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Shogun Bros. Chameleon X-1 review: the mouse that's a gamepad, too
Peanut butter and jelly. Gin and tonic. Peaches and cream. Some strange combinations make perfect sense paired, but how about the mouse and the PC gamepad? Those two items are what a Hong Kong peripheral manufacturer decided to combine, and the result was the Shogun Bros. Chameleon X-1 -- a gaming mouse you can flip to find twelve buttons and two miniature analog sticks on the bottom. It works as a gamepad, sure enough, and functions as a one-handed multimedia remote too. But is it any good? We've used it as our primary peripheral for over a week, and after the break, we'll tell you. Update: Shogun Bros. tells us our review unit shipped with a partially charged battery, and we'll be testing battery life again (with a fresh cell) as a result. Update 2: Our testing is complete, and we found the X-1 lasted about two weeks with a fresh battery inside -- not bad, but not great either. Still, we've bumped the mouse's score one point as a result. %Gallery-114609%
Logitech Wireless Mouse M515 works on sofas for up to two years without recharge, stays lint free
Sure, lots of mice, ok, most mice can be coddled to work on fabric. But it takes a company with a dedicated mousing portfolio the size of Logitech's to design a mouse specifically for use on the sofa. See, the Logitech Wireless Mouse M515 features a sealed bottom case that lets you mouse around on soft surfaces without snagging. That means it won't collect bits of fuzz around the sensor when dragging it across the couch, bed, or a trouser-clad thigh. Naturally, it can also be used on more traditional computing surfaces, too. The M515 boasts up to two-years of battery life thanks, in part, to a hand-detection sensor that causes the mouse to sleep anytime it's not being held. Rounding out the list of features is Logitech's Hyper-Fast scrolling wheel and Unifying USB micro receiver required for the laptop or home theater PC you wish to control. Look for the M515 to ship to Europe in April for £49.99 -- that's about $80 converted, but you'll likely find it for a lot less whenever it hits US retail. Update: It's available in the US right now for $50 at our more coverage link.
Sanwa trots out a multitouch mouse of its own, the MA-TOUCH1
Not so fond of the Magic Mouse, are you? How's about a flattened version, sans Bluetooth? That's exactly what we're being presented with here, as Sanwa's MA-TOUCH1 looks like the lovechild of Apple's own multitouch critter and Logitech's M505. In truth, the only real design cue this guy snags from the Logi is its Unifying Receiver, signifying that it relies on wireless USB rather than BT. The design scheme is definitely of interest -- rather than being curved to fit the shape of a relaxed palm, it's totally flat up top, supporting four-direction scrolling and two-finger swipes. She's on sale now in four different colors (red, white, black and silver), with ¥4,300 ($52) standing between you and something you may or may not ever actually use to control your cursor.
Movea turns your iPod touch or iPhone into an Air Mouse for just $2
Not so keen on plopping down a Benjamin for Movea's Air Mouse? A full two years after the introduction of that very product, there's now an acceptable, bargain-bin alternative: the Air Mouse. Er, the Air Mouse app for iPod touch / iPhone. This here nugget of code, which is selling for just $1.99 in the App Store, taps into your iDevice's inbuilt gyroscopes as well as the company's own MotionSense technology in order to convert your handheld into a mouse. No need to fish for a surface, though -- simply wave your iPhone around in order to take advantage of in-air cursor control and gesture recognition. It's a dream come true for HTPC owners (Macs and PCs are supported), though critics are suggesting that Mobile Mouse may actually be superior. If you've already parted ways with your buck-ninety-nine, let us know how things are panning out in comments below.
ASUS gets in on the touch mouse craze with the puck-shaped WX-DL
Pity the poor fools who show up to the next LAN party with a mouse that doesn't have a capacitive top. These days it's touch-sensitivity or bust, and ASUS is latest in line, launching its WX-DL. This one takes its buttonless inspiration from the Magic Mouse but its design from another Cupertino creation: the puck-shape Apple USB Mouse. That rodent came with the 1998 iMac and was basically hated by everyone who placed a hand on it. It remains to be seen whether the slight tilt of this one (shown after the break) will make it more palatable to the digits of computer users everywhere, but it is at least suitably equipped with a 1200dpi laser sensor, 2.4GHz wireless connection, and a suite of media controls baked with care into the top of this aluminum cookie. Its yours for $80, so who wants to take a bite?
