which of these novag's would you recommend

[ozziejoe]

I am looking to purchase a novag table top chess computer. I am rated about 1700. Does anybody have a novag and maybe can provide me with some personal experience about what they like and don't like. Is there any benefit for someone at my level to get the novag that plays like a master, or will the 1900 rated novag (e.g., carnellian II) be fine.




Here are the list of Novag features., if someone is interested.

http://www.novag.com/Web%202006/AUSTRALIA/table-E.htm

[Graham Banks]

If you're wanting to improve your game, go for the strongest as it's probably over-rated anyway.
You can also play it on faster or weaker levels and move up as required.
There'd be nothing worse than getting bored with a computer that you can learn to beat most of the time.
Just my opinion.

Regards, Graham.

[ozziejoe]

good points graham.

I have read that novag consistently overates its chess machine....

[YL84]

Hi,
I also agree that you should take one among the strongest.
An USCF rating is higher than an international one. this being
said, it will also depend of the money you want to bring,
and of the design of the machine (for instance, having some
pieces in plastic material does not make you want to play chess,
wood is more attractive).
what are you criteria (travel game, home,...) ?
Yves

[ozziejoe]

I want to play chess at home on a beautiful wooden set.....I want to feel the weight of the pieces in my hand.. I suspect, regretably, that this will cost alot of money. But i am tired of playing chess on a computer screen. Do you know the feeling?

best
J

[AdminX]

I want to play chess at home on a beautiful wooden set.....I want to feel the weight of the pieces in my hand.. I suspect, regretably, that this will cost alot of money. But i am tired of playing chess on a computer screen. Do you know the feeling?

best
J

Hi Joseph,

Well, 1st things 1st. They all are overrated, so take the advertised rating with a gain of salt. That said and out the way. I just ordered the Novag Citrine.

I was trying decide on 1 of 3 choices, they were

Mephisto Master

Novag Citrine

Novag Obsidian

Steve Blincoe gave me the low down on my three choices per Selective Search Ratings which I found were more realistic. See below:

Master-2105
Citrine-2022
Obsidian-1974

Here is the best price I've seen on the Novag Citrine $297.00 (US) if you decide to go that route.

http://www.chesshouse.com/Novag_Citrine ... /b1032.htm

[AdminX]

Hey I found that "The Chess Barron" sells a nice set of chess pieces (Margaret Anne Knight Staunton ) that work with the Citrine.











See link below:

http://www.chessbaron.co.uk/chess-X3001.htm

[mclane]

IMO you would spare a lot of money if you would watch out for the mephisto Milano at ebay.

the milano is one of the best dedicated units with a strong chess program by ed schroeder. very nice features. laptop design and
gives lots of information. saves the game and looks nice.

it is normally sold arround 30 Euro at ebay.

[AdminX]

IMO you would spare a lot of money if you would watch out for the mephisto Milano at ebay.

the milano is one of the best dedicated units with a strong chess program by ed schroeder. very nice features. laptop design and
gives lots of information. saves the game and looks nice.

it is normally sold arround 30 Euro at ebay.

At that price, I'll keep my eyes open for it as well then.

[ozziejoe]

thanks ted, that is hugely helpful. when will you get the machine. i would love to hear your first impressions.

best
joseph