InputPeripheral
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SteelSeries Aion limited edition Zboard keeps MMO addicts stuck in the basement
You've got to hand it to 'em, SteelSeries knows its market. Following up on its array of WoW-themed gear, the company has just issued a new limited edition Zboard aimed at to-be Aion gamers, which just might be "the most anticipated MMO of 2009." As with most of the outfit's MMORPG-centric keyboards, this one also packs a colorful motif, a swath of dedicated action keys, menus and chat commands, full customization of each key and quick-access "emote keys for greeting, intimidating, or taunting your opponent." In related news, the firm is also dishing out an Aion Asmodian mousepad, which may or may not be superior to the stained napkin you're currently using to raid on. Both units are available for pre-order right now at $19.99 and $14.99, respectively, and we hear that UPS totally delivers to dingy basements for a nominal fee. [Via Coolest-Gadgets]
Logitech's Unifying-equipped Performance Mouse MX and Anywhere Mouse MX track on glass
Remember that USB Unifying receiver that Logitech outed earlier this month? Say hello to the newest duo to support the technology. Both the Performance Mouse MX and Anywhere Mouse MX can connect to a single USB Unifying nub, and both critters also boast the company's own Darkfield Laser Tracking, which literally enables 'em to mouse on glass that's at least four millimeters thick (and pretty much every other surface, ever). It's fairly easy to see that the former is designed for stay-at-home desktop users looking for comfort and precision, while the latter is small enough to sneak into most every laptop bag without causing a fuss. Also of note, the Performance Mouse MX sports force-sensitive side-to-side scrolling (software enabled), while the Anywhere Mouse MX gets dedicated back and forward buttons. Check the full release and specifications after the break, and catch these guys in US / European stores later this month for $99.99 and $79.99 in order of mention.
Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700 'cradles your fingers,' caresses your soul
There's just something about a keyboard that promises to "cradle our fingers" that gets us all hot and bothered, and right or wrong, we just can't stop thinking about what a joy it must be to bang out dissertations, love letters and Nigerian scam emails on one of the beauties shown above. Logitech's Wireless Desktop MK700 is a two-piece kit comprised of an LCD-equipped keyboard and an ergonomic mouse with built-in hyper-scrolling. Both devices seem to go easy on the juice, with the keyboard able to run for three years on a single set of AA cells and the mouse for 12 months. The included USB dongle certainly isn't as diminutive as the company's recently released Unifying Receiver, but need we remind your digits just how pleasured they'll be when pressing these keys? It'll be $99.99 to get in, and it ought to ship out this month. The full release is after the break.
Razer preys on unsuspecting StarCraft fanboys, teases new mouse, keyboard and headset
We wouldn't go so far as to say that Razer is taking a note from the teasers over at Voodoo, but the gaming accessory outfit is definitely hoping to play on the emotions of anxious StarCraft fanatics. With the long (long!) awaited sequel finally nearing release, Razer has decided to link up with Blizzard in order to develop a new mouse, keyboard and headset designed specifically to cater to future StarCraft II gamers. For now, all we have to go on is the image above and whatever our imagination deems fit for believing, but we suspect all will be revealed when Blizzcon kicks off later this month. You can hardly wait, huh?[Via HotHardware]
Ask Engadget: Best Bluetooth mouse out there?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Sang-Jung, who is desperately in search of the perfect cordless critter to take some of the strain away from that trackpad."I'm heading to university next year, and I've purchased a MacBook. I'm also taking my four year old desktop, just in case I'm left with no computers when the MacBook is being repaired or whatnot. With only two USB ports on a MacBook, I want a Bluetooth mouse. Budget is about $100, and of course, it needs OS X support. Thanks for the help!"Alright folks, it's time to get serious. Do you own a Bluetooth mouse that you can recommend? Recommend against? Be sure to spill your thoughts in comments below, and feel free to send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com.
iHome shows its input peripheral side with LifeWorks tie-up
Clearly not content with just pumping out one iPod alarm clock after another, iHome has decided to broaden its horizons a bit by creating a new LifeWorks line of input peripherals and computer accessories. Slated to launch in earnest sometime this summer, the new line contains just a few standout inclusions. The iPhone-friendly iConnect Keyboard (pictured above) and HTPC-centric Media Keyboard both look like formidable options for those needing a new set of keys, and there are also a gaggle of mice, webcams and headsets to choose from if those items are more your style. Unfortunately, true innovation is still few and far betwixt, but at least your USB ports will appreciate the effort.[Via CNET]
Keepin' it real fake, Computex edition: Arc Mouse gets aped
Hey, Microsoft -- you're pretty proud of that Arc Mouse, yeah? If so, you should probably alert your legal team to the image shown above, as it seems one BOL-LINK has decided it best to just copy the arching input peripheral you helped pioneer and showcase it to onlookers in Taiwan. Then again, these guys did use a slightly different color scheme...
