Manufacturer: Microsoft Tech: ForceFeedback wheel and pedals Bundle: Monster Truck Madness 2 and CART Precision Racing Price: $199.99

Microsoft is no longer simply known for Windows Ninety-X. Not only does Microsoft publish games but they also make gaming control devices to go with them. In 1997 the Microsoft IntelliPoint Mouse become a firm favorite amongst the Quake community but during the same year, Microsoft also introduced their Force Feedback technology to the SideWinder Precision Pro series. This was done to give gamers added 'waggling' pleasure (no pun intended). For 1998, Microsoft went ahead with implementing Force Feedback on to a steering wheel, with the help of a few race drivers. So it's here, it's out and $199.99! Ouch? Well let's take a closer look...

At first glimpse, the wheel looks a little 'toyish' by comparison to Zye Technologies' steel-made F1 Wheel. Microsoft has instead opted for an extremely compact and lightweight design. As ergonomic as the design is, we can't help wondering about the overall durability of it. Flimsy the Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel most certainly isn't but if we were to give it some real 'force' the likelihood of it remaining in place or indeed, in one piece wouldn't be high.

Being a lightweight wheel does have its advantages. It takes little more than 2mintues to set up the wheel and a little less to remove it. This might seem unimportant but when you've had enough of driving around the bend in Need For Speed III, you might then want to have a blast at Quake 2, in which case you've got to be able to easily move the contraption out of the way. And here Microsoft has done an adequate job by designing an easy to use clamping method. You simply clamp the steering column/frame on to the edge of your desk via an adjustable screw and lock down/remove with the quick release. It didn't seem to damage the wood of a desk either, which can happen with other clamping methods.