The confusing variety of keyboard controls used by different games to which M. Jeanes refers (Issue 59) can be easily overcome. Fortress for the BBC allows you to change the controls to suit yourself.

While joysticks do overcome many problems, it can be very expensive replacing what must surely rate as second only to cellophane wrappers in the built-in obsolence stakes.

Hopefully, someone will manufacture a sturdy arcade style console which may balance in the lap or fix to a worktop and can be configured for a wide variety of games - I enclose a brief outline.

The Deluxe Console (£30 max)

• six locatable fire buttons
• real knob-style joystick
• expandable - add-on fire/control joystick, track ball or soon-to-be-released steering wheel
• interfaces for all computers £9.99 - fully programmable
• supplied with plastic G clamps for tape taps. But may be screwed onto computer desk.

Gerry King
Addington, Croydon