The N52te or Razer Nostromo both are significant hardware upgrades to the original n52. The key travel is smoother, the dpad and thumb buttons don't stick or squeek, and the scroll wheel is much more solid. The build on the Razer model is slightly better, but the real difference is in the software side. IF you don't need the extra functions the new Razer model brings, you can still find the n52te online for ~$20.
If you use your mouse in your right hand like many lefties, then you'd just use the Nostro. If you prefer mousing with your left hand, then please get on Razer's facebook page and petition for a right-handed Nostromo. I totally want to have the ability to use a paired set :D
@Wulf I used a G13 for a week. I wanted to like it, I really did. This was during the time that the n52te was having issues with the diagonals on the dpad not working properly. I have normal size hands. I found that the far left and right keys required reaching further than necessary to hit them, unseating my hand from the default position. This defeats the point of an ergonomic input.
My hand is perfectly cupped and supported on the Nostromo. On the G13, which does have a much slighter curve to it, I found I had to arc my hand to achieve a comfortable finger curvature for keypresses. Otherwise I was flat pressing which either stressed joints or risked pressing keys between the one I wanted and my palm.
The thumbstick has a plastic nubbin at the top, no more than 1/4" across. It is also angled in such a way that to get a solid grip with my thumb, rather than simply pushing against it, I found it necessary to curve my hand again to get my thumb on top of the stick, resulting in the weight of my hand resting on my palm and the 1/4" nubbin. After an hour, this became uncomfortable. So yes, it poked.
The n52te is functionally identical to the Nostromo, but out of production. This means you can still find them online for $20 or less. Much of my guild still uses this model. At present, while he Nostromo is a decent upgrade from the n52te, it's not significant enough for many to make the change. So, for about $20 you could get a comparable device to work with. That would give you time to really put the playstyle to the test, without spending much.
I've been using the Nostromo series of gamepads since the original n52, the n52te, and now the Razer version. I strongly agree with Mr. McCurley's assesment; the Nostromo rocks, and hard. I've put together a YouTube channel, The 2 Ring (http://www.youtube.com/user/grendalsh), with a focus on setting up and integrating the Nostromo with WoW (also SC2, and some other games *coffSWTORcoff*). This covers creating a class-generic profile (for alcoholics!), modifying actionbars to match the Nostro grid, and easy keybinding methods for controlling up to 5 actionbars. There's also vids for class profile ideas, including prot warrior, holy priest (with grid and mouseover macro heals), rogue, druid, and stoopid huntar tricks. While the vids are a bit old, and I was using the n52te at the time, they all still apply to the Razer Nostromo.
Likewise, my intent was not to imply my way is right. However, let me offer the following. From what I gather of your layout, you are using keys for WASDQE movement and the dpad as a modifier. This subtracts 6 keys from the grid of 15, but add in the dpad for another 4, for a total of 13 keybinds. At the same time, you are controlling both movement and spells with the same four fingers. Conversely, you could have movement controlled by your thumb, and have your 4 fingers free to control 5 modifiers x12 keys = 60 keybinds. However, if you only use a dozen keybinds, then this method would be overkill.
Half my guild are ladies with smaller hands, and they all use and swear by (not at) a Nostromo. They pull the wrist rest off entirely, and place a cloth or mouse wrist pad on the exposed base. It's glosy smooth, so it's not uncomfortable, just tends to get sweaty, bare plastic on skin and all.
I use the dpad for movement very effectively for tanking, healing, and dps, especially as a high-movement rogue. Perhaps you should try rethinking how you use the dpad. I have forward/back and strafe left/right bound to he dpad, and use the mouse for turning. I can literally run rings around was players this way. (I still suck at pvp, but mobility isn't the issue)
I respectfully disagree. The G13's main selling points are in fact its flaws. While it has more buttons than the Nostro, those 'more buttons' are poorly placed and several require moving your hand to hit unless you have monkey fingers. There is a very nice LCD screen. It shows information by your hand. This is about as useful as looking at your keyboard while you play. The analog thumbstick is responsive. However, I found it to be poking my thumb uncomfortably after a while, making it unpleasant to use for extended gaming sessions. The overall ergonomics of the unit required a flat hand profile. The natural shape of the hand is cupped, which meant the G13 was asking me to conform to it rather than supporting my hand.
