The Software:

     The included software is called the FTR-720 Mark II Configuration Utility and seems to be the same software that controls GWS' other star attraction; the R2 Mark II Gaming Mouse.  This is a definite plus if you are looking at combining the two products but the software is pretty non-intrusive for those of you looking at the Fragpedal alone.  Due to the pre-release nature of our sample, the finished software package should be a more polished build.

     Also of note is this option to specify a network location during setup.  One thing you may have guessed already is that the settings are stored in the pedals directly and can be used in any PC or MAC without a software install once configured.  The completed install doesn't create a shortcut or even an entry on your programs list.  Fortunately your Quick Start Guide has you covered and explains exactly where to find the executable.

     I experienced a couple of errors launching the software that required me to install two files manually into my windows setup.  This must be a fairly common occurrence as the files are provided on the disk and the Quick Start Guide clearly mentions a readme that contains detailed instructions on addressing these errors with the included files.  It seems that the XP automated update removes a couple of needed files as part of an Office update and the folks at GWS are currently working with Microsoft to resolve the issue.  Kudos to the support team for the inclusion of the quick fix!   A similar set of errors occurred when attempting to view the included help file but things seemed to work after clicking through them.

     Programming the Fragpedal Elite to perform more advanced functions is performed in the Configuration utility shown here.  The first tab provides you with the ability program how the buttons will respond.

     Each of the four buttons can be setup to perform any of your mouse features as seen here.  During my game testing I used the scroll options to program one of my pads to switch weapons in Battlefield:2142.

     You can also replicate any keystroke or combination of keystrokes possible with your keyboard here.  In my BF:2142 testing I used the second set of keys to switch to grenades and back and to toggle prone.  The third menu for the GWS Smart Device functions includes the ability to program one of the keys as a shift key effectively giving you the ability to program an additional set of commands to the other keys directly.  And that's not even taking into account the ability to program multiple functions into each key.  For example I can place a command to function when the button is tapped  and a different function to perform when the same button is held down.

     On the Master Settings Tab you can program set the response times from 32 ms up to 384 ms for the click time and from 30 to 720 WPM for the typing speed.

     The PAL Builder Tab allows you to program macro functions in using a point and click interface.  Simply select the button and chose from the list of options, timing and combinations.  After a bit of trial and error I was able to set up my favorite FPS macro: On push - Crouch, switch to grenade, throw, On release - switch to primary weapon, stand.  I am sure there are many more creative uses out there and several are mentioned on the website.

     The PAL 2.0 programming language can also be accessed directly on the PAL Editor Tab.  Now your button programmed can be as complicated as you can imagine and stored in the embedded 32 KB of memory.  This is the  same functionality  found in the R2 Mark II Gaming mouse and documented more fully here.

     The Profile Management Tab adds the final piece to the puzzle by allowing you to associate different setups to up to 30 profiles.  In the above picture you can see I have setup a default profile to allow the Fragpedal to function all of the time and a separate profile for BF:2142.  One of the nicer options is the ability to create a killer setup and save it to be shared with a friend.  They can simply load your setup and give it a go.  For those of us new to the whole PAL programming thing, this can also allow you to experiment with different functions without having to start over when you screw things up!

     All of this is pretty cool but GWS is not finished yet!  They are currently working on a new Button Macro Interface utility that is designed to allow you to program your Fragpedal setup to use the exact commands used by your favorite games. These two pictures show the new configuration utility in action.  Designed to control both the Fragpedal Elite and the RTR-720 Mark II Gaming Mouse, these screen shots hint at the potential this new software will bring!

      Instead of mapping your key stokes you will soon be able to map a key to something like "switch vehicle position" without having to set it up by hand.  As you can see from this teaser the software has the ability to detect and profile macros based on your current game or application.  If the current software is good, this promises to take the Fragpedal Elite to the next level.

Conclusion:

     It is important to remember the sample we tested is a pre-release unit and GWS continues to finalize the product, packaging  and software even as you read this review.

     I spent some time playing with the Fragpedal Elite and also took the setup to a local LAN to see how well they would travel.  Overall I can say the Fragpedal Elite setup is a great way to get more into the game by involving your feet as well.  I had a great time mapping the brake and gas for FlatOut 2 to the pedals and even found the BF:2142 commands useful.  However I did find my feet just don't respond as fast as my fingers do.  To many years of practice I guess.  The result is I frequently found myself depending on the traditional keyboard keys I am used to when the action got tense and had to remind myself the pads were there.  Like any good tool, I would guess the Fragpedal Elite will get more useful as my time with them increases.  After all, it hasn't been that long since I switched to WASD instead of the old arrow keys, right?

     The pedals them selves are very nicely built and look like they can withstand some good gaming punishment.  My frustrations with the software, how ever annoying, were both minor and not a showstopper for any functionality.  With the newer software already in testing this will probably be resolved before the retail release is done.  Despite the minor issues, the functionality of the pedals was the one constant, providing dependable performance even without the software installed.  The suggested price point of $79.95 may be the deciding factor for those on the fence about trying a device like this but considering the cost of a good keyboard the price may not sound so bad after all.

     I can't help but feel the Fragpedal Elite is a perfect match for some of the less speed dependent functions that I often find myself stretching a finger to reach like the reload key.  The pads immediately bring to mind pedal based arcade games like Time Crisis and would be perfect for music programs by bringing basic piano pedals back to the mix.  Ultimately the usefulness of the Fragpedal Elite setup will depend on your ability to adapt to new ways to interact with your friendly old PC, I have no doubt they will provide a tremendous advantage to those who do.  Even with the minor software glitches found in the pre-release builds my experience with the Fragpedal Elite setup is very positive.  I would not hesitate to recommend the Fragpedal setup to anyone looking for new ways to gain an advantage on the competition.

Innovation:	9.0 out of 10
Performance:	10 out of 10
Quality:	10 out of 10
Stability:	N/A
Overclocking:	N/A
Software/Drivers Pack:	7.0 out of 10
Value:	7.5 out of 10
Overall Rating 9.0
Project Skill Level (10 being most difficult)	3 out of 10