Speedlink Cue does the multitouch hybrid mouse thing
Honestly, while Apple's Magic Mouse is a bit of a pioneer in its application of a multitouch surface on a "regular" tracking mouse, it's not exactly easy or comfortable to perform multitouch gestures with it. Plus there's the little problem of no official driver for Windows. Speedlink's Cue mouse looks to be solving at least one of those problems, maybe even both. The wireless 1000 dpi optical mouse is naturally PC-compatible, with software to allow you to configure your own gestures, and it has a somewhat flatter and more extensive touch surface than the Magic Mouse, which might make gestures a bit more doable. Basically, it's somewhere in between the Magic Mouse and the Magic Trackpad, minus the hyperbole, and plus clear demarcation of right and left click. It'll retail for €40 when it ships in November (about $56 USD).
Exclusive: Mad Catz Cyborg Rat 9 review
In a world full of the shapely blobs we call computer mice, the Cyborg Rat stands out. It's skeletal, metallic, and almost completely asymmetrical. Though most mice are one-size-fit-few, the Rat lets you transform the hardware itself to fit the shape of your hand. It's got two scroll wheels and a special button that lowers DPI while it's held -- and this new Rat 9, due out November, is completely wireless as well. Whereas Razer, Microsoft and Logitech all built their premium wireless gaming mice from scratch -- and with cord-based charging in mind -- the Rat 9 instead integrates a hot-swappable battery pack and a 2.4GHz radio into the same modular design. Is it a half-baked attempt at wireless bliss, or do we have a new king of mice? Find out after the break in our full review. %Gallery-105601%
Razer debuts wireless Naga MMO mouse, Ironclad mousepad
While our eye-hand clicking capabilities are usually relegated to "upload image" and "RT" and the occasional "ban commenter," that doesn't stop us from dreaming of a world where we're an elite vid-gamer (that's "video gamer" to any n00bs out there), an entire virtual world at our beck and call. Razer can help us live that dream with its Naga MMO mouse, which has a wild assortment of numbered buttons on its side to be theoretically assigned to those high-powered abilities we've theoretically invested countless hours into obtaining -- or theoretically paid a good price to a gold farmer for. Now Razer has a wireless version of the 5600 dpi laser mouse, using the same wired / wireless tech of the Razer Mamba (which is nice for when a theoretical gaming session stretches beyond the 12 hour continuous use mark the mouse is rated for) to let you plug in at will. There's also a charging dock that conveniently doubles as the 2.4GHz wireless base station. "That's great, Razer," you might say, "but what will I put this mouse on top of?" They're glad you asked. Razer is simultaneously launching a new ultrasmooth mousepad dubbed "Ironclad," built out of a single piece of aluminum. The pad will retail for $60 this month, with the mouse following for $130 in November. %Gallery-104998%
Microsoft kicks out a pink mouse for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
If you've been following your NFL broadcasts, you'll have noticed an entirely unusual hue infiltrating your typically macho sport -- in most clashes this weekend players on both teams could be seen sporting pink paraphernalia alongside their usual uniform colors. This courageous act of pinkification was in aid of the US National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which Microsoft is also supporting in its own small way. That small way is called the Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000, which will retail from now until the end of September of next year for $40 and contribute a $4 donation per sale to the Komen for the Cure charitable fund. Hey, it's got BlueTrack if you need to feel manly while buying one! [Thanks, Andrew]
Logitech G700 mouse and G930 headset review
Logitech's been making quality peripherals for as long as many of us have been computing, introducing some of us to our first wheel, wireless and infrared mice in the process. But when it comes to the latest in gaming peripherals, the company's not always ahead of the curve. Razer and Microsoft have had high-end hybrid wireless mice for over a year now, and the 2.4GHz wireless headset isn't exactly a new concept. That said, the company's reputation is strong for a reason, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that Logitech's created a mouse and headset that leapfrog -- rather than just catch up to -- what competitors have offered. See what we mean in our review after the break.
