Recommendations on a decent affordable game pad controller?

Hi, I just got my laptop. An HP DV6000z from hp.com

I want to start playing GTA: San Andreas on my new notebook. I figure that should keep me really busy on my off days from now until the Playstation 3 launches. But I'm not too fond of using the keyboard as a controller.

I dont know much about game controllers for computers, and I haven't play many games on a computer. Can anyone recommend me a game pad controller for a noteobok, one that I can use for other pc games as well.

 

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=123

Just go there and scroll down. Look at the logitech ones. But the Logitech 963326-0403 Cordless RumblePad 2 USB - Retail should be the best one.

Edit: If you dont want to always charge and put batteries this one will do.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826127207

 

were you refering to http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826127209 in your first link?

i've tried the xbox 360 controller for windows and it seems pretty solid. based on my experience with the corded version of the logitech controller, i liked the xbox360 controller better and its only slightly more expensive on amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BT4CF4/ref=sr_11_1/102-1628239-7537752?ie=UTF8

 

can you configure alll games to work witha controller? like css?

 

A FPS is better played with a keyboard and mouse in my mind. More accurate and precise.

 

Although some who started playing FPS with a controller might disagree, I think the keyboard/mouse is much more intuitive for those games.

 

Even if you started out on consoles for FPS, try a keyboard+mouse and see the difference. A mouse is much more accurate than a analogue stick will ever be

I use the 360 pad. See here http://xbcd360guide.50webs.com/guide.html, and download page

 

i like the analogue for presisoun, and the mouse for speed, like turning around

 

Most FPS games on the PC won't work with a controller, and if you could get them to work, they wouldn't be good at all...

I own the XBox 360 controller, and love it. It's very comfortable, and there's tons of buttons.

The rumble feature doesn't work at all, but Microsoft will be programming most games to use this controller in the future for Vista. It's pretty much the best future proof controller to get.

 

I'd have to agree with getting a 360 controller, around $25 on Amazon last I checked and since it's a console controller as well it's generally of a higher quality than most 3rd party controllers.

 

Hehe. Tell ya what... anyone that thinks that a controller is better for an FPS can just join an online game, and see how long they survive

 

Some of them but not all of them. BUT you can use a keymapping program to use a controller when the game doesn't let you (KOTOR is a fine example that comes to my mind). Personally, I use ControlMK, it's easy to use and free (most of that kind of software, make you pay for saving game profiles, this one doesn't).

 

A vote for the 360 pad here

Great design and button placement. But it needs the correct drivers to maximise it - Read the guide here, and then the download page afterwards

imo several profiles are needed, as given in the link above. A "normal one" for driving games etc. The profile to treat the triggers as seperate digital buttons is needed if you play sports games like me