if you know of each of these boards or have used any of them, and if you were simply given the choice to have any of these three boards at no cost, which would you choose? I'd love to hear what you all think of these three boards, and if you guys also believe the King Performance is the better option, or if not why it is not. Thank you in advance for your help, it will be immensely appreciated!
Edit: It seems in some reviews that having to press each piece for each move is giving some users concern about the longevity of the boards, do you think this would be an issue if the board is used pretty consistently on a daily basis? Thanks again.
I think mainly to play on an actual chess board. My main method of play right now is a mix of my iPad and my computer. I'd love to sit at the table and be able to play with physical pieces without the need of an opponent.
I've been playing chess on and off for a while now and have decided to get an electronic chess board, as I don't have many people to play with on a regular basis. I have narrowed my choice down to three: The Millennium King Performance, The DGT Centaur, and the Square Off Kingdom. Each board is different and I'm having a hard time deciding which would be the better option for me.
The Square Off Kingdom is best in terms of price, as it is the cheapest option. In terms of looks, the King Performance is best for me, as I like the classic, retro-feel of it, with the Square Off right behind in terms of looks. Although I think the Centaur looks cool and modern, I prefer the classic look of the other two. In terms of play itself, the Centaur seems best as it is the only one of the three that does not need the pieced to be pressed down to move.
In terms of longevity, it seems the Centaur and King Performance would inherently be on top, considering they don't have the extensive inner mechanisms the Square Off does, and this also means they will be less likely to malfunction than the Square Off. After reading reviews, it seems like the King Performance offers a better computer engine to play against when compared to the Centaur, and comes with nicer pieces than the Centaur.
In terms of batteries, both the Square Off and Centaur have built in batteries, while the King Performance does not, although a power pack can be purchased (I do not intend on purchasing it right away).
In terms of internet connectivity, the Square Off requires a constant connection (severe downside for me), while the Centaur and King Performance can both be played offline, and connected to online play if desired and if the proper additions are purchased (not a big deal for me right away).
Despite some minor issues (ie. no internal battery, having to press the pieces down, and some user concerns over it not laying flat), it seems like the King Performance is just edging out the Centaur for me as of right now.
I guess what I am asking with all of this is, if you know of each of these boards or have used any of them, and if you were simply given the choice to have any of these three boards at no cost, which would you choose? I'd love to hear what you all think of these three boards, and if you guys also believe the King Performance is the better option, or if not why it is not. Thank you in advance for your help, it will be immensely appreciated!
Edit: It seems in some reviews that having to press each piece for each move is giving some users concern about the longevity of the boards, do you think this would be an issue if the board is used pretty consistently on a daily basis? Thanks again.
-Steven