Personal Computing

Name: Michael "Mick" Bradshaw

Age: 20

Origin: British

Game: Call of Duty 2

Please tell us about the equipment you use, including discussing the types of component and a short statement on why you use them.

The computer I’m using at the moment is actually a Dell XPS M1710 gaming laptop which features the following components.

Intel Dual Core Processor – because it’s the best for gaming and multi-tasking, in my opinion and experience.

NVIDIA 7800GS Mobile – one of the best for laptops delivering amazing graphics, great fps, and no overheating issues.

These are the main components of that drive the XPS, now lets start on the external peripherals.

Mouse – I use the Logitech MX518 I believe it to be the best of the Logitech series its shape is perfect for my hands and it works on any surface.

Headphones – the Creative Fatal1ty headphones deliver outstanding sound, are comfortable, and the detachable microphone makes it easy to transport.

Mouse Pad – I use the QPAD UC cloth pad. It’s the perfect size and can be cleaned very easily for re-use.

Sound Card - Creative X-MOD – this external soundcard is perfect for LANs delivering the same sound on every machine I use.

Monitor – I use a 22” Iiyama TFT. It's an amazing monitor with 5ms response time.

How do you think the equipment you use helps you play better?

I think some equipment is more useful then others but every little helps in gaming, anything that gives you a slight edge over your opponent is worth spending money on. Having a great CPU and Graphics Card is a must these days - the better you have the more frames you can get, which is what every gamer desires. Apart from the components inside your machine the mouse and headphones are the most important and help you a lot compared to your generic mouse and headphones.

How long had you been playing before you thought about becoming a pro?

I first started playing in 2000 and played for about 2 and a half years on a 56k Modem, at the age of 15 I attended the WCG 2002 UK qualifiers coming 3rd and winning a TFT monitor worth approx £500 at the time. I guess this is when I wanted to become professional.

Was it an easy decision to become a pro gamer?

Yes when you love something its always easy to do, If I didn’t enjoy what I do I would never play because I Believe to be the best you need to enjoy what your playing. I have the backing of my parents and family which is always great to have and most of my friends know about it all and think it's cool.

What's your biggest success in pro gaming?

When we won the Crossfire Prizefight Challenge last year, it was our biggest tournament win and was a thrilling final that went all the way to the wire.

Who's your toughest opponent?

At current our biggest rivals are Tek-9 and Serious Gaming who have strong discipline team play and really good players.

What's your favourite gadget?

My favourite gadget is my XDA Orbit Phone, It has MSN Messenger, Internet Explorer, allows me to remote onto my computer, TOMTOM Satnav, and plays video / mp3 like an iPod.

Tell us something about one of your team mates we don’t know…

At Wonderbase 2006, me, Raz and Dales wouldn’t get out of bed, so Trainee decided to jump through our hotel room window.

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