The Logitech Performance Mouse MX retails for $80-$110 and features Darkfield Laser Tracking, that allows you to track on nearly any surface; the new unifying receiver technology, but it is only valuable if you plan on changing your keyboard as well; as well as several completely customizable buttons, hyper-scrolling, unