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Logitech Cordless Freedom 2.4 Joystick Review

When it comes to PC peripherals and especially gaming there isn't much better than Logitech. The Freedom 2.4 is not a new product on the market but it is the type of product that will always be useful to a gamer. If you have a wired stick and find that you are constantly fighting tangles, cordless is a good way to go. With the Freedom 2.4 move it around, set it back down...you don't have to worry about getting your cords tangled here. When you are done using it, place it anywhere without having to disconnect any wires.

Company:

Logitech, Inc., www.logitech.com

Price:

$49.99 US at NewEgg.com.

Ratings

Price:
Install/Setup:
Usability:
Support:
Average Rating:

Getting Started

Out of the box, the Freedom 2.4 looks sharp and well made. The cool black and silver color combination is part of this, as is the open-footed triangular base, which has a low profile that stands in sharp contrast to the blocky, heavy-looking bottom sections seen on other sticks. This three-footed design probably also contributes to the stick's very good stability. The total height is right about eight inches.

In terms of construction, the outer sections are aluminum, plastic and some rubber - nothing out of the ordinary, but put together to be sturdy without unnecessary weight.

The unit comes bundled with a USB receiver that transmits on the 2.4GHz channel within approximately a 20-foot radius--far enough for any reasonable play scenario. Three AA batteries provide power. Logitech estimates at least 50 hours of life per set.

Click on picture to enlarge image

Usability

The buttons on the Freedom 2.4 are well-positioned so that they feel comfortable. The ergonomic design and placement of the 10 buttons (4 on the base, 6 on the handle) allow easy access for big or small hands. A throttle wheel (more of a rolling motion than a sliding wheel found on most sticks) and an eight-way directional hat switch top off the comprehensive controls. The handle also rotates to serve as a rudder control. Left-handed users will feel left out, however as the stick is designed for righties only.

The four buttons on the base are located where they are easy to get to with your left hand and the combination of their relative sizes and separation provides a low learning curve in terms of hitting the one you want without looking. The low profile of the base also feels very comfortable in terms of the left hand's position.

The Freedom 2.4 deactivates its self to save on battery power if the stick sits idle for a few seconds. So it is very important you press one of the buttons when you first jump into a plane so the stick responds when you try to fly.

Logitech Cordless Freedom 2.4 Joystick Specifications

Pros:

• Clean design
• No cord to get in your way
• Smooth motions and button response

Cons:

• Keep batteries close by
• Right handed design only

Adding It All Up

Logitech's Freedom 2.4 seems to be a well-featured piece of equipment at a competitive price. The stick feels tight and controlled, with superb response time. I tried it out with Battlefield Vietnam, Dessert Combat, and even some old flight sim games I have sitting around such as European Air War. All I can say is with Battlefield 2 coming out in a few weeks, the Logitech Cordless Freedom 2.4 will be getting plenty of flight time!! Happy flying!

A special thank-you to Logitech for providing this product for review on UpgradeAdvisor.com.

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