OCZ introduces Eclipse and Behemoth wired gaming mice
It's going to be tough for OCZ Technology to top its Z Drive, but clearly, it's not aiming to do such a thing just yet. Instead, it's setting its sights rather low with a somewhat plain duo of gaming mice. Both the Eclipse and Behemoth arrive with the ability to switch between four different profiles and with support for uploading profiles direct to the onboard memory. The former sports a "time-honored compact style" and sports a 2,400DPI sensor, while the latter is a bit beefier in size and touts a 3,200DPI sensor. There's no mention of pricing or availability for either, but you definitely won't be asked to pay a premium for cutting-edge design.
Razer Mamba wired / wireless gaming mouse impressions
We already told you how much we appreciated the aesthetics of Razer's latest gaming mouse (that'd be the Mamba, officially), but we spent the weekend embroiled in deathmatches and everyday blogging tasks in order to give you a bit more insight on whether this beautiful input peripheral really deserves to be acquired in exchange for $129.99. Follow us after the break if you're suddenly intrigued.
Razer Mamba wireless gaming mouse hands-on
Late last month, we had the opportunity to have a listen with Razer's Carcharias headset, and now we're seeing just how precise the same outfit's latest mouse is when it comes to clicking oh-so-carefully within Minesweeper. The downright gorgeous Razer Mamba just showed up on our doorstep, and we couldn't resist photographing the unboxing experience and hosting it up for all to enjoy. Our Mamba came housed in a special Razer suitcase that also included the aforementioned Carcharias headset. The mouse packaging alone was some of the most extravagant we've seen, with even the delightfully braided USB cable (yes, it's wired or wireless) encased in a soft black cover. Bottom line? The aesthetics here are top-notch all the way around, and while we plan on giving this thing a run-through over the weekend in order to speak on actual performance, we'd suggest diving in below to whet your appetite.
Sharkoon Rush FireGlider gaming mouse comes with weights, flame job
Not that weight-adjustable mice are new -- in fact, we've been mostly ignoring them since 2006 -- but Sharkoon is hoping that you'll be intrigued enough by having a few slugs in your critter that you'll go ahead and bite the proverbial bullet. The Rush FireGlider is decidedly not subtle, sporting a vivacious flame covered paint job along with a no-slip grip, a half dozen programmable buttons, maximum resolution of 3,600 DPI, Teflon feet for superior gliding and an obligatory internal tuning system to adjust its weight from 118 to 135 grams. Too bad the Yanks in attendance will have to fly quite aways to drop €25 ($32) in order to claim one.
Hands-on with Gigabyte's new netbooks, all-in-one PC and peripherals
Just as ASUS did, Gigabyte pulled out all the stops at this year's CeBIT. The outfit had loads of new equipment out for display, including a fresh bunch of netbooks, a few new input peripherals (mice, keyboards, the usual) and an all-in-one PC known as the AIO-1192. Unfortunately, the device we were looking forward to handling most was behind lock and key, but that's probably because of those ingrained Swarovski crystals. Can't tempt those onlookers, we tell ya. Have a peek around in the galleries below.%Gallery-46424%%Gallery-46430%%Gallery-46431%
Gigabyte lays out new mice and keyboards for CeBIT debut
We already knew that Gigabyte was planning a few netbook launches here in Hannover, but now we're receiving word that a number of new mice and keyboards should also be on display. First up is the GM-M8000 laser gaming mouse, which boasts a 4,000dpi sensor, a scaling-designated switching button, five other programmable buttons, an ergonomic design and a trio of profiles for storing different macro settings for different titles or users. Next up is the GM-M7800S wireless critter (pictured above), which tops out at 1,600dpi resolution but sports a leather coating along with Swarovski crystals. Closing things off are the multimedia-centric GK-K6800 and ultrathin GK-K7100 keyboards, both of which are blessed with copious amounts of hotkeys and an appropriately placed Shift button. Mum's the word on price, but hopefully we'll learn more once CeBIT opens its doors. Full release is after the break.%Gallery-46162%
OCZ expands Alchemy line with Illuminati backlit keyboard
OCZ Technology's Elixir keyboard was fine and dandy, but let's face it -- it's pretty hard to beat the awesomeness of a keyboard with lights. Today, the company is expanding its Alchemy peripheral line with the Illuminati multimedia keyboard, a board with rubber coated keys, fourteen quick launch buttons and the choice of two backlit colors (red or blue, naturally). OCZ promises that the keys can withstand over five million cycles, and given its USB 2.0 port, it should play nice with just about any machine you jam it into. Regrettably, the company has failed to divulge a price here, but it's supposedly "attainable on all budgets" -- whatever that means.%Gallery-45366%
