FIBS Board backgammon forum

Tired of  screens (computers,  telephones...) as I am, I would love to purchase a standalone backgammon computer to play in my spare time. Sadly, though, I have not managed to track any down. Could anyone help? I know that Saitek used to make one but they no longer appear to be doing so. Are there any others? Have you got one, and what is it like? Thank you.

The Saitek is still occasionally seen on ebay, but I can't encourage you to buy one. It plays with the approximate ability of a fencepost; all other bg games are the same or worse. The Gakken moved the checkers quite well as I recall, but as it was unable to recognise when it was behind a 6 prime could occasionally be cubed into the stratosphere! Download gnu and learn to use it.

Try to find a friendly place to meet other backgammon players to play live.
I think it is still the best way to avoid screens.
But no sorry, I have never sawn any kind of those standalone computer !
And I even didn't know that there were....

More fun to play the challenging players of Fibs!  When you get past the dropper problem, just about all the players on Fibs can kick you tooshy with lucky dice!     Although the shouts can be offensive and dumb at times, it is freedom of speech and still better than without.    Hope you can't find what you're looking for so you will be forced to stay with us or maybe not since I don't know you.    LOL  

Cheers..............socksey



"All censorships exist to prevent anyone from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently the first condition of progress is the removal of censorships." - George Bernard Shaw

You might check out the DL size of gnubg, and look for a used laptop that'll handle it.  I suspect a Pentium 1 would do the trick, for a dedicated BG/gnu machine, maybe even a 486!

I tought the point was "Tired of screens"  :agree:  

QuoteI tought the point was "Tired of screens"  :agree:

That confused me a bit though - how can you have any kind of electronic backgammon game without a screen???  

I have been interpreting it as a portable device that can be used when access to a computer / the internet is not possible - for instance on a train journey (for those of us who dont lug laptops about)  I have tried the one for my mobile phone - but it isnt any good - and would also be disappointed to find there is nothing.

I think that kubakral talked about that kind of thing.

Pick up an old PDA that can run BGLightCE

It is GNU BG, not quite as strong and no tutor mode.

But does give you a run for your money.

tom