Clever utilities are what really get my mouse twitching.  In the age of the connected home, more of these devices are disconnected from one another.  I have a keyboard and mouse for eight PC's in my home, 3 of which are HTPCs.  The HTCPs in my home all are capable of using a Logitech Harmony Remote control and all are currently using a Rocketfish Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse Combo, but it still is a bit cumbersome.  Instead of having tons of remote controls on my coffee table, I have a Harmony Remote, a laptop, and my Rocketfish Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse.  Well, recently, Microsoft's Garage Program featured an application created to help alleviate the need for multiple mice and keyboards for multiple computers.  The application is called Mouse Without Borders.

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Along with the migration of the PC from the home office to the living room comes a bunch of new challenges.  Some of these challenges are simple and some are not so simple; one of my greatest challenges was controlling my HTPC from across the room.  I will not accept having a wired keyboard and mouse attached to my HTPC nor will I suffer from relying on line of site wireless devices.  With that said, a solution proposed itself in the form of the Rocketfish RF-BTCMBO2 Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse one day while I was strolling through Best Buy. (more...)

Every now and then, innovation makes its way over to our world. Some things, change our lives dramatically, others we tend to not even realize. If a company wants to save me money, I WANT TO LISTEN. Well, this is what A4Tech wants to do. They want me to take a look at a cordless mouse that uses no batteries, and I will do so with an open mind and a closed wallet. To stir the pot a little, they also shipped me their "Easy Go Optical Mouse" for those of us with laptops that can't stand that friggen ball or that damned touchpad.

First, the "Easy Go Optical Mouse". You didn't think I was going to let you read the neat stuff first did you? I travel quite a bit, and everywhere I go, my laptop goes with me. I have gone the way of the little ball in the center of the keyboard. I hated that! I have gone the way of the touchpad. I HATE THAT EVEN MORE!! (Every time I type, I hit the touchpad and I end up adding sentences together.) My solution, carry a mouse with me every where. Enter the Easy Go Optical Mouse. (more...)

This is the first time I've ever used anything wireless, and I have to say it's pretty nice. So nice in fact, I didn't even have to buy batteries; they include 6 AA rechargeable batteries in the package (Box states 4 Rechargeable, 2 Normal AA), and the base station can be used as a charger for the batteries.

The feel of this setup is nice, although bit odd because of the key layout, the layout of the keys are in an A shape instead of the typical key layout. Maybe it is because I'm typing this in linux with openoffice; I have a dual boot system set up and will be typing this in both linux and windows to give you an idea of how well it works with both. Granted driver/software support is limited to windows, as of this article, linux is not supported, but an email sent to them revealed they are working on linux support. Good news for us who don't like living with just the "normal". (more...)

Today's computer users have traveled far from the good ol' days when computers were run by cards and mice were caught in traps. Today we have a "slew" of products to navigate through our everyday computing. Until the day that computers will recognize eye movements for navigation for everyone, not just rich people, most of us will be stuck using cumbersome products like mice or trackballs. Some are functional, some are practical, some are out there, and some are Microsoft.

In front of me, I have the Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0, by no means an average mouse, but by no means revolutionary. This mouse's predecessor, the Intellimouse Explorer, was one of the first iterations of mice to break away from the traditional "beige box" design. Its internal components are encased in an attractive mix of grey and red, the optical sensor captures data at up to 6,000 frames per second, it's form fitted for a right handed person, features USB connectivity (with included ps/2 adapter), and boasts programmable buttons. (more...)

Today I am reviewing a cordless optical mouse. The Logitech MX 700. I know what you're thinking "a mouse review?". I thought the same thing till I started using it. It's very comfortable and precise for an optical mouse. It is also a very good looking mouse. The silver and black theme will go with most aluminum or black system setups very nicely. Even more so if you just happen to be an Oakland Raiders fan.

The MX 700 comes complete with drivers and batteries (rechargeable NiMH). The base station serves as a recharger and receiver (RF rather than IR so line of sight is not required). It also has a whole butt load of buttons. (more...)

The Wacom Intuos2 4"x5" Tablet will enhance your experience with many programs not just graphics applications.

The tablet has a 4" x 5" screen area outlined with a silk screened line and eleven programmable buttons along the top. These buttons are printed on a transparent overlay which lifts for tracing papers and photos. The weight along four rubber feet are enough to keep the tablet from shifting around your desk while you work and the eight foot usb cord will allow you to position it anywhere, even reclining back in your chair. While you are working a small red and green led gives you visual feedback of your pen and mouse actions. (more...)

Logitech's newest Optical Engine comes out with a new look and added functionality. Whether your assembling a black or silver (aluminum) computer system, this mouse will compliment it perfectly.

The MX300 follows Logitech's previous mice design with some improvements. At the top, behind the two main buttons there is a small clear domed button called the Quick-switch Program Selector. This button allows you to switch between programs almost exactly like alt-tab does. Personally I find this button to be a bit out of the way. You have to reach far back with your index finger to press it. Also it has such a light click, at first you wonder if you pressed it. Next you find the black section around the Logitech logo on top of the mouse. This has a smooth rubberized feel, just enough that your hand can easily grip the mouse during movements. They did a very good job on incorporating the silver accents with the shape of the mouse. One thing I did notice while using the mouse, the red optical light does not brighten when you move the mouse like I've seen on past Logitech mice. (more...)