Gamer Tech – Nostromo TE

Nostromo….

Sounds impressive like something 12th century, and who know’s it might be(you google it if you want). What I’m referring to the is belkin’s PC Speed pad Nostromo, in particular the N52TE or Nostromo Tournament Edition Speed pad.

There two version of the Nostromo the N52 and N52TE, but essentially it is the same device, all the TE means is that instead of been black and orange(N52) you have a much more stylistic all black with blue underkey neon.

The N52TE is a nice ergonomically designed Speed Pad complete with palm rest and well space keys, layout is with easy access to all keys. It also has a programmable D-pad within thumb reach which sets it abit apart from the more run of the mill gamepads.

One of the unique features on this gamepad is unlike most speed pads is that where your programmable keys, macro etc… are all intrupted by software on the PC, the N52TE uses RAZER synaptics to actually load all your macros, custom key sets onto the speed pad itself, allowing you to plug and play on the run without major setup time.

The setup software itself works flawlessly the best I have seen, no crashes, no hangs, no 3hr install. Just click install, and bam perfectly install working software, really easy setup and config. The N52TE also allows for 3 programmable keyset per profile…. yes that’s right per profile, and there is no limit on your profiles, the keysets can be changes in game and profile can be either manually activated or linked to your game and auto run whenever you start your favorite game.

For those of you who haven’t used speed pad’s before they do make gaming, especially FPS or really any fast paced game a whole lot easier to play, but do take some getting used to and the Nostromo is no different. The ergonomic style takes a little while to get used to, but after a few days of use feel very natural and quite comfortable. It also takes alot of strain off the wrist like you normal get playing using a keyboard.

Belkin even went out and created a community site for N52 users to chat, swap setups etc…http://www.n52te.com/community/

All in all the N52TE is a very well thought out speed pad, all the controls are in easy to reach and comfortable positions, the setup and software just work, not issue no hassles and even the feel of the nostromo is a step above giving a solid feel rather than a $10 made in china feel that you normally find with speedpads well worth the investment if your a gamer.