LaserMouse
Latest
Hands-on with SteelSeries Ikari mouse and new 7G gaming keyboard
We've been spending some quality time with the high-end gaming products from SteelSeries, and we have to say we're impressed. The Ikari laser mouse they announced last year is particularly great, with a built-in processor and sensitivity settings to allow for a customized and precise sensitivity setting in a plug-and-play setup particularly suited to professional gamers. Settings are easy to work, and the actual sensitivity and response of the mouse easily outclasses our prior mousing experiences.New to the market is the SteelSeries 7G keyboard, which is making its debut on Monday the 5th. The keyboard is fully mechanical, with no-click switches that give it a much stronger, smoother tactile feel, while simultaneously catering to gamers by registering half presses. The keyboard weighs a ton thanks to the heavy-duty iron-infused plastic and the gold electronics, and is quite capable of handling abuse. We grew up typing on heavy-duty keyboards, and this is easily the best one we've used this decade -- though the $150 pricetag also makes it the most expensive outside of the Optimus Maximus.Both of these products are obviously built for pro and casual gamers, but we found a productivity boost in our regular day-to-day blogging operations, which requires large quantities of precise link clicking (how's that for a resume line item?) and rapidly written posts. In addition to these two, SteelSeries is bringing its entire line of Euro-popular gaming peripherals to the States, including headphones and crazily fancy mouse pads.%Gallery-22036%
Microsoft's Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 and Digital Media Keyboard 3000
Microsoft is at it again with its boring-as-can-be product names and its terrifically designed computer mice and keyboards. First off is the new Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 (pictured), which Microsoft calls the "little black dress" of peripherals -- something we find to be at least a little disturbing. The keyboard and mouse combo include "smoked translucent border" design elements, conveniently-assignable My Favorites Keys, and some rather sleek / thin looks. The keyboard -- which we saw pass the FCC in February -- is of the Comfort Curve-ilk, the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 has a horizontal charging station, and both use 2.4GHz wireless tech. The worst news is the price, at $130 when it hits in April. If you don't need all the fancy, Microsoft also has the new Digital Media Keyboard 3000 (pictured after the break) with some fun media-centric keys for the much more palatable $30 pricepoint. It'll be out in June.
Evergreen's Genius Navigator 365 mouse, for idiots
Evergreen's testing the limits of convergence this morning with their new ¥3,499 ($33) Genius Navigator 365 mouse. It's a 1600/800dpi laser mouse and you guessed it, a gamepad all wrapped up in a single package. Neither of which we suspect works as well as a pair of dedicated devices. Look, we may not approve of your choice for this mouse, but we'll fight to the death for your right to choose it. Ok, maybe not this time.
Microsoft launches Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and 7000
The march of mouse progress apparently never stops, and Microsoft just announce a pair of new ones to drive that point home. The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (after the break) is the more portable one of the bunch, with a snap-in 2.4GHz USB receiver packed inside a desktop-sized laser mouse. The Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 (pictured) sacrifices a bit of portability for a rechargeable batteries -- with a horizontal charging dock to host the mouse when times are rough and juice is scarce. Both mice include Microsoft's HD Lasers and a few Vista-friendly buttons. You can pick them up in March fo $50 and $70, respectively.
Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 v2.0 hits FCC
Microsoft looks to have a "v2.0" version of its Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 in the works -- if these recently-filed FCC docs have any semblance of truth. The new model looks to be toning down the odd tilt of the original, and tossing in an abudance of gold spray paint, but we're otherwise pretty short on facts for this one. Still, lasers. You can't go wrong with lasers.[Via istartedsomething]
Razer intros 4000 DPI Lachesis gaming mouse
As if cramming its third-generation optical sensor in the Diamondback wasn't good enough, Razer is out to up the ante once more its newly-unveiled Lachesis. Compared to Microsoft's shiny new SideWinder, this creature touts double the DPI (that's 4,000 here, for those keeping score), and according to Razer, the 3G laser sensor "stops tracking at much lower lift-off levels than any other laser sensor, preventing tracking errors when the device is lifted off its tracking surface." Of course, you'll still be able to switch DPI on-the-fly sans special drivers, and the Ultraslick, Teflon-coated feet ought to glide around effortlessly for a good while. Razer's latest USB gaming mouse will go on sale globally this October for $79.99, and will be available in Phantom White and Banshee Blue colors.[Via MaxitMag]
