First impressions owning a G20

[sftechgeek]

I thought I would put down on paper/screen my thoughts of having just bought my 3rd slot machine, the IGT G20. Originally, I was holding out for a G23 because I heard the advantage of the larger screen, however, I picked up a G23 that was in great shape with all the OLED buttons functioning and within driving distance of my house. I wheeled it into the house and played the limited Game King selections along with some slot, keno, and blackjack games.

The first thing I had to figure out was how to adjust the volume. So after poking around with the diagnostic tool, I figured I needed to use the EKEY. After figuring that out, it was time to add and remove some of the games. Here are some general points:

1. These machines are basically computers with I/O devices. Why are they so slow? I think many of the tinkers of slots are mechanically/electrically inclined and I'm sure many are technicians like myself. I'm always amazed at how slow these things are and how long it takes to install software and reboot. I know most of these machines weren't meant to be loaded up with so many apps and used for the home. But engineers and programmers don't always think about these things in development.

2. Looking at the hardware, I would think the designers could make better use of the graphics? Seems like many of the themes are somewhat, cartoonish. I like Lucky Larry's Lobstermania, there's something about the games themselves that could better take advantage of the sound and graphics. I know these are 10 year old games but am I the only one that doesn't see much creativity in these games? Perhaps that's why there are new machines with better graphics and sound out there now. Maybe I'm just being critical and technology changes like cellular phones.

3. So is this why IGT has given way to Aristocrat, Ainsworth, Konami, WMS/SG, etc.?
I know the Tribal Gaming in California have gone to the huge display slots. Is IGT the bargain brand?

4. I know it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not. Or I'm injecting some observations and opinions based on my new machine which I am totally happy with. I have been told the G20 is an excellent machine to tinker with and get familiar with loading games. In that regard, it's been a great machine for me but I see myself already outgrowing this model.

I'm really thinking of a WMS Blade next or should I go with an Aristocrat?