Product Description
Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro is an ultimate joystick! Microsoft's patented digital-optical joystick technology gives you the absolute control to dominate. It delivers continuously-correct calibration, no drift, and the durability of non-moving optical parts, so you move through your game with laser-like precision. Program single keystrokes and multiple keystroke moves to joystick buttons for commanding gameplay and exacting speed. Take advantage of the breakthrough Shift button to double the functionality of eight programmable buttons.
Amazon.com Review
Featuring 10 programmable buttons, Microsoft's patented digital-optical technology, and continuously correct calibration, the SideWinder Precision Pro delivers just the right amount of control in a standard joystick.
Installing the SideWinder Precision Pro was easy and fast. We simply plugged it into the game port on our sound card, installed the SideWinder Game Controller software, and we were shooting 'em up in no time. The joystick also ships with a USB converter for those using Windows 98 who want fast plug-and-play action.
The completely programmable buttons are a great feature, letting you put the controls exactly where you want them. The SideWinder Precision Pro's ergonomic design feels comfortable in the hand, and the weight and traction on the bottom of the joystick keep it from moving around. We found that the movement of the joystick was a little stiff, which sometimes made it difficult to fully appreciate the games.
If you're looking for the most advanced features and want a truly intense gaming experience, look into getting a force-feedback joystick. But if that's not your cup of tea, the SideWinder Precision Pro is a great joystick at an unbeatable price.
Pros:
- Programmable buttons for more control
- Shift button doubles program features
- Tons of features for the price
- Easy to install
Cons:
Amazon.com Product Description
Microsoft(r) SideWinder(r) Precision Pro Now available with USB! Dominate with fully digital-optical technology. Pinpoint accuracy. Digital precision. Optimized speed. Rule the Game! With its 16-programmable button functions and fully-digital-optical technology, Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro gives you the speed and accuracy to make every game your game.
Customer Reviews:
Do not buy this joystick..........2007-04-03
I thought it would work, I should have listedn to the other reviewers who had trouble connecting it to a modern PC.
I did buy it and it did not come with a USB adaptor, rendering it useless.
I sent it back and got a refund, and got the Logitec joystick for about $20, it works fine and was much cheaper.
Great in its day!.......2006-07-11
I've owned this stick for years and it always served me well, until the advent of Windows XP and M$'s infinite wisdom in deciding NOT to support XP with the Sidewinder Game Controller software!
Yes, the stick will work with XP just fine, that is if you enjoy erratic and very touchy control in your favorite game.
With the aforementioned software you could control the dead spot in the stick's center (size, etc.), you could control the sensitivity of the stick's movement on all three axis, custom program the buttons, etc.
All of this is now gone and you have a basic, but very good joystick, which has basically been castrated by M$!
I would have given this stick a 5 out of 5 years ago, but under XP and the lack of the software support from M$, I have to drop it down to a 3.
Excellent Joystick.......2006-05-15
The Precision Pro is amazing. The movement is smooth and simple, and it's very ergonomic. I had this joystick for over 8 years, and I never had a problem! It still looks and plays like new! Definitely worth the buy!
Works fine with XP.......2005-11-28
I am confused by the claims that this joystick does not work with XP. XP is plug-and-play: just hook up the USB adapter and plug the thing in. It registers perfectly. Go to control panel and mess with the calibration and test all your buttons - that works perfectly as well. One drawback in not being able to use the W95 software is a lack of ability to reprogram the buttons - no biggie since most software will let you do the same, but I dropped one star for that reason. XP users - don't concern yourself with the disk that comes with the joystick, just plug the thing in and get on with the games!
Never had a problem!.......2005-05-14
I've had my Precision2 for three years and never had a problem. I use it with Falcon 4, MSFS 2004, Jane's F/A-18, CFS 1&2,Flanker 2.5 and USAF. It's always worked with never a breakdown with Windows XP Home. It needs a USB port, not a gameport. I've never had a problem with any MS joysticks, even my old PrecisionPro.
Product Description
Then Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with dynamic force feedback technology and earned PC Gamer's Editor's Choice Award. Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro is the best-selling 16-bit on-stick processor - delivering realistic, high-fidelity forces faster. Feel true-to-life feedback - from subtle sensations to raw power forces. Experience multiple forces simultaneously. Even feel which direction the forces come from. Only Microsoft force feedback technology puts you right inside the game so you can react quickly and decisively to win. Microsoft has changed the face of gaming forever.
