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Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 3:55 am
by Diem
It's been a while since I last posted, mainly due to financial issues but I thought I'd let everyone know about the latest Japanese release: Device Label Jaguar (Ravage).

I got the figure earlier today after passing on Tigatron yesterday, and I have to say, I'm not disappointed. As a toy, this figure is amazing. The posability is incredible. His legs each have three joints; at the hips, knees and ankles. Additionally, there is a fourth joint on his rear leg halfway up the thigh which is part of the transformation. This allows him to sit down. His tail can move up and down at the base, his neck can move (though he can only look down, not up) and his mouth can open. His overall look is very sleek and nice, though his head seems slightly wide. It doesn't look bad though. The USB plug even forms a shiny underbelly for him.

In USB mode, he's nothing special, though he's certainly not unattractive. His black and silver colouration looks very classy, as does his faction symbol, but he's essentially just s block.

The transformation is simple, though not distressingly so. Some have said that 2 gigs is very low for a memory stick, but given how little physical space there is on this toy for the memory, it's pretty reasonable. The USB plug actually retracts inside his body during transformation, so there's physically virtually no memory space at all.

He has two gigs of memory, and works with windows xp and vista, though not windows 7 or mac. His computer software is done by toshiba. He comes with some pre-installed software comprising a desktop background, and a little Ravage avatar that runs around on the desktop. I'll try these out once I get home.

There are only two flaws with this figure, to my mind. One is his total lack of missiles, or points to attach the g1 missiles to. The other is the price. Taking import costs into account, fans will be paying the price of a voyager for a figure the size of a legend. I can only recommend this if you're a diehard Ravage fan or if you really need a memory stick and can justify such an expensive one.

Photos will follow later. Please give me any questions or photo requests.

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:59 am
by Mach
Yup, waiting for the photos Diem

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:54 am
by Diem
Image
With Steeljaw.
Image
Sleeping.
Image
Transformed.
Image
Good kitty!

A few interesting notes on the software:
The installation and Adobe help file automatically came up in English, and everything has been very competantly translated.
The software seems to be the exact same for Ravage and Tigatron with the only difference being which "desktop defender" is the default.
The "desktop defender" can transform, walk around the screen, eat icons, jump on and off the screen and sleep. Its walking speed and behaviour can be adjusted, and you can rename it. The "desktop defender" is only active when the memory stick is plugged in.
The software also includes English language bios and techspecs for Ravage (not Jaguar) and Tigertron. Interestingly, Tigertron is firmly placed in G1 pre-beast era since he is described as being "under the command of OPTIMUS PRIME and BLASTER" which explains his Autobot insignia. Another headache for the TF Wiki guys.

EDIT: My computer recognises the memory stick as having 1.8 gigs of free memory. Guess the "desktop defender" takes up a little space.

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:23 am
by CaTZ
I think I fall on the line "if you really need a memory stick" and refuse to read the rest ( I need to justify it somehow :D)

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:35 am
by Diem
CaTZ wrote:I think I fall on the line "if you really need a memory stick" and refuse to read the rest ( I need to justify it somehow :D)

Ooh, I got newsed!

Yeah, it's tough to buy this unless you desperately want a posable G1 Ravage or you're actually going to use him as a memory stick. I didn't own one already so I'll actually get some milage out of him.

From the look of things, Tigertron's moving more slowly off shelves. Should've made Steeljaw.

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:51 am
by Brychanus
He has two gigs of memory, and works with windows xp and vista, though not windows 7 or mac. His computer software is done by toshiba.


I'm pretty sure you mean the desktop avatar software is what doesn't work on Win7 and Mac. I've never heard of a USB memory stick that wouldn't work on those. It's a standardized device and they would really have to go out of their way to make the device itself inoperable outside of XP/Vista. :-B

EDIT: I suppose you could make one not work by formatting the drive to something unsupported, but that's easy to fix.

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:01 am
by Diem
Brychanus wrote:
He has two gigs of memory, and works with windows xp and vista, though not windows 7 or mac. His computer software is done by toshiba.


I'm pretty sure you mean the desktop avatar software is what doesn't work on Win7 and Mac.

Yep, sorry. That's what I meant. There's a last minute sticker on the box specifically saying that it's the "desktop accesory" that doesn't work with Mac and Windows 7.

I imagine that the memory stick works with Macs and Win 7 but I have no way to test this.

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:04 am
by Brychanus
Yep, sorry. That's what I meant. There's a last minute sticker on the box specifically saying that it's the "desktop accesory" that doesn't work with Mac and Windows 7.


Cool, thanks for the additional detail, as well as those photos. I'm excited for mine to arrive!

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:07 am
by Diem
Brychanus wrote:
Yep, sorry. That's what I meant. There's a last minute sticker on the box specifically saying that it's the "desktop accesory" that doesn't work with Mac and Windows 7.