Handcrafted Scrabble keyboard could stand to be commercialized
Um, can you say "sell like hotcakes?" Datamancer's incredibly amazing Scrabble keyboard is one of the slickest, most ready-for-market DIY projects we've ever had the pleasure of eying, with each letter key being constructed from an actual pre-owned Scrabble game piece. The USB keyboard itself was built with an aluminum casing for an "industrialized twist," but obviously it's the top that keeps us drooling. Oh, and there are even LEDs hidden beneath the Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock keys, suggesting that a completely backlit iteration isn't too far out of the realm of possibility. A few more images are tucked away in the read link -- you owe it to yourself to check 'em out. [Via SlipperyBrick]
Brando's USB Aircraft Mouse was likely used somewhere in AvP
No, seriously -- can you not envision that heinous object above suddenly conjuring up enough energy to transform into a real live, breathing, hungry alien? Brando's USB Aircraft Mouse is simply too frightening to recommend for children under the age of 25, but those hardened enough to control it can select one in five different hues (including camouflage, so you'll never even know when it arrives). We also get the idea that this thing is perfect for implementing carpal tunnel syndrome into your own life, which -- in our humble opinion -- is worth the $17 admission charge alone.[Via OhGizmo]
Hippus' HandshoeMouse makes pointing, clicking less strenuous
Another month, another ergonomic mouse. Somehow, against all odds, we've found ourselves believing that this one may actually make a difference. Who knows -- maybe it's the fact that Hippus' HandshoeMouse was developed at two medical universities in Holland and not in someone's basement. Or maybe it's because "extensive medical studies support the concept." At any rate, the critter -- which enables the user to "place the whole palm of their hand on the mouse without having to cling on to it" -- comes in a trio of sizes based on how humongous / diminutive your gripper is and can be purchased now in black or white for €120 ($166). For ultimate carpal tunnel shielding, we'd recommend use of it with the LapWorks Gamers Desk... but only if you're okay with being single forever.[Via HotHardware]
Microsoft intros SideWinder X6 keyboard and X5 mouse
We had a hunch that Microsoft would be launching a SideWinder-branded keyboard this fall, and sure enough, the suits in Redmond are keeping the revitalized name alive with an all new September-bound input peripheral combo. The SideWinder X6 is hailed as the "first gaming keyboard created by Microsoft from the ground up, and the only gaming keyboard on the market with a switchable key pad." When not in gaming mode, the key pad transforms into a full-programmable macro pad. You'll also find two-color adjustable backlighting, mode switching and a $79.95 price tag. As for the X5 mouse, this critter packs nine buttons (five of which are customizable), a 2,000DPI laser tracking engine, six DPI settings (adjustable on the fly) and a $59.95 sticker. Full release is just after the break. %Gallery-30015%
Logitech reveals Cordless Desktop Wave Pro keyboard / mouse tandem
Hard to believe it has been well over a year since Logitech unveiled its original Cordless Desktop, huh? As of today, said outfit is formally introducing the Cordless Desktop Wave Pro, a two-pack that includes the Wave Keyboard and the MX1100 laser mouse. You're plenty familiar with the first half of the equation, but the new critter promises to last up to six whole weeks on a full charge, and the included USB plug enables users to charge and work if they're okay with a temporary tether. You'll also find a 1,600DPI sensitivity rating, MicroGear precision scroll wheel and eight programmable buttons. Look for the happy couple to land in the US in October and Europe in mid-November for $129.99, while the mouse alone will go for $79.99 two months earlier in each region. Full release after the jump.
Ask Engadget: Which keyboard should I buy?
Considering it's the buying season and all, we're not shocked to see this one come rushing into the Ask Engadget inbox. But considering the multitude of options out there, we'd say it's bit too late to go on a week long research bender in order to pick a victor. "Keyboards have come a long ways. There used to be just a few to choose from, but now my options are nearly endless. What's the best keyboard out there? I'm looking for something that can handle the occasional WoW raid, a few hours of Counter-Strike and still make writing my dissertation as comfortable as possible." So, there you have it. Take a step back, let it simmer on your brain a minute, and then hit us all up with your best shot. Feel free to toss out a few options if you can't pick a bona fide winner. We're sure next week we'll be getting all sorts of inquiries from folks wondering how to hack some off the wall holiday gift into a useful piece of kit, so feel free to send those -- along with any other applicable questions -- to ask at engadget dawt com.