Logitech's G700 mouse and G930 headset cut the cords, G510 chops price tag of primo keyboard parts
If you've already got a headset, mouse or keyboard, here's hoping they suit you just fine, because if they don't you'll be tempted to blow oodles of money on Logitech's latest gaming peripheral lineup. Today, the company revealed (and is launching) the G510 keyboard, the G930 headset and G700 mouse, and while the first is merely an amalgamation of solid peripherals that have come before (customizable RGB backlighting, USB audio, 18 programmable buttons, the whole nine yards) the latter two are premium wireless products. That's right, Logitech finally has an answer to Razer's Mamba and Microsoft's Sidewinder X8 with its own 2.4GHz, 1000 report-per-second hybrid wireless mouse (with thirteen programmable buttons on tap) and they've ripped the wires right out of the G35 surround sound headset to stuff a play n' charge battery and two 2.4GHz antennas on board. They'll run you a pretty penny, of course, at $160 for the headset, $120 for the keyboard and $100 for the mouse, but you'll find out if two of the three are worth your while later today when we publish our full review. We'll let you guess which two. Press release after the break. Update: Logitech's got a breakneck video rundown of all the hot new G-series features; spot it right after the break. All three products are also on Logitech's website now, though the headset and keyboard are labeled "out of stock."
Wireless presentation controllers prove juicy targets for hackers
Wireless presentation controllers have changed corporate life forever. Instead of businessmen and women staying tethered to their keyboards while delivering boring PowerPoint presentations, they can wander about the room, gesticulating authoritatively with an ego-boosting gadget in-hand... while delivering that same boring presentation. Now a security researcher by the name of Nields Teusink is showing that those wild gesticulations open the door to crazy hacks, with most wireless presenters being recognized as full keyboards -- some even as keyboards and mice. With no encryption provided it's a (reasonably) simple task for an attacker to replicate the signal, escape the presentation, and completely compromise the machine. Teusink uses an Arduino board for his work here, impressing us while sending a chill into the hearts of slide gurus everywhere.
Dell Streak gets cozy with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, suddenly looks small (video)
Look what we have here? The Dell Streak sure keeps bringing us more and more surprises -- unlike most Android devices that lack the Bluetooth HID profile, here it is paired up with our wireless keyboard and mouse (Apple's Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse, specifically) without any driver hacks. Streak Smart, who made this discovery, had the same experience as us with its iGo Stowaway keyboard and an unknown mouse -- typing was as smooth as cutting butter with a hot knife, but the mouse couldn't do much due to the lack of pointer and scrolling support. If you insist, the forthcoming Nokia N8 is confirmed to support both devices natively, but it shouldn't be long before we see a mouse hack for the green bot. Hands-on video after the break, and do also head over to the source link if you need more convincing. P.S. -- Since commenter dudeville was asking, here's how to pair the Apple keyboard with the Streak: type a four-digit PIN on the phone when prompted, then type the same number on the keyboard and press the enter key. Good luck!
Microsoft throws a helping of vivacious onto Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 line
What good is a BlueTrack mouse in only pink and gray? Not nearly as good as one splashed in every pastel you can think of, and especially not as good as a new trio of varied ones. Microsoft's Wireless Mobile Mose 3500 family -- announced earlier this year as some of the most portable BlueTrack mice this planet has ever seen -- just gained three new vivid members, and each of 'em are on sale now at Best Buy for a penny under $30. If we had to guess, we'd say these are perfect for the KIN demographic. Hey, stereotypes don't just form from thin air, you know...
Dell rolls out compact, inexpensive WM311 wireless mouse
It may not be quite as sleek as a Magic Mouse or as button-happy as the WarMouse, but we're guessing there's plenty of folks looking for something just like Dell's new WM311 wireless mouse, which is compact, decent-looking and cheap. Running just $30, the travel size-friendly mouse promises 1000 dpi optical tracking, packs a nano USB receiver with "concealed, fold-up storage," and is available in your choice of black, red, white or blue (each of which sport a black base and a glossy finish). Hit up the source link below for a closer look, and to get your order in if you like what you see.
