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7/28/2008

I was considering purchasing a new chess set and became overwhelmed. This was very helpful! This guide really spelled it out for me. Thank you! I will be placing my order at The Chess House very soon!

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You are here: Home > Electronic Chess > Compare Portable Electronic Chess Sets

Compare Portable Electronic Chess Sets

After extensive testing and hundreds of inquiries from users, here is ChessHouse's assessment of three handheld chess computers to help you decide which one is good for you.

The Mephisto Maestro is our favorite, but the New York Times Deluxe does offer a lot of chess puzzles to solve.

	Excalibur New York Times Deluxe Talking Touch Chess	Saitek Mephisto Maestro Travel Chess Computer	Saitek Micro Chess Computer
Key Benefit	Simple to read pieces, 500 puzzles to solve	Easy touch and key input, compact, backlight	Low cost
Key Shortfall	Larger than Maestro	Need good vision	Cursor move input
Product Rating
Top Play Level	2000 USCF	1800 USCF	1650 USCF
Levels	136 levels 500 puzzles	100 60 Fun, 40 Competition 64 Study Positions	50 FUN, CASUAL PLAY 64 Study Games
Tips/Hints	Y	Y	Y
Coach Mode	Y	Y	Y
Voice Mode	Y	-	-
Sound on/off	Y	Y	Y
Move Input	Stylus (touch screen)	Stylus (touch screen)	Stylus (touch screen)
Protective Case	Deluxe zipper case	Slim protective case	-
Backlight Option	Y	Y (bright)	-
Takeback Moves	Y	200 moves	Y
Unfinished Game Save	Y	Y	Y
Setup Position	Y	Y	Y
Built-in Clock		Y	Y
Size	6� x 3.5� x 3/4"	5� x 3 1/4" x 1/2"	5� x 3 1/4� x 3/4"
Power	Requires 2 AAA	Requires 3 AAA	Requires 3 AAA
Auto Power Down	Y	Y	Y

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Maestro Travel Chess Computer

Usually Ships in 24 Hours
Now: $89.95

In Stock!

Superb styling, backlit screen, and extended player strengths makes this a must have chess computer!

New York Times Deluxe Talking Touch Chess

New York Times Deluxe Talking Touch Chess

Usually Ships in 24 Hours
Now: $69.00

In Stock!

Excalibur and the New York Times have teamed up to give you a state-of-the-art chess computer with all the features of a full-sized unit. Plus, you get 500 challenging and educational chess puzzles from Robert Byrne, renowned columnist from the New York Times!

Saitek, Micro Chess Computer, Chess Computer

Saitek Micro Chess Computer

Usually Ships in 24 Hours
Now: $29.95

In Stock!

It's compact and portable so you can take it anywhere! Make your moves on the Touch Sensor Screen with the included "stylus". The stylus is housed inside the computer itself. This computer is Saitek's most inexpensive, yet full-featured LCD TOUCHSCREEN chess computer. It's perfect for the younger audience with many learning and experimentation features. Choose from selection of 50 playing levels including FUN and CASUAL PLAY.