Monday 4 January 2016

Plantronics Gamecom 388 Stereo Gaming Headset

Plantronics Gamecom 388 Stereo Gaming Headset

Plantronics look set to make a pretty strong run at the South African market with their remarkable headsets. Last month we took a look at their RIG 500, a fully modular headset that allows the user to customise to their heart’s content. But if you’re in the market for something more conventional, they also have the Gamecom series of headsets. And those who want something versatile – read as “usable with virtually everything”) they have the Gamecom 388. Unlike the Gamecom 788, which we also looked at last month, the 388 is a stereo headset fitted with 3.5mm jacks for audio input and mic output. While the 788 may offer 7.1 surround sound, its USB plug means that it’s use with devices is limited to those that can handle a USB plug (PCs, basically) while the 388’s stereo can be enjoyed over a wide array of devices.

Asus B150 Pro Gaming / Aura

Asus B150 Pro Gaming / Aura

Not everyone can afford a top of the line motherboard. It’s a fact of life. For those that need something reliable that doesn’t bear a massive price tag, there are more than a few options that eschew bells and whistles and deliver exactly wwhat is needed. Some of them even have a few added extras thrown in to spice things up, like Asus’ B150 Pro Gaming / Aura motherboard. It doesn’t make use of the high-end Z170 Intel chipset, but the B150 still falls into the 6th generation “Skylake” fold that Intel released in 2015.

CM Storm Sentinel III

CM Storm Sentinel III

Making the right choice for a gaming mouse can get tricky, because there are numerous variables to take into account. Is it a comfortable size, shape and weight? What is it finished in? Is it sensitive enough? Is it wired or wireless? Possibly most important, what’s the price range?

There are a great many options out there, and sometimes it gets tough to make the right choice… particularly when there are a lot of big names out there to distract you from other potentially excellent (although maybe less known) products. Not, mind you, that Cooler Master is an unknown brand – they just may be a brand not immediately associated with a gaming mouse.