Amazon.com Review
After its introduction in 1997, the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro joystick swiftly became one of the bestselling gaming peripherals. It recently reached the mark of over 1 million units sold, and for good reason. It offers over 100 different Force Feedback effects, from subtle shudders to wrist-twisting explosions.
The Force Feedback Pro is one of the more expensive sticks out there, but Microsoft helps make up for it here by including the full version of MechWarrior 3. The well-built stick features a large base, which takes up some desktop space, but also offers a solid foundation for gaming. The stick itself sports an eight-way point-of-view hat, as well as three action buttons and a fire button. Your left hand rests on the side of the base and has access to four programmable action buttons, a shift button, and a throttle. The shift button provides secondary output for each of the action buttons, and the swiveling stick can also handle rudder control. The SideWinder software makes it easy to customize all the stick's buttons; you can even assign a series of keystrokes (such as a rocket jump in a first-person shooter) to a single button.
The Force Feedback effects are some of the best around, bolstered by on-stick sensors that react to your subtlest moves. The Force Feedback RAM, built into the stick, stores and calculates different forces, and the Force Feedback Pro's 16-bit processor communicates commands between the stick and your games. All of this feedback comes with a minor tradeoff: the cooling fan built into the base can get a bit annoying during gameplay.
Even with MechWarrior 3, the Force Feedback Pro will cost you plenty. There are other joysticks out there that dutifully serve their purpose in flight sims and action games, but none that really provides the all-around feature set and extras that the Force Feedback Pro gives gamers.
Pros:
- Great force-feedback effects
- Bundled with full version of MechWarrior 3
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
- Heavy
- Takes up desk space
Amazon.com Product Description
With the Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro 16-bit on-stick processor, you feel as many as 100 or more forces--from subtle sensations to rugged power forces--in every game that supports Force Feedback technology. You choose the amount of force you want to feel for each game, or you can turn it off entirely. The Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro also allows you to program your best moves to the eight joystick buttons using the enclosed Game Device Profiler software. In games that support it, the shift button doubles the functionality of your buttons, hat switch, throttle wheel, trigger, and handle movements.
Features also include a digital-optical camera built into Force Feedback Pro, providing pinpoint accuracy, optimal speed, and no drift. Digital overdrive helps the Force Feedback Pro communicate more quickly with your PC. Finally, the ergonomic design ensures you'll play in comfort for hours, no matter the size or shape of your hands.
Installation is easy with a single port connector, and the solid circuit board with a minimal number of connectors provides dependability.
Customer Reviews:
Microsoft Side Winder Force Feedback Pro: Electronics.......2005-12-31
I have not had better customer service from anyone. I had ordered a side winder but it was not what I thought it was when I received it. I had misread the description. I contacted the seller and he immediately, without question, found the side winder I was looking for and shipped it to me at his own expense, so I would receive it before Christmas. I would recommend him highly to anyone looking for his product.
A long lasting stick.......2005-03-24
I would just like to say that my experience with this stick has been excellent. Granted, I have only used 2 other sticks thus far. I honestly can not even remember how long ago I recieved this stick as a gift. I have owned it for well over 2 years and had zero problems. I originally used it on a 98 system then an XP system. XP automatically installed it as soon as it was plugged in. Also, SP2 did not affect its operation.
The base is heavy and will never leave your desk unless you are trying to flip it. The resistance and force feeback are adjustable with the bundled software over what I feel is a fairly wide range of resistance. Some have mentioned problems with the stick becoming floppy. I have had no such problems. However, it is important to note that FS2004 plays without resistance and only force feedback on my system(don't know if this is changable or not). The number of buttons has served me well in FS2004, Janes F-15, USAF, Combat Flight Sim, and CFS 2. I have also found the optical sensor to be useful. Some of the forces are unrealistic/annoying. Adjusting your grip to not activate the sensor will make life easier.
The stick itself is superbly designed for a comfortable grip. Both of my hands rest naturally in their proper positions. Also, I honestly enjoy the bulkiness of the stick. It was quickly dubbed my baby. The bulkiness and sleek black design also make for an almost intimidating stick at LAN parties as well.
I have only one complaint about this stick. I don't like the interface with the computer. It requires a large power cord that takes up a lot of room on my limited power bar in an even more limited dorm room. However, I am finally forced to retire this fine stick because a small peice of plastic in the data port on the stick broke. I feel that this is more due to it having to live on my dorm room floor as opposed to old age.
My final conclusion is that if you are not a poor college student, this is an excellent stick. I would buy another if I had the money. However, I need something for a lower price. Therefore, I will be purchasing the Logitech Wingman Force 3D.
Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro-no in Win XP.......2004-04-16
Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro
by Microsoft just can't be used with Window-Xp, Why can anyone help, How to go about solving this Q
decent product.......2003-06-18
I liked this stick alot. It wasn't too bulky or large. I never had any problems running it on win 95 and 98. The only complaint I have is that after two years of non strenuous use the force feedback died and there was no resistance so the stick didn't even stand up straight if you let it drop. I guess the little force feedback motor died. It made it un-useable. I really enjoyed the way it vibrated when I crashed in rogue squadron.
great joystick.......2003-05-30
i dont know why gmmjr from little rock had a problem windows xp installed my joystick automaticaly works perfectly great joystick
Product Description
In a wild, hair-raising dogfight, precision and control are critical. That's why the SideWinder has been reengineered for even more accuracy. With its comfortable handle and an improved throttle, this professional quality stick feels as great as it performs. Having the SideWinder on your side is like having an Ace for a wingman.Microsoft SideWinder is an ultimate joystick!
Customer Reviews:
Still truckin.......2007-04-02
I've had this joystick for oh 4 years perhaps, and it still runs. Considering microsoft stopped supporting this stick thats pretty good, i've used this in all the battlefield games, planetside, and with a little setup you'll be gtg. on a side note this is another of my belated reviews and this item is really hard to come by if you can.
force feedback controll issues.......2007-01-25
The problem with Windows XP and this joystick is not Windows XP. It's Microsoft hasn't seen fit to fix a software problem with the joystick. The driver/software that comes with the joy stick (that they don't support you to download the driver if you happen to lose it) has options installed in it. These options allow you to control the force feedback strength of the joy stick. However on Windows XP (using the joysticks software) you can change your force feed back strength and the first time you press the trigger button to test the force it is correct. The second time you test the force feed back strength the strength is back at max. There is no way to lower it. I go into the game and it kicks so hard I can hardly keep fire on my target. After a while this beast will wear your arm out (good motor in it) and when you get hit by another ship with full strength force feedback the whole thing goes crazy which again messes up your control. I'm disappointed because they have known about this issue for a while and have done nothing about it as I found by doing a search for Q321127. The problem could be fixed by tweaking their software and offering (us poor jokers who bought their joystick) a driver download or something but so far nada. I would have given this joystick a 5 but for the software because physically its and awesome joystick in my opinion. Also yes Windows XP does recognize this joystick with out their software but has no controls for the joystick's force feedback strength.
Great joystick!!!.......2006-10-31
Ive had this Joystick for about 5 years now (i dont remember exactly how long, but a couple months after it was on market), and its a great joystick!!. I used it with Windows ME at the beggining where i had to install drivers, but with windows XP i just plug it and use it, doesnt even need calibration. I've been abusing of it for about 5 years, and the only thing that im having trouble with is that the FOV move to the righ its a little hard, besides that, it works as well as the first day. I really recommend it.
MS Sidewinder 2 works GREAT with Win XP Home.......2006-06-23
I don't know why some poeple experience problems with the Microsoft Sidewinder 2 Force Feedback Joystick using Win XP as their operating system, but I have never experienced any problems whatsoever. Granted, it may not work with some types of gaming software, but mine works without a hitch in all the latest versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator (which is why I bought this joystick to begin with.) The only problem I had is when I tried using this joystck in a Commodore 64 emulation running under Win XP. It may also help to load the correct drivers for the joystick that are included on the CD. This may correct any problems being experienced with running under Win XP. And don't bother asking me for the drivers. I won't send them to you.
Works fine in Windows XP.......2006-06-02
Anyone that says the Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 doesn't work in Windows XP is dead wrong. I have been using mine for years and it works perfectly in Windows XP without installing any drivers. As soon as I plug it into a usb port it works.
It is always detected perfectly in the Game Controller section of the Control Panel and the calibration is built into Win XP also. All I need to do it plug it
I'm currently using this in Battlefield 2 and it is truly a great feeling joystick. Super consistent with great feel and response. Built solid also. Highly recommended.
Product Description
Grab control of your game now! The SideWinder Joystick takes popular flight, action, and combat games to the next level. Packed with professional features, performance, and quality - this is the joystick you need. And with a dedicated USB plug, you'll be up and running in no time. Just push the precision throttle and eight action-buttons for all the firepower and control you need.
Customer Reviews:
Not the best, but does the job........2005-03-14
No instalation required. Though if you start Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 Professional, and then connect, you have to change the settings. VEry durable! Still works. Only two button are really needed.
Works for me.......2004-06-05
Ok, so it's not the best stick around, but I like it.