Logitech's VX Nano: the VX Revolution's little brother
So you liked Logitech's MX and VX Revolution mousers, did ya? Then check the VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse with that crazy-small 2.4GHz USB receiver for laptop users. The VX Nano features a mini, hyper-fast scrolling MicroGear scroll wheel along with forward and back buttons mapped to your browser, five programmable buttons, and is said to run for up to 6 months of a pair of AAA batteries. All yours for $70 worldwide in late August. Noebooks.com got themselves some sit-down time with the mouse with the video to prove it. After the break, naturally. [Via Notebooks.com]
Genius Traveler 515 Laser mouse rocks touch-sensitive scroll
We can't say that Genius' latest laser mouse is apt to cause any cancellation emails to start flying over those recently ordered Obsidians, but the Traveler 515 Laser does a fair job in the specs department to make up for its vanilla looks. Similar to Saitek's critter, this pointing device boasts a touch-sensitive OptoWheel scroll area, right and left click buttons, Flip 3D and Smart IE hotkeys for Vista users, Turbo Scroll for blowing past those incredibly long patent filings, an adjustable 800 / 1,600 DPI laser, and compatibility with OS X and most Windows flavors. Additionally, this device is said to play nice with both righties and southpaws alike, and while looks may not be everything, we imagine that this one will end up priced a tad lower than its dashing competitor in order to compensate in the attractivity arena.[Via EverythingUSB]
Philips doles out new mice and keyboards
In typical Philips fashion, the firm has yet again chosen to unleash a barrage of new gear simultaneously, and this time around its the mice and keyboard lineups getting a few new siblings. Starting us off is the SPM8713 1,600 DPI laser mouse, which was designed on the small side to cater to laptop users, and the "soft silicon cushions" purportedly keep that cramped hand a bit more comfortable. The SPM7711 borrows most of the same features as the aforementioned critter, but markets itself to the desktop user while maintaining the "one-year battery life." The SPM4701 boasts a sleek, black design and internal LED optics, while the unfortunate SPM4700 gets a tail and sports "just" 1,000 DPI. Closing up the rear is the SPT5701, which matches the SPM4701 with a dashing keyboard that touts "drainage holes that can resist some accidental spillage." Unfortunately, we've no idea how much these new input peripherals will run you, but be on the lookout for a May launch in the US and Asia.[Via EverythingUSB]
Buffalo intros uber-smooth BOMC2-Y01 mice
Buffalo's mice designers are at it again, somehow figuring out how to turn a vanilla mousing peripheral into something out of the ordinary. The BOMC2-Y01 series may not be as retro-inspired as the firm's D-Pad critters, but the built-in Mirrored Reflection Lens (MRL) should purportedly make even the slightest of jerks disappear. The mirror-packed mouse supposedly reads the laser inputs at a much higher sensitivity than the other guys, making it one smooth choice of mouse for those in the market. Additionally, it sports a side-scrolling wheel and comes in "clear lead," silver, white, and black color schemes, but otherwise it looks fairly standard. So if you're digging the ultra-slick approach, you can snap one up later this month for ¥3,720 (or around $32 bucks).[Via AkihabaraNews]
Microsoft's Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 gets reviewed
It looks like ExtremeTech is still wading through the bevy of Microsoft peripherals released of late, and while the firm's Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 isn't going for the gaming-centric set as was the Habu, it is aimed squarely at folks who spend more time mousing around than actually getting outside. Obviously, we took interest in such a device, and while it didn't pan out to be the perfect ergonomic answer, it was regarded fairly highly overall. Sporting a 1,000 DPI laser eye, seamless scroll wheel, Instant Viewer / Magnifier tools, and a "nearly baseball-like" shape, the 6000 provides quite a "round" approach to compete with mouse of today's gently sloping / flat alternatives. Aside from feeling like a major league pitcher when going for the left-click, reviewers tending to find the unique shape "oddly appealing," but did question the actual ergonomics of the design. Additionally, they found the notchless scroll wheel to be an issue of love / hate, were a tad let down by the AA battery requirement, and were slightly baffled by the excessive button layout, but through all the scorn, the crew still managed to score the mouse a 7 out of 10. Helping the score was the accurate mousing abilities, comfortable design, and its decent ability to handle the not-so-hardcore gamers needs all the while. Still, it was stated that $80 for a non-gaming mouse is a tad on the high end for the average buyer, and while it sounds like you wouldn't be too disappointed, we highly doubt making this your next mouse would incite any fits of celebration.
