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An alternative could be "The Claw" http://www.claw.com.au/

The problem with average users is that they are unable to use customization options.
The Zboard solves that problem through the covers. The Claw automatically loads a working preset for forground application.

I have both devices (by virtue of developing software for them :), but prefer the Claw.

I use a claw. http://claw.com.au/ It is very cool.
Although I have also looked at the Belkin Nostromo(TM) SpeedPad n52 from http://belkin.com/

That thing looks painful to use. I have enough trouble with a normal keyboard layout, but there's really no point to putting keys anywhere but directly under your fingertips where you don't have to move to reach them.... which is exactly what the CLAW has solved:

http://www.claw.com.au/

(It's been out for 5 years now too)

They'll make up some marketing bullshit about needing a specific controller configuration to play these games and pc controllers don't meet the standards

Well, to some extent, that's already correct. I mean, if the X-Box had regular USB jacks in place of it's controller ports, I bet you'd get all kinds of morons calling tech support complaining that their controller doesn't work, only to find out that they're using some wacky PC USB controller that doesn't have enough buttons/axes. I mean heck, I would never plug The Claw into a console and expect it to work, but to people who aren't computer literate, it's the same port, so why shouldn't it work?

Perhaps a better idea would be to modify the jack just enough so that X-Box 2 controllers would fit in "normal" PC USB jacks, but so that regular PC USB peripherals wouldn't fit into the X-Box 2 controller ports... perhaps cut a diagonal on the corners or a notch in the top/bottom or something. Otherwise I guarantee you that tons of idiots will be plugging all kinds of crap in there expecting it to work, and Microsoft sure isn't going to provide drivers for everything.

I got The Claw by Ferraro Designs, & I can tell you it was worth it just to reduce the motion of my left hand during long gaming sessions, I've also got it set-up for other programs (AutoCAD, Winamp, Baldur's Gate). Too bad the company stopped selling & supporting them.

Jaysyn

If you really want a 10 button mouse, just hack a Logitech Optical together with a Claw.

Jaysyn

you mean kinda like this? I think it might be interesting, also somewhat along the same lines of wacky ergonomic keyboards.

Anyone else got links to weird "ergonomic" input device experiments?

The Claw from Ferraro Designs is even better for FPS games. It's also fun to setup for "normal" programs like WinAMP, AutoCAD & Mozilla. Vertical, horizontal and/or diagonal scroll if you want it. It even works in Linux w/some tweaking.

Jaysyn

Most gamers play First Person Shooters (FPS) with the mouse and keyboard combo (joysticks, flight sticks, joypads, etc on certain games only.).
My friend MUTATO plays Quake 3 Arena with a throttle and mouse though because of all the buttons and movement he can do with it. Now, this company in Austraila manufactures something called the Claw. I've used it before and it was pretty cool... really easy to program, but only has has 9 buttons :( (Start adding them up for Q3A:RA3 and you'll see that is not a lot -- Left, Right, Forward, Back (4 total), Fire, Jump, Alt. Fire (7 total for basics), Rocket Launcher, Railgun, Plasma gun, Machine gun, Lightning gun, "Enemy Here!" binds, etc). Imagine 5 buttons on the mouse and also the left side of the keyboard.... SWEET!

This keyboard and mouse could solve the problem if done correctly... He better have patiented it :). I like it... gotta build my own prototype and keep it under wraps.

I'd have to think if they are serious about gaming, especially FPS and RTS gaming, that a keyboard/mouse setup would be mandatory, no?

Well, a mouse is a mouse. As far as keyboards go, they could skip that and opt to design something like the Claw for FPS and RTS gaming. One thing's for sure, Microsoft knows how to make game controllers; I still use my Sidewinder game pad, I've had it forever.