The bit-tech Awards 2006

Peripherals

Peripheral of the Year: Xbox 360 joypad for Windows
Notable mentions: Ergodex, Matrox Triplehead 2 Go

There are all sorts of add-ons and accessories created for PC gamers, and most of them are pretty derivative and/or non-functional. We've seen a couple of good items this year, however.

Number one is the Xbox 360 joypad. Sporting a USB connection and native support in Windows XP, it's simply the best joypad you can plug into your machine (unless you're one of the freaks that likes the Dual Shock palava). It has all the buttons, dedicated support in many newer games, and is perfect for Need For Speed, FIFA, and whatever else you might be playing.

Think your rig can outperform a next-gen console? Rub it in by beating it with its own control pad.

We also liked the rather strange Ergodex. It's not for everyone, but you could find that it appeals to the customising freak inside you.

Coming close behind is the Triplehead 2 Go. This was a sweet, if slightly pointless, triple monitor adaptor. We played Counter-Strike over three 19" displays and spooged at the surround-o-vision we had that enabled us to spot enemies by physically looking around at the environment - seriously sweet stuff. Unfortunately, the adaptor is let down by having three analogue, rather than DVI, connections. D'oh.

Monitor

Monitor of the Year: Benq FP241W
Notable mentions: Viewsonic 2025, Samsung 215TW

The Benq 24 is the best gaming monitor on the market, full stop. There, we've said it. It has all the inputs you could desire - including HDMI with HDCP for next-gen content - as well as great panel properties and neat design. I stick by the belief that 30" is too big for 99% of people, whereas 24" is just right, and with a resolution of 1920x1200, a 8800 GTS will power this bad boy nicely. If you're stuck on a 17" or worse, make this your top priority upgrade for next year - you'll be amazed at what a little more screen size will do.


Both our recommended monitors are widescreen 1680x1050 models, which shows you where the market is going in 2007. The Viewsonic put in a great 'gamer' design with some good colour reproduction, especially at the black end - great for Quake, FEAR et al. The Samsung delivered the same resolution with slightly better picture quality and an extra inch, but with a higher price tag. If you're after a 1680x1050 monitor, the Samsung is the one to have, but don't feel too bad if you save the wonga and go with the Viewsonic - you'll be happy with both.