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 If
you're just a pawn sucked up in the world of chess, Pocket
Express's PocketChess Springboard Module for Handspring Visor
lets you take your board on the road, playing against another
human or your handheld.
It's a cinch to vary the skills of the computer player--from basic
to Kasparov-threatening--just by changing the amount of time it
thinks about each move (it didn't take much of an increase to have
us sweating at the challenge). PocketChess lets you play a friend
on a single Visor or via infrared if you've got two of the
PocketChess modules.
Graphics don't often come to mind when describing computer chess
games, but Pocket Express tossed in a wide array of board styles,
including wood grain and marble, that show up crisply on the Visor
(and in 16-bit color on the Visor Prism). PocketChess also uses
sound effects and timers (which can be customized or turned off)
to add to the game play.
PocketChess includes a 3,000-game library, letting you search for
Bobby Fisher's strategies and tactics by watching classic games.
You can also import other games in the same PGN (portable game
notation) format or export yours to the Web. And PocketChess
offers hints for novices just picking up the game. You can also
easily take back a move if you've gotten yourself in trouble.
Owners of PocketChess can download the Desktop Companion, PC
software that lets you catalogue your games and watch them on a
larger screen (although you can't play on your PC with the
Companion). It also handles the import/export of games by synching
directly with your Visor.
PocketChess doesn't ship with a manual, which makes maneuvering
its already awkward menus even more of a trial. But being able to
take chess with you in such a small package is the best thing this
side of blindfold chess (which PocketChess offers, by the way). --J.
Curtis
Pros:
Cons:
Description:
PocketChess Deluxe is your on-the-go companion
that allows you to indulge in old-fashioned chess-playing fun
wherever you are--at home, on the train to work, waiting in line.
Play against a friend or play your Palm OS handheld. This
award-winning chess program combines classic chess play with fun
features to keep the game moving along.
Take a break from managing your schedule and have some fun with
your Handspring with this Springboard expansion module deluxe
edition of chess. It includes a library with over 3,000 chess
games and a variety of great chess boards and pieces as well as a
timer, sound effects, and save options. It is perfect for passing
time while waiting in line or commuting on the bus, or whenever
you have some free time.
This game module requires a Handspring Visor running Palm OS 3.0
or higher.
Features:
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On-the-go
chess companion for the Handspring Visor
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Over
3,000 games in library
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Timers,
sound effects, and hints
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Save,
import, and export games
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Color
compatible for the Handspring Visor Prism
Technical
data:
-
Type:
Springboard module
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Compatibility:
Handspring Visor, Visor Deluxe, Visor Platinum, Visor
Prism, Visor Edge
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Color
compatible: Yes
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