Microsoft offers three new BlueTrack mice on the cheap
Microsoft's BlueTrack technology may have led to some pretty impressive mice, but they so far haven't dipped much under the $50 mark. That's now changed with the company's new Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500, Wireless Mouse 2000 and Comfort Mouse 4500, however, which all come in at less than $30, and promise many of the same advantages as Microsoft's pricier mice. As you can probably figure out, the three mice cover the cordless, portable, and corded bases and, with the exception of the gray-only Wireless Mouse 2000, are each available in a couple of different colors. All three are also available for pre-order starting today, with the Wireless Mouse 2000 and Comfort Mouse 4500 set to roll out next month, and the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 on track to ship in April.
Logitech brings out Wireless Desktop MK710 with a claimed three-year battery life
Logitech raised a few eyebrows with the longevous battery life on the MK700, and for its encore the company is bringing even more endurance with a claimed three-year battery life for both the keyboard and mouse -- a feat it claims to have been first to achieve. Aggressive power-saving algorithms are the purported reason you won't have to swap out the AA cells for a cool 36 months, but Logitech is quick to reassure us that these optimizations won't be causing any unseemly lag. It's also quite boastful about the MK710 coming equipped with its teeny Unifying receiver to really minimize peripheral clutter. If only the keyboard wasn't the size of a spaceship's dashboard, we too might have been interested in dishing out the $99 and saying farewell to our wires. Either way, the combo is hitting Europe this month with Americans having to wait a bit for an April launch.
SplitFish Dual SFX Frag Pro pairs button-enriched mouse with 'fragchuck,' ships November 10
For those of you not paying attention in class, SplitFish is a peripherals maker that, true to its name (or half its name, anyway), offers PS3 controllers that split the left and right hand controls into separate parts. The Dual SFX Frag Pro, its latest, comes with a 2,000dpi laser mouse to tempt those last few PC gamer holdouts to the dark side of consoles, and a three shoulder button-equipped directional pad for navigation. What can we say, it looks weird as hell, but the more we thought about it, the more we wanted to get our hands on a set to see just how games played with this unorthodox control scheme. Should you share our interest, you'll also want to know that pre-orders are being taken now for a cent under $90 in the US or a penny short of £80 in the UK, and shipping starts November 10. [Via SlashGear]
Logitech Notebook Kit MK605 asks 'what multitouch revolution?'
Logitech, the company that's dropped more than a billion mice in our laps, is back with a glossy, gold-accented new laptop accessory kit. There's not an overwhelming amount we can tell you that you can't already see above, so we'll go ahead and point out that the laser mouse (M505) and keyboard duo are controlled wirelessly via Logitech's teeny tiny Unifying Receiver (which comes as part of the package), and the laptop stand is capable of accommodating machines with screens up to 15.6 inches diagonally. The riser also has three elevation levels, while the keyboard packs a full numeric pad -- something at least Excel-loving accountants should appreciate. Expect the set to show up in Europe and the US this November with a price around $100.[Via Electronista]
New Apple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse arrive at the FCC
Well, well, what's this? A new Apple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse have arrived at the FCC, and they've got new model numbers of A1314 and A1296 -- the current wireless keyboard is A1255 and the Mighty Mouse is A1197. That's pretty much all we know for now, but these keyboard dimensions are also smaller than the current model, which rules out a return of the numeric keypad -- sorry to dash your hopes, Excel jockeys. Is this the new keyboard rumored to accompany an iMac refresh? We'll have to wait to find out -- but on a similar note, AppleInsider says Steve Jobs himself is leading the development of this new mouse, featuring some kind of multitouch and potentially housed in an aluminum shell. That would certainly explain those multitouch mouse patents we've seen in the past, as well as bring the desktop mousing experience in line with the multitouch action found on the MacBooks -- AI says the new mice somehow enable iPhone-style kinetic scrolling, which would definitely be interesting. So... you want to maybe schedule an event to launch all this stuff, Steve? Update: And... Apple's managed to yank the images out of the FCC filings, which is about as fast as we've ever seen that happen. Update 2: Revised images have been posted, carefully cropped to show only the relevant FCC labeling -- although model numbers remain. This is absolutely the fastest we've ever seen the FCC database change, it's rather impressive. Update 3: AppleInsider's revised their post to say an aluminum mouse is just speculation, so this thing could be plastic after all. Read - Apple Bluetooth keyboard at FCC Read - Apple Bluetooth mouse at FCC Read - AppleInsider post on new mouse
