Do you remember this CD-i controller? It was planned to be released in 1996, but by that time the decision was
already made to stop new developments in CD-i. That's a pity, as this
CD-i pointing device had high potential. It combines a trackerball with
the wireless thumbstick. It also offers control buttons to play audio
cd's as well as the possibility to control the volume. One of the other
new features was the rechargeable battery inside. This was going to be
the first CD-i pointing device that has a built-in rechargeable battery,
there was also a docking system designed for this CD-i Commander but we
have never seen a picture of it unfortunately.
In our museum exhibition you can experience this rare CD-i prototype: The CD-i controller that combines the CD-i Commander and a CD-i trackball. This unit actually works on a rechargeable accu pack and a charger was bundled with it. But in the Nineties, these accu packs consisted of general AA sized batteries and normally these could be replaced with regular AA batteries as well.
CD-i member Steep Haywire also has one of the prototypes and he shares some experience with it: "The
text relating to the 'commander' is for the 22ER9055, the commander has
a nose that was angled downwards as well just like the thumbstick
controller that holds the name 'CD-i Commander'. Mine also works with
4AA batteries, I just tried again to be sure on my 740 and all functions
seem to work fine including the audio buttons. UM3 AA batteries are a
tiny bit shorter than regular AA apparently.
I was careful with putting
the battery cover back on but didn't feel like I needed to force it or
anything. I might try and order 4 UM3 batteries just to be safe. It's
also not a joystick I want to use too often anyway! didn't have the
battery cover closed 100% as I didn't want to force it. I think regular
AA's are just a tiny bit too long to close the cover completely without
putting pressure on what is quite a fragile looking piece of plastic."So please if you have the same CD-i prototype: Do not try this at home!
[Thanks, Steep Haywire, Peer Custers]