Simtrix trots out radically designed Swiftpoint mice

Sure, we've seen input peripherals stretch the core meaning of the word "mouse," but few have done it better than Simtrix. First up in the Swiftpoint series is the TriPed (on left), which was designed to be held much like a pen if needed and is aimed primarily at tablet PC / tabletop computer users; according to the firm, it "provides seamless transitioning between mouse, pen, and text entry." Moving on, we've got the equally zany Slider, which looks to grab more attention by being able to operate when sliding over a keyboard. Granted, folks with ergonomic / split boards are probably out of luck there, but that's not to say your thumb still wouldn't love this critter on a traditional mouse pad. Mum's the word on pricing and availability at the moment, but we'll keep an ear to the ground for whispers of either.

[Thanks, Dave]

[required @ Mar 5th 2008 2:33PM]

I don't understand how people can not screw up their hands by wrapping them around mice or by holding on like it's a bar of soap. I've always just used by digits to tap and push it about. Then again I'm one of the few that "got" Apple's puck mouse.

[required @ Mar 5th 2008 3:23PM]

my digits not by digits

[Max @ Mar 5th 2008 3:48PM]

I don't either. Its so much more comfortable/accurate/fast to move it with just three fingers, and a palm rested on the mousemat.

[ijyt @ Mar 5th 2008 2:43PM]

What.

[dennis @ Mar 5th 2008 2:54PM]

I don't understand. These products must be too smart for me.

[SirWalksAlot @ Mar 5th 2008 3:02PM]

"On" the keyboard is a bit of a stretch according to the picture on the website... It just sits on the flat space that exists on some laptops where the trackpad is often located. I fail to see how this would be useful but then again, I haven't tried it so....

[M @ Mar 5th 2008 3:07PM]

i bet in 50 years' time (likely to be less) that our kids and grandkids will be asking "why is my called a mouse?"

100 years from: "what's a mouse?"

[Rob theDemon @ Mar 5th 2008 6:20PM]

M your time estimates are well out.
In under 10 years the mouse/kb mix will be obsolete with new interfacing techniques.

[Michael LaFramboise @ Mar 5th 2008 6:32PM]

Rob theDemon, in 10 years Windows 7 will just be coming out...

[M @ Mar 5th 2008 6:35PM]

Rob, that's why I copped out by saying (likely to be less) ;)
covering my bum

[webon @ Mar 5th 2008 8:58PM]

@Simitrix: Please include Video/lill drawings of people using your products, they're too abstract.

[Joey Geraci @ Mar 5th 2008 9:57PM]

I was just going to say, if you look at that BBC video on their site, the keyboard mouse actually works pretty well. I might have to get that if it comes out in America and fairly cheap.

[Joey Geraci @ Mar 5th 2008 9:57PM]

I was just going to say, if you look at that BBC video on their site, the keyboard mouse actually works pretty well. I might have to get that if it comes out in America and fairly cheap.

[Parttimer @ Mar 5th 2008 10:31PM]

The BBC just did a video thing on their website about this, they show them both in action, pretty crazy ideas, about time the ol' mouse got replaced with something fresh.
Heres the link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7270000/newsid_7278400/7278441.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1&nol_storyid=7278441&bbcws=1

[Steve @ Mar 6th 2008 8:55AM]

What about those of us who use their left hand for mouse operation?

[YamYam @ Mar 6th 2008 11:10AM]

What if you use your right hand for the mouse, but your right thumb for the space bar like I do?

You would have to remove your hand from the keyboard to place your thumb in to the device to move the mouse....How many of you guys use your left thumb to press the space bar?

I think people should focus more on a mouse that is ace to use, than an alternative. Why re-invent the wheel?