(Note to anyone just joining the conversation; he is *not*
looking for the strongest machine available. If he was all
of my advice would be different.)

wrote:

Thanks for the input.

In addition to what was recommended above, can anyone comment on these
units, especially with respect to display, etc?

http://www.thechessstore.com/c=NWYgj..._Computer.html

http://www.thechessstore.com/c=NWYgj..._Computer.html

http://www.thechessstore.com/c=NWYgj..._Computer.html

http://www.thechessstore.com/c=NWYgj...uch_Chess.html

You appear to have decided on a stylus-based touch screen unit.
Are you concerned about losing the stylus or wearing out the
screen (typically plastic that gets scratches as you use it)?
I personally find button-based units easier to use after you
get used to the controls. Be aware that replacement stylii
from a PDA, etc. either won't fit the holder or will fall out.

http://www.thechessstore.com/c=NWYgj..._Computer.html
Great display if you turn on the backlight -- but you have to
replace batteries every few hours. *No* backlit screen is easy
to read with the backlight turned off; the non-backlits have a
mirror at the back that doubles brightness. (I am an Engineer
who works in the toy industry and know what I am talking about
here).

http://www.thechessstore.com/c=NWYgj..._Computer.html
The display is a bit bigger and a bit harder to read than the
unit I recommend (the Excalibur Talking LCD Chess.) This one
is better in bright light. The Talking LCD is better in dim
light. There have been a lot of complaints about the lowest
level being too strong, and thus beating average players
every time.

http://www.thechessstore.com/c=NWYgj..._Computer.html
I have never tried this one. Multiple reviewers report a really
hard to read screen. It is also, in my opinion, too small
for playing a long game..

http://www.thechessstore.com/c=NWYgj...uch_Chess.html
I have never tried this one. It does have a backlight,
so the limitations I talk about above apply. It looks
like it has a nice big screen and a lower section that
displays text, both of which are advantages.


--
Guy Macon
http://www.guymacon.com/