Easy to install and works.......2003-12-20
It's very easy to install, just plug it in a follow the install wizard. It works with regular Windows 98, not just Windows 98 SE and later. It feels more stable that the Logitech Wingman, even though it's less weighty. The handle is a good size and the movement is easy. A great purchase.
Stay away.......2003-12-04
I've owned a Sidewinder for a little over a year. In that year I have reinstalled the software more than 20 times. It seems that whenever I shut down the computer the device driver vanishes. This last time (and it will be the last time) I reinstalled the software and the joystick will still not work. Trying to contact tech support is a nightmare. Bouncing around the microsoft website is a joke. I've tried everything they have suggested, yet nothing. Acessing online tech support they notify me that tech support for this product is not available in the United States- apparently I flew to asia and purchased this product without my knowledge. The final answer to my question appears to be to not buy any Microsoft products.
Worth its price.......2003-11-29
About a week ago my friend got a flight simulator that I found very enjoyable, but I didn't have a joystick. So I came here and searched around for a while. My friend has the Force Feedback joystick and I intended to get that, however it's quite costly so I decided to get this instead. This joystick works just as well as the Force Feedback (I think it's better, it doesn't tire you out as much), it lasts longer (the Force Feedback has been known to jam up after a while because the motor will break after a year or so of usage), and it costs half the price.
Product Description
In a wild, hair-raising dogfight, precision and control are critical. That's why the SideWinder has been reengineered for even more accuracy. With its comfortable handle and an improved throttle, this professional quality stick feels as great as it performs. Having the SideWinder on your side is like having an Ace for a wingman.Microsoft SideWinder is an ultimate joystick!
Customer Reviews:
NOT TRUE --> Microsoft Does Not Support Hardware.......2007-07-18
Okay, so I see that there are several people writing comments/reviews about Microsoft not supporting their joysticks. This is not true (as far as anything not too ancient, ie: the SideWinder 3D Pro).
The first run of Precision Pro joysticks are not compatible with a USB adapter. These joysticks are the ones that have a Product ID number starting with 97462. ALL OTHER JOYSTICKS WILL WORK WITH THE PROPER ADAPTER IN WINDOWS XP.
Excellent joystick, still works with Windows XP.......2007-06-05
I have had this joystick for a long time, at least 5 years, and it's still working just fine. I've never had the problems described by other users. Recently I purchased a new motherboard and I had to reformat my hard drive, and install a fresh copy of Windows XP SP2. I dug out the joystick which was in my closet (I hadn't used it in a while) to play Battlefield 2, and when I plugged it in, Windows XP instantly recognized it as the Sidewinder Precision 2, and installed successfully. I think the users complaining that XP does not recognize it are still running on Service Pack 1.
Feeling the loss.......2007-01-25
I've had at least two of these kinds, and suffered the same problems, and unfortunately, tossed the second one due to me buying a "newer" one. Unfortunately, I've had much better control with the Precision 2 than with a Saitek. Personally if you are the person that can use the keyboard (even during simulated combat) then I'd recommend this stick. I've had to constantly try and get the right calibrations, knowing it's not right with the Saitek. And with the Precision 2, it's worked and that's it.
Best stick I 've seen.......2006-05-17
I have yet to find a joystick that is close to this one. It's a simple but great design and has never failed me after years of brutal service. Works fine on XP, no downloads or CDs needed, just plug and play.
Don't Buy MS Joysticks.......2005-11-04
They have proved they won't support them in the future by not providing a driver for the Precision Pro for Windows XP. BUY ANOTHER BRAND like SAITEK.
Average customer rating:
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Microsoft SideWinder Strategic Commander - Joystick - 12 button(s) - black
Manufacturer: Microsoft
ProductGroup: Video Games
Binding: Video Game
 Joysticks
| Controllers
| Game Hardware
| Computer Add-Ons
| Computers & Add-Ons
| Categories
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Hardware & Accessories
| Specialty Stores
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Hardware
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All Microsoft
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ASIN: B00004Y6FL |
Product Description
Get ready for a revolution in strategy gaming. Sidewinder Strategic Commander brings your strategy game play to a new level by allowing you to move, deploy and command your forces faster and more efficiently. Its innovative map movement control lets you scroll and spin the map quickly and intuitively, and an ergonomic design puts customizable commands at your fingertips.