Cool, thanks for the additional detail, as well as those photos. I'm excited for mine to arrive!
No problem. :o

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:11 am
by Forgotten
Diem wrote:
Brychanus wrote:
He has two gigs of memory, and works with windows xp and vista, though not windows 7 or mac. His computer software is done by toshiba.


I'm pretty sure you mean the desktop avatar software is what doesn't work on Win7 and Mac.

Yep, sorry. That's what I meant. There's a last minute sticker on the box specifically saying that it's the "desktop accesory" that doesn't work with Mac and Windows 7.

I imagine that the memory stick works with Macs and Win 7 but I have no way to test this.


As far as the 1.8Gb free space showing up that's pretty common. When a drive is formatted(NTFS, FAT, FAT32, OSX, JOURNALED, ETC.) you lose some free space. And as far as the software not working with Win 7. I'm sure you can get it to work by making sure the installer is set to compatability mode with Win Vista SP2 or Win XP SP3. after installing if the software doesn't run properly, then you go into the Program Files find the program and disable visual themes and you can try the Compatability to Vista/XP as well. I have been using Win 7 x64 for a little over a year now and everything I've used with Vista I can make work better with 7 just have to take the time. If there's anyway I can help, just PM me. :-B

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:18 am
by Diem
Forgotten wrote:
Diem wrote:
Brychanus wrote:
He has two gigs of memory, and works with windows xp and vista, though not windows 7 or mac. His computer software is done by toshiba.


I'm pretty sure you mean the desktop avatar software is what doesn't work on Win7 and Mac.

Yep, sorry. That's what I meant. There's a last minute sticker on the box specifically saying that it's the "desktop accesory" that doesn't work with Mac and Windows 7.

I imagine that the memory stick works with Macs and Win 7 but I have no way to test this.


As far as the 1.8Gb free space showing up that's pretty common. When a drive is formatted(NTFS, FAT, FAT32, OSX, JOURNALED, ETC.) you lose some free space.

Oh, okay, I'm not very computer savvy so thanks for the info.

Okay, going to bed now but if anyone wants to request photos or ask questions I'll try to get back online before work tomorrow.

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:35 am
by Ultra Magnus
WANT ONE! WANT ONE! That would look so cool on my desk and it would help out a lot in Can't wait for Blaster to come out! Why don't they make a Soundwave one too? And why'd they do Tigatron instead of Steeljaw?
B-)

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:27 am
by Kokooro
Not bad at all. Definitely a nice figure of Ravage! :)

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:36 am
by --B--
I got the email that mine is available, but he is sitting in POL jail until december. I can't wait for it, as its the best G1 Ravage since alt Ravage XK, IMHO. I would have been verrrry tempted if the Tigatron one was Steeljaw, but thankfully for my wallet it wasn't!

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:35 pm
by Valandar
I'm not getting Tigatron for the USB stick, the Desktop Defender, or any of that. I'm getting it so my cat will have a TF avatar. :twisted:

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:38 pm
by Counterpunch
I'm not entirely sold on this one. I like it, but not necessarily more than the Ravage that came with Universe/Classics Hound. I like being able to put G1 launchers on him and the Classics version wins there.

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:13 pm
by kirbenvost
Although I agree it's unfortunate there's no way to attach the launchers, I think he does look better than the classics version, especially the head. He goes perfectly alongside Music Label Soundwave, which is so far standing in as my Classics Soundwave. I've got my DL Ravage in my PoL and am looking forward to getting it when I finally decide to have it sent!

It is unfortunately expensive though...

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:04 pm
by SKYWARPED_128
I've been mulling over the possibility of getting this months ago, but ever since Leader Class Starscream and HA Barricade's been announced, I've decided to save myself some funds for literally bigger and better things.

Actually, I would've picked Ravage up too, but my wallet's already about 500 dollars lighter, thanks to a quadruple Macross purchase of a YF-19 Double Nuts, VF-22S, VF-1D "Virgin Road", and GBP Hikaru.

Still, I might pick it up next year, if the stock lasts that long. The avatar gimmick sounds pretty sweet, actually. On the other hand, it's a pity that the thing isn't compatible with Windows 7. If and when I do upgrade my computer, the avatar gimmick, which is a big part of the reason I'm buying it, would be obsolete.

Cest la vie.

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 7:34 am
by WinterSting
Wow... wasn't too sure if I wanted to pick Ravage up but with the great insights provided by Diem I think I might just grab it! :grin:

Thanks for the review Diem. :D

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 4:54 am
by Diem
WinterSting wrote:
Thanks for the review Diem. :D

You're very welcome!

Re: Device Label Jaguar: Hands on.

PostPosted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:01 am
by Windsweeper
I'll be going with Tigatron.

Prefer the colour scheme, have reissue Ravage from Soundblaster AND I can never resist a new G1 character.