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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]
Saitek's sexy Obsidian mouse incorporates touch-sensitive scroll
If you've found yourself pacing in tense anticipation for Apple's touch-sensitive mousing device, Saitek's latest could definitely calm your nerves and satisfy your desires simultaneously. The sexy Obsidian mouse touts a 1,000 DPI optical tracker, four-way touch-sensitive scroll, a bundled recharge cradle with wireless transmitter, five total buttons, support for Windows / OS X systems, Teflon feet, and best of all, it even includes a pair of Li-ion batteries to keep you mousing all through the night. Additionally, the curvaceous critter doesn't play favorites with dominant hands, as both righties and southpaws alike shouldn't have any qualms handling this one. Currently, the Obsidian is available now for £39.99 ($80) for our pals across the lake, but if you'll just be patient, the device is slated to land on US soil for a mere $49.95 real soon.[Via I4U]
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.
Fluffy Soap mouse works without a desk
Can you imagine controlling your computer with a peripheral that resembles a fluffy bar of soap? Well hear us out, because the Soap pointing device from Microsoft Research offers to combine the accuracy of a traditional optical mouse with the freedom of a wireless, even desk-free peripheral. The device, which consists of a soft, fluffy hull coating a wireless optical mouse core, reads the fabric's movement when the user applies outside pressure, and reports it as a position (think: rolling a bar of soap around in your hand). Through a demonstration in combination with a mobile keyboard in Unreal Tournament (albeit with dumb bots), the creators have shown that Soap offers a degree of accuracy that comes close to a table-bound mouse; when the user squeezes, the Soap can even outclass desktop mouse performance in large wall display setups. If users can cope with the idea of blasting away fiends in UT with a ball of fluff and Soap gets a commercial release, if nothing else you can be sure that an entire cottage industry will spring up around supplying fake eyes and tails to turn the Soap into a line-up of cute, pointable rodentia.[Via hackaday]
Apple's Bluetooth Mighty Mouse reviewed
So we're sure there's a select few who have managed to resist the temptation to cut the cord and pick up Apple's newest Mighty Mouse, and unless you simply wouldn't feel whole without having it in your collection, you should probably stick with your current rodent. The Unofficial Apple Weblog tried their best to give an unbiased account on the long-overdue device, and while they appreciated the improved accuracy over typical Bluetooth mice (probably due to its laser), it was pretty much downhill from there. We can't say we're surprised that complaints stemmed from the (still) unergonomic design and the difficulty it presented in mousing to tiny targets. Although it performed well over a myriad of surfaces, TUAW thought it still couldn't provide the precision that USB critters can, and offers up no substantial features (aside from Bluetooth) to justify the hefty $70 price tag -- though they still liked it. Besides the fact that this is the same 'ole Mighty Mouse minus a tail, it would appear to these jaded eyes Apple just hasn't provided a compelling reason to ditch your current pet in favor of one with no strings attached.
Microsoft releases Mac specific wireless laser desktop
That's right folks, our good friends in Redmond have produced their first keyboard ever without a Windows key. Instead you'll find command, control, and option buttons on this new wireless set from Microsoft made specifically for the Mac. It also features hot keys that are programed to open iTunes and iPhoto (amongst other programs). The mouse features a zoom slider and 4 way scrolling.The Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac will be available this summer for $99.99.[via MacMerc]
Mac mini "bundles" at Costco
ifoAppleStore is pointing out a pretty good deal discovered at Costco. A Mac mini, wireless keyboard and mouse and Apple Care plan are all bundled together in one big, plastic package for $699US. Compare that to $847US for a similarly equipped, low-end mini (we don't know the stats of the mini in the package. Has anyone seen one of these?). We suggest you get in your car right now and drive to Costco!
