AP-100 mouse phone. Why?

As much as we like multifunction gadgets, there are some that we're convinced should never be combined. And the AP-100 mouse phone is definitely one (or is that two?) such device. Combining a mouse with a phone is just such an absolutely bad idea, that we just don't know where to begin (but we'll try). The ergonomics of this thing look horrible, both with the keypad on, and especially with it removed, and both the phone and the mouse look like the cheapest of the cheap; as far as we can tell, the mouse isn't even optical, and doesn't have a scroll wheel. We're sure the manufacturer will manage to sell a few of these, though we won't be surprised to see them surfacing on no-name inventory-clearance sites before ending up in a landfill somewhere.

[Via TRFJ]

[Einhanderkiller @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Right........

And who exactly did they design this for?

[Bible and Apologetics Teacher @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

No scroll wheel? That and StrokeIt mouse gestures (http://www.tcbmi.com/strokeit/) are my substitute for a keyboard. :)

[fierywater @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

what the frick?

[SideSwipe @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

This is craptacular!

[Jonathan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

...cause just yesterday I was fumbling around and realized that my phone and mouse just don't fit on my desk at the same time. One of them would have to go. But which one...

[sheepbat @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Idea: a section for nasty, pointless gadgets such as this.

I love a good laugh

[Ed Dockery @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Firstly, I have never thought that someone would think to combine a mouse with a phone. I think some people are really making a bad rap with regards to optimizing technology. Another concern is the effectivity of this gadget. I do feel that user will have a hard time figuring out what to use. Too much vibrations might not be good for the reception of audio waves. In short, cut this one and create a more meaningful tool.

[Ed Dockery @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Firstly, I have never thought that someone would think to combine a mouse with a phone. I think some people are really making a bad rap with regards to optimizing technology. Another concern is the effectivity of this gadget. I do feel that user will have a hard time figuring out what to use. Too much vibrations might not be good for the reception of audio waves. In short, cut this one and create a more meaningful tool.

[AFD @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Even if the AP-100 was both a wireless optical mouse and wireless handset (for a separate telephone base) in one unit, this would still be a dumb idea. The fact that it has wires everywhere makes it incredibly useless. However, I really like their selling points:

"Embodies the next generation office concept"

"No need to move to use the phone"

Wow. I think you really need to rethink your priorities if you're too busy to let go of your mouse to answer a call.

[Fuzz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

But . . .It's backwards! Just try, going from your hand on mouse, in mouse position, now pick it up to use like a phone . . The mic should be on the underside! If you are going to make a useless convergence device, atl least do it right .. sheesh. ..

[Patrick Flynn @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Looks Like It Would Have To BeOptical, Because The All Wouldn't Fit In That Thing...

Pick Up A Stick And Hit The Designers, AndSay "NO! BAD! BAD!"...

[paralipsis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

The creator of this was watching Get Smart, and did not realise that the shoe phone was comedic.

[noel @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

i have to agree with the author on this. i don't think this is saleable.

here are some more ideas that they might like to develop

a. mouse with coffee cup holder
b. mouse with a compact travel toothbrush
c. mouse with a built in cd player

[Brian Shih @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Why does this feel like some designer saw all of the mp3/cellphone/videocamera integration going on these days and took it one step too far?

Honestly though, it isn't hard to believe that someone is attempting this. We're putting out more and more gadgets that mindlessly attempt to cram together every functionality imaginable. This is just sort of a sadly hilarious bit of commentary in the form of a destined to fail product.

[msafi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

don't judge gadgets this way. NEVER.

[Stef Bishop @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

As I see it the phone is cordless, and if the mouse is USB connected it would be able to charge the phone.
So the benefit is having a place for your cordless phone that is instantly at hand, while being always on charge.
Of course the extra weight, would also provide wrist exercise!

[Unomi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Ok, here we go. Not just 2 cents, but a whole bucket.

First, what if you push a button accidentaly and make a long-distant phone call while you're concentrating on your Word-document (com'on, who's playing Battlefield 2 and would buy this pearl?).

Second, I think it is just a teaser, a quirk in your flow of thoughts that make you stand still about gadgets on the universal level. Are we going to the edge or not? Have we seen the edge yet, are there gadgets out there that are beyond our imagination or could we take a step back and reconsider this whole development?

Third, it is possible that this manufacturer is a dare-devil. They are trying things out, push the envelope, make rediculous things in the process before they make the next generation tool everybody wants (time-machines anyone?).

Fourth, there is no fourth because most thing keep it to three to make it into more sense.... (do I?).

- Unomi -

[Theron @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

more briliant ideas

a keyboard / foot warmer
(because you get cold feet when you type... wait....no)
an umbrela / cellphone (Becase you only call when its raining, right?)
Digital camera / Lawn mower?

come on, its a bad idea, done badly, just let it die

[Jeff Seale @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Let it go people, this is probably the idea of a kindergarten child. It's the next CueCat. Oh well. :P

[Ray @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Mouse phones have been around since the turn of the millenium. (A co-worker in the office has one.) They're just not as prominent in some countries as in others.

[Rus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

#18 - The cuecat was actually an idea that was poorly executed but way ahead of it's time using technology that no one could embrace.

As for this product I actually have another mouse with a built in phone and it's quite useful - with a skype phone USB adapter.

[aeo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

This gives me the great idea to design a mouse/MP3 player and a mouse/USB stick.

[fade @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

But a phone+computer mouse idea has been out for quite a long long time now...I have one on my desk, but I only use it for the telephone function because it's much smaller than a normal phone, plus it comes with the headset...
The mouse/phone that i have is different in design too, it has a scroll wheel, plus it has a plastic lid which can be closed to form the normal shape of the mouse, and opened to dial the numbers.

I don't see why everybody is so much against the idea. Engadget...judging the mice's ergonomics by "looks"..and it "looks" to be non-optical. if you are judging the product by a picture alone, your beloved iPod will be the worst product in the world. "omg it has no play button" "omg it has no volume buttons" "it LOOKS unergonomic" "it LOOKS like its made of cheap white plastic" its a shame.

[phreak-out man @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I think this is actually neat... Yup i'm a phone geek... When travling it always nice to have an analog phone and this would be easier to pack then a test set and draw less attention.. i wouldn't pay more than 20$ though...

[deadmonkey @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

OK, I finally understand the meaning of the phrase "talk to the hand". This is a stupid product concept. It is a fundamentally idiotic combination of two functions that are completely unrelated to each other. Compare that to my inspired idea for a new product that will sell like HOTCAKES: the Hello Kitty Mouse Phone. Pure genius.