Scrabble Onyx Edition

Cheap Construction, Over-Priced, Some Good Features
Pro:
Yes, it's unique.
It has an upscale appearance.
This board will not wear out like the fold up boards did down the center fold.
The tiles fit within the raised letter grids - nice.
The timer worked well.
The score pad is cool.

Con:
The turntable is too close to the table top and consequently when turned, it hits/knocks over the tile racks.
The board with turntable screamed "cheap" in it's construction
(the turntable squeaks and groans as it's turned, it doesn't rotate smoothly)
(within the frame the plastic-coated paper board design is off-center and not completely glued to the board surface, below the raised letter grids)
(there are random indented lines/cuts, of varying lengths throughout the playing surface)
(the wooden base has minor scrapes and digs along the top and sides, as do the tile racks).
The tile racks are shallower than earlier editions.
The score book pad fell from it's hard cover, apparently the glue had dried out.
Collecting the tiles at the end is difficult. They scatter a bit when tilting the board into the box.
A solution is to place the box-top over the board, then turn it upside down to empty the tiles into
the box then transfer them into the bag.

Summary:
How my scrabble game appears to others is not very important.
It's having a fun evening with friends.
The Onyx Edition is not worth , not , not even in it's unopened box!
In our tough economic times, Hasbro should be embarrassed to sell the Onyx Edition for so much money and so little quality!

Three stars for the solid wood/not folding board and the raised letter grids.

Fun for everyone !
Bought this for my Mom who is 87. I play Scrabble with her every other week. This new board is beautiful! We LOVE it!

Something to pass on to your children
I bought this is as a gift for a friend in Calcutta where we'll be visiting again this year. My main concern was humidity destroying the cardboard boards of the other ones I've seen. This is very durable with wood base and lazy Susan turntable. I don't see the problems other people have had. And I'm jealous of my friend getting this because I've really enjoyed playing on this set.

Scrabble Onyx Edition
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R9YNRZAUT67VT I made a short video review of the Scrabble Onyx Edition and the extra goodies it comes with. It's no Franklin Mint edition, but it is a really nice product which will continue to look nice for years to come. Worth the investment if you're looking for something unique and a little more professional looking than the original deluxe version. It also has a solid piece board which will not wear out over time from folding which is a huge bonus in my opinion.

My Favorite Scrabble Board
I'm a scrabble geek. I admit it. I bought this and the deluxe turntable edition at the same time and wound up keeping this one and giving the other away as a present. The deluxe turntable edition screamed "cheap" in it's construction (despite the pricetag) and the letters weren't at all secure in their grids- overall really disappointing. However, I LOVE the look of the tiles and board on the Onyx edition, the roomy velvet pouch and the scorekeeping book. REALLY LOVE how the tiles sit securely on the board, the lower profile and the lazy susan feature. This one was the "keeper" for me! I've gotten lots of compliments on it from fellow scrabble fiends as well.