Average customer rating:
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Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro - Joystick - 8 button(s) - black
Manufacturer: Microsoft
ProductGroup: CE
Joysticks
| Controllers
| Game Hardware
| Computer Add-Ons
| Computers & Add-Ons
| Categories
| Electronics
Hardware & Accessories
| Specialty Stores
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Hardware
| PC Games
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All Microsoft
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ASIN: B0009VU10E |
Product Description
The SideWinder 3D Pro is a joystick for serious gamers. Its unique digital-optical technology blows away the drift problems you'd normally find in standard analog joysticks, allowing for deadly accuracy in your moves. Its 3D rotation gives you even more freedom as you play, providing instant control of point of view, strafing rudder control and more, without the need for rudder pedals. Create custom profiles for your favorite games with the SideWinder Game Device Profiler. Just assign mouse and keyboard actions to the SideWinder 3D Pro controls, and you're ready to take on the competition. The software includes preset profiles for many of the most popular games to get you started.
Average customer rating:
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Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro - Joystick - 8 button(s) - black
Manufacturer: Microsoft
ProductGroup: CE
Joysticks
| Controllers
| Game Hardware
| Computer Add-Ons
| Computers & Add-Ons
| Categories
| Electronics
Hardware & Accessories
| Specialty Stores
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Hardware
| PC Games
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All Microsoft
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ASIN: B0009VL7AW |
Product Description
First there was sight. Then there was sound. Then Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with dynamic force feedback technology and earned PC Gamer's Editor's Choice Award. Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro is the best-selling 16-bit on-stick processor - delivering realistic, high-fidelity forces faster. Feel true-to-life feedback - from subtle sensations to raw power forces. Experience multiple forces simultaneously. Even feel which direction the forces come from. Only Microsoft force feedback technology puts you right inside the game so you can react quickly and decisively to win. Microsoft has changed the face of gaming forever. SideWinder Force Feedback Pro comes with two great games Microsoft Urban Assault (full game included) and 3 months of free Internet gaming with Microsoft Fighter Ace Online multiplayer game. Move with precision. The infrared beam in Force Feedback Pro signals your every move. Rely on Force Feedback Pro. A solid circuit board with minimal connectors makes Force Feedback dependable. Play with accuracy. A built-in digital-optical "camera" reads your exact position. Get faster responses. Replacing analog potentiometers with Microsoft digital-optical technology means more precise translations of your games.
Average customer rating:
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Latin 326-00105 AMI P2 1.0 Microsoft Sidewinder USB
Manufacturer: LATIN AMERICA SECOND SOURCE
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
Joysticks
| Controllers
| Game Hardware
| Computer Add-Ons
| Computers & Add-Ons
| Categories
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Hardware & Accessories
| Specialty Stores
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Hardware
| PC Games
| Categories
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Game Hardware
| Hardware
| Microsoft
| Brands
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ASIN: B00006LHT7 |
Product Description
Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro is an ultimate joystick! Microsoft's patented digital-optical joystick technology gives you the absolute control to dominate. It delivers continuously-correct calibration, no drift, and the durability of non-moving optical parts, so you move through your game with laser-like precision. Program single keystrokes and multiple keystroke moves to joystick buttons for commanding gameplay and exacting speed. Take advantage of the breakthrough Shift button to double the functionality of eight programmable buttons.
Average customer rating:
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Sidewinder force Feedback 2 USB 1.0 with Mech Warrior 4.0
Manufacturer: Microsoft
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
Hardware & Accessories
| Specialty Stores
| Video Games
Categories
| Video Games
| PlayStation 3
| PlayStation 2
| Xbox 360
| Xbox
| Wii
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| PC Games
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| Game Boy Advance
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| More Systems
Categories
| Electronics
| Accessories & Supplies
| Audio & Video
| Camera & Photo
| Car Electronics
| Computers & Add-Ons
| GPS & Navigation
| Home Automation & Security
| Office Electronics
ASIN: B00007FH3I |
Customer Reviews:
Best combo available!.......2002-12-29
Microsoft is the publisher for both of these but dont let that fool ya. Mech is possibly one of the best book/game things ever created. Mech is a first person combat game that really kicks. The Sidewinder is an absolute must have for the dedicated gamer. The controlls are butifly laid out and most games are created to use this design. The fact that it is USB capable makes it good because almost every combuter nowadays has that type of port. The force feedback feature is great for more realistic gaming.
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Electronics
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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe
Wings Over Vietnam
Combat Flight Simulator: WWII Europe Series (Jewel Case)
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 2: Pacific Theater
Jensen JF25 Stereo Headphones
Koss TD-80 Closed-Ear Home Stereophone
Koss R-10 Home Headphones
Monster Cable MP AV600 Power Protector
Monster PC700 Computer PowerCenter¿ with Surge Protection
