I have mentioned in the past having trouble with using my old Logitech Precision gamepad with some games, or have said I would love the ability to use it with some flash games that are out there.  Xpadder, a free program for Windows, has saved the day for me.  Xpadder is a kind of keyboard to gamepad translation too.

The main purpose of this freeware is to simulate keyboard key presses or mouse movements using a gamepad.  Xpadder comes in handy when you want to use a controller to play PC games with no joystick support, like old DOS games, flash games, and more.

Here are some of the features of Xpadder:

• Full keyboard and mouse emulation
• Rumble support for capable controllers
• Constantly updated controller database
• Multiple profile management
• Advanced fine-tuning options
• Low CPU and memory usage

So with Xpadder, I can play games like Super Mario Bros X and Super Mario Crossover with no issues at all, using my cheap USB controller, rather than the keyboard.

Want to give it a try?  You can download Xpadder for free, at Xpadder.com.

I have a great love for useless web sites, and this one might rank up there as one of the most fun useless ones out there, (sorry InstantRimshot.com).  KissTunes.com lets you become a grand piano, acoustic guitar or electric piano player right from the comfort of your own keyboard. 

The interface here is pretty simple.  You can use your keyboard or the mouse to click the buttons, and play that specific note.  You also can record your little ditty once your done, play it back, save it or load another.  Who wouldn’t want to play and record tunes online using your computer’s keyboard? 

Although it is a little slow right now (probably going to be getting really popular soon) be sure to keep KissTunes.com handy next time you feel like composing your next keyboard tune of your own.

The way I see it, if there is anything I need to invest well in – it is a good mouse and keyboard.  With the freelance contracting and writing that I do, it is my proverbial nails and hammer to get the job done.  So when my old mouse died off, I saw it as the perfect chance to grab the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro.  I have been using it a little less than 24 hours, and thus far I love it.

That is one wacky looking mouse!

The first time you see the mouse, you might think it is the ugliest computer add-on you have ever laid your eyes on.  Once you put your hand on it though, you understand that ugly feels pretty damn good in the palm of your hand.  Also, this thing has more buttons on it than I have ever seen before.  For browsing on the web, the two side buttons are nice – because by default they are used as backwards and forwards buttons.  The big thumb button on the side is cool too, even though I don’t use the Windows Vista 3D flip all that much (and I can change what it is programmed to later of course).

Keyboard fits like a glove!

The keyboard has a really nice feeling to it to.  The keys are waved in a way to make typing on it feel more “natural”, or so it says on the box.  I can’t complain yet.  The keys have a good feeling when they are pushed too.  It feels good.  I also usually hate all the programmable keys that come across the tops, bottoms, and side of many keyboards – so nice to see this one doesn’t have that many. 

All in all, I am very happy with the purchase, and I would give the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro two thumbs up for any other web hosting guru, freelance contractor, writer, and geek out there like myself.   If you don’t trust me, Cnet has also put out a nice video review of the combo.

Not much to talk about, because here you see the entire site.  You can click on the "chart" graphic to get a chart of your most recent performance and the speed reads out how many words you can type per minute.  You can also click on the "level" graphic to go between 3 different levels of typing, setup how the words come out or even import an RSS feed.

The highest speed ranking I’ve gotten thus far is 48 – how about you?