Sigma's Rotino: "world's smallest" laser travel mouse
In a refreshing reversal of pompously named colors, we bring you Sigma's Rotino laser mouse in, uh, "gross black." Sure, that's probably just a machine translation snafu but who are we to argue with the lingual powers of the almighty Google? Oh, and as long as you're here, you might like to know that Sigma calls Rotino the "world's smallest" laser mouse with retractable USB cable. Measuring in at 40-grams / 30 x 70 x 20-mm the Rotino brings an adjustable sensitivity of 1000dpi for normal office-type use or a lightning-quick 2,000dpi for you gamers with an especially sensitive trigger finger. At just ¥2,980 or about $25, can you really afford not to have this in your laptop bag? Also available in French blue or Italian lead-lead (aka, red) if you're feeling euro-funky.[Via Impress]
Logitech MX Revolution laser mouse reviewed
The most telling line from ExtremeTech's review of the $99.99 Logitech MX Revolution mouse -- which we also got our hands upon recently -- is: "The MX [comes] with a learning curve". The reason for this? An inordinate number of features that results in a mouse that takes some getting used to. Starting with the scroll wheel, Logitech has devised a way of integrating both the ratcheted type of scroll with the free-spin variety: by default, the mouse will switch between the two modes depending on how fast the user is scrolling. Users can tweak the speed at which the mouse will switch into free-spin mode, and yes, there's a ratcheted only option. The next notably new feature is the "document flip", a second scroll wheel located just above the thumb rest that functions as an application switcher if you decide not to change the software settings. Finally, there's a dedicated search button on the top of the mouse that will either, a) start an internet search for a selected word or, if you don't have anything selected, will b) take you to the homepage of your preferred search engine. In practice, the reviewer found the new features to be in need of a little polish: the scroll wheel was a little too eager to switch into free-spin mode (and doesn't double as a middle mouse button), the document flip felt a little redundant, and the one touch search button bugged-out a few times. Underneath all the features is a relatively basic, multi-buttoned cordless laser mouse -- the 800 DPI sensitivity is nothing to write home about -- but the ergonomics and design live up to the high standards we've come to expect from Logitech. The reviewer concludes that the extra features probably aren't necessary, but could in the long term increase user productivity if prospective buyers spend some time customizing the button functions and getting used to the new features. If you think you can do without the new features, you might consider picking up one of Logitech's other no-frills gaming mice, which feature much higher sensitivities and equal, if not lower, prices.
MacMice busts out laser-powered Danger Mouse
If that Mighty Mouse of Apple's isn't fulfilling your need for classic cartoon references or laz0r-based accuracy, the new Danger Mouse from MacMice might do the trick -- plus it tosses in a nice, fresh pop cultural reference to boot. The Danger Mouse sticks close to Apple design cues, but splits its shell in the front to make concession to a traditional right click function. MacMice also tossed in a MicroScroll wheel to ape Apple's scroll ball (in 1 dimension at least), and a 1600 DPI laser sensor for tracking with the best of 'em. So yeah, MacMice isn't exactly breaking new ground here with their stylings, but with the homogeneous tastes of the general Mac populace, would that make them Crazy?[Via The Gadget Weblog]
Logitech intros V450 Laser Cordless Mouse
Logitech introduced yet another member of its growing mouse army today, the V450 Laser Cordless Mouse, intended primarily for laptop users -- or people with really small hands, we suppose. Available in silver or black, the V450 looks to be a fairly run-of-the-mill laptop mouse, although it does promise an impressive one year of battery life on two AA batteries (we'll need to see that to believe it -- see you in 2007!). Logitech also says the mouse should be immune to delays and dropouts in even the busiest wireless environment thanks to its 2.4GHz micro receiver (see above skepticism, as certainly no one else uses the 2.4GHz band). Look for this one early next month for $49.99 and, yes, it's both Mac and Windows compatible.
Logitech's Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac
Don't worry, Mac fans, Logitech hasn't forgotten about you -- you're just not as important as the rest of your friends who use a Windows box. In fact, just to show you Apple diehards a little extra love, the company has released a version of the Cordless Desktop S 510 that features all your favorite Mac-specific keys and application shortcuts, and manages to one-up the Windows model by swapping out the optical mouse for a laser one. Other than an improved pointing device, though, the Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac rocks the same basic feature set as the S 510 -- media controls, slim/ergonomic design, and both desktop and laptop USB transmitters -- except you don't get the option of paying an extra twenty bucks to step up to a model with a bundled remote. Instead, that twenty will go towards the high-precision laser inside the mouse, because the Mac set costs the same $100 as the remote-sporting, but laser-less, Windows package.[Via InputReview]
Microsoft's Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac
Proving that it still has (some) love for the fiercely-loyal army of Mac enthusiasts (especially the dual-booters), Microsoft has released its first Wireless Laser Desktop for Cupertino-created computers. This new keyboard and mouse set, which features a Comfort Curve ergonomic 'board and high-definition laser mouse, sounds almost identical to the company's Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 (pictured above) which was released last year for Windows machines, except for the addition of Mac-specific modifier and hot keys. Available immediately, this package will set you back $100.
