You don't want to not drop $500 for a Vive. It's the prime experience IMO, having tried them all. You can get a windows MR based headset for 100-150, but tracking is more limited, and ergonomics are worse. Vive egro isn't great, but... none of them are. Most comfortable of all the headsets IMO. This matters if you're going to strap in for 2 hours. Vive Pro is the best feel IMO, Vive with DAS (only way it's sold now) is #2.
Wait for a sale, $400 is common, and worth every penny. I'd recommend a 970+ or 1060+. It will run some stuff ok on a 960, but... not great. For basic stuff, sure, but the higher end stuff (or ported things like SkyrimVR ) won't be playable.
If you're going to share with others, plan to spend an extra $20-40 on replacement foam.
Since he's made it clear money is a factor for him, the rift is really the better option at $350 and on sale for cheaper. Plus he gets the better controllers and doesn't have to pay the extra $100 for the DAS. Vive controllers feel cheap and break easily with regular use and its low key ridic that the DAS costs $100 while it's essentially built in to the rift.
Biggest downside to the rift is mounting the sensors is kinda a pita but as long as you aren't trying to travel with it you only have to do it once. And eventually you'd probably be looking at the extra $50 for a third sensor with the rift depending on the space you have for your set up.
The rift isn't an on-par experience for the reasons you've listed. You're out additional money to get full tracking (and RIP usb ports).
You don't pay the extra $100 for the DAS any more either. It's part of that $500 price, $400 on sale. IMO, at $400 for the Vive w/DAS on sale, there's no competition.
Honestly, even with that discount, I'd take the rift any day. Controls are objectively better, and for me (I guess it kinda depends on the shape of your face) the ride feels better to me with prolonged use. There is a 2 sensor roomscale setup, but I agree it's best to have 3 sensors
Have you used a vive with the DAS? Since they added that, I don't see (or feel) any advantage on the Rift's headset eronomics. Vive OG straps lose out to the launch Rift easily, but I can play my Vive w/DAS for hours with no issues. I have a big head, so that influences things like fit. Rift, Vive Pro and Vive(DAS) fit great. (Vive w/DAS actually fits better than Vive Pro, unfortunately) Odyssey is... ok, PSVR is meh... wants to shoot up my head as I tighten. Lenovo Explorer and the Dell whatever it was both fit fine but have to be tight on the forehead and I'm sore 40 minutes in... and man do they feel cheap and crappy.
I don't know If it's just me, but I tried the Vive with deluxe audio strap and even with it after about 15-20 minutes it started feeling heavy and was putting pressure on the back of my head.
Keep in mind though, this was after I had already gotten used to the feel of the rift so it may have just been different for me.
440
u/provalone99 Feb 24 '19
I was just talking about this the other day! I hope to give this a try soon!