REVIEW: Fritz for the Apple iPod

[Sean Evans]

Hi,

I have played about five games against Fritz on the Apple iPod and it has both good and bad points.

Good points:
- Good graphics
- Strong engine estimated at > 2200 ELO
- Analysis engine
- Low price US$ 9.99

Poor points:
- No gain per move for long games, for example only 30 minute games up to 60 moves, no 30 10 game option
- No way of connecting an opening book
- Opening book appears to be in small size, so opening repeat, gets boring
- Does not make full use of screen

Questions for you all:

1) If Fritz gives a long time control up to 60 moves, what happens after 60 moves ? Is it a default time limit ?

2) How can I move the pieces with a stylus? I tried a stylus from my PDA but the screen does not recognize the plastic tip, very strange. My fingers are to large to move the chess pieces, easily.

3) Which Chess games are you recommending for the iPod? Is there a few that stand out as the best in the class?

Cordially,

Sean Evans

[mephisto]

Hi Sean
No you cannot use PDA stylus because the iPhone/iTouch screen required a larger input area like your finger. If you want to use a stylus then there are hundreds for sale on eBay for the iPhone/iTouch.
As for other progams try Glaurung that is free and a excellent program. Then there is Shredder and ChessGenius both with good engines with Shredder the strongest and finally Hiarcs will be available very soon as we have been beta testing it for some time now.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Bryan

[krazyken]

2) How can I move the pieces with a stylus? I tried a stylus from my PDA but the screen does not recognize the plastic tip, very strange. My fingers are to large to move the chess pieces, easily.

3) Which Chess games are you recommending for the iPod? Is there a few that stand out as the best in the class?

2) you would need a special stylus designed for the iPhone/iPod

3) Glaurung is free and probably stronger. Good size opening book, and ability to show analysis. Shredder is also available, but is slightly weaker than Glaurung, and has no time controls.

[Sean Evans]

Why do none of these iPod games allow the enduser to hook up a set of opening books?

[Sean Evans]

How do I change the time controls in Glaurung iPod? It seems to only have the default 5 minute time control!