The headset itself, while capable, doesn’t do much to rise above the competition besides delivering a smoother 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers, though, wowed us with their individual finger tracking and much more natural, immersive feel than other VR controllers we’ve tested. They’re the stars of the show and the reason the Valve Index earns our Editors’ Choice award for tethered VR headsets. (Though if you already have a Vive headset with base stations, you can add the controllers for $279 and save a ton of money.)
The standalone Oculus Quest 2, another Editors’ Choice pick, is a much more affordable headset that’s simpler to use, lacks cables, and doesn’t require a PC or console to work. But the Index lets you enjoy smoother action, much more advanced graphics, and controllers that are a huge leap ahead of what Oculus uses. The Quest is a good entry-level, all-around VR headset; the Valve Index is for VR enthusiasts and dedicated PC gamers.
SOLID, STANDARD HEADSET
The Index is a fairly cookie-cutter PC-tethered virtual-reality headset, with a large face-mounted display connected to a sturdy adjustable head harness. The entire assembly is black and looks like a larger and more elaborate version of the Oculus Rift S. The front section is mostly matte-black plastic with a glossy-black front panel that comes off to reveal a recess with a USB port Valve calls the “frunk.” The frunk currently doesn’t have any official use, nor does Valve have any public plans for the compartment. In theory, it could eventually hold additional sensor modules, but right now, it’s effectively useless.
Valve Index VR Kit
PROS
Denne historien er fra August 2021-utgaven av PC Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2021-utgaven av PC Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
AUDIO
AUDIO
SMART HOME
SMART HOME
T Mobile
Mobile
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Gen 7 (2022): Nearly an Editors' Choice
A solid gaming laptop for under 2,000
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric
A powerful, feature-rich media streamer that’s pricier than most
20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game
Whether you're new to working remotely or just looking fo do if beffer, fhese fips can help you stay productive and maintain balance.
12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using
Wondering how to share your Google Calendar? Want to add a new calendar? Here are the tips you need.
SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use
Affordable security with a focus on flexibility
Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform
The Honda Prologue battery-electric SUV arrives in 2024 and will use the Ultium battery technology developed by General Motors.
We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late
A generation of art risks extinction if the companies that own streaming services don’t believe their vast libraries are worth preserving. We have to act now to save it.