Overall, I found that for less money, the Nostromo hits the perfect combo of form and function, while eschewing distracting bells and whistles.
The actual question wasn't answered, though the supplied answer was useful. Perhaps a rephrase.. It was implied by the Blue description of Void Storage and Tmog that there would be a synergy between them. That is, you could use items STILL IN VS as a model source for Tmog, avoiding the withdrawal fee. Is this possible? Can you have both VS and Tmog panels open at the same time?
Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Oct 1st 2011 3:56AM (WoW)Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Sep 30th 2011 10:41PM (WoW)Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Sep 30th 2011 10:39PM (WoW)I used a G13 for a week. I wanted to like it, I really did. This was during the time that the n52te was having issues with the diagonals on the dpad not working properly.
I have normal size hands. I found that the far left and right keys required reaching further than necessary to hit them, unseating my hand from the default position. This defeats the point of an ergonomic input.
My hand is perfectly cupped and supported on the Nostromo. On the G13, which does have a much slighter curve to it, I found I had to arc my hand to achieve a comfortable finger curvature for keypresses. Otherwise I was flat pressing which either stressed joints or risked pressing keys between the one I wanted and my palm.
The thumbstick has a plastic nubbin at the top, no more than 1/4" across. It is also angled in such a way that to get a solid grip with my thumb, rather than simply pushing against it, I found it necessary to curve my hand again to get my thumb on top of the stick, resulting in the weight of my hand resting on my palm and the 1/4" nubbin. After an hour, this became uncomfortable. So yes, it poked.
Thank you for getting my facts straight for me.
Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Sep 30th 2011 6:56PM (WoW)Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Sep 30th 2011 5:58PM (WoW)I've put together a YouTube channel, The 2 Ring (http://www.youtube.com/user/grendalsh), with a focus on setting up and integrating the Nostromo with WoW (also SC2, and some other games *coffSWTORcoff*). This covers creating a class-generic profile (for alcoholics!), modifying actionbars to match the Nostro grid, and easy keybinding methods for controlling up to 5 actionbars. There's also vids for class profile ideas, including prot warrior, holy priest (with grid and mouseover macro heals), rogue, druid, and stoopid huntar tricks.
While the vids are a bit old, and I was using the n52te at the time, they all still apply to the Razer Nostromo.
Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Sep 30th 2011 5:29PM (WoW)From what I gather of your layout, you are using keys for WASDQE movement and the dpad as a modifier. This subtracts 6 keys from the grid of 15, but add in the dpad for another 4, for a total of 13 keybinds. At the same time, you are controlling both movement and spells with the same four fingers.
Conversely, you could have movement controlled by your thumb, and have your 4 fingers free to control 5 modifiers x12 keys = 60 keybinds. However, if you only use a dozen keybinds, then this method would be overkill.
Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Sep 30th 2011 5:16PM (WoW)Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Sep 30th 2011 3:18PM (WoW)I have forward/back and strafe left/right bound to he dpad, and use the mouse for turning. I can literally run rings around was players this way. (I still suck at pvp, but mobility isn't the issue)
Reviewing the Razer Nostromo: A comfortable place to rest your hand
Sep 30th 2011 3:09PM (WoW)The G13's main selling points are in fact its flaws.
While it has more buttons than the Nostro, those 'more buttons' are poorly placed and several require moving your hand to hit unless you have monkey fingers.
There is a very nice LCD screen. It shows information by your hand. This is about as useful as looking at your keyboard while you play.
The analog thumbstick is responsive. However, I found it to be poking my thumb uncomfortably after a while, making it unpleasant to use for extended gaming sessions.
The overall ergonomics of the unit required a flat hand profile. The natural shape of the hand is cupped, which meant the G13 was asking me to conform to it rather than supporting my hand.
Overall, I found that for less money, the Nostromo hits the perfect combo of form and function, while eschewing distracting bells and whistles.
Patch 4.3 PTR: Transmogrification and Void Storage gallery
Sep 28th 2011 2:18PM (WoW)It was implied by the Blue description of Void Storage and Tmog that there would be a synergy between them. That is, you could use items STILL IN VS as a model source for Tmog, avoiding the withdrawal fee. Is this possible? Can you have both VS and Tmog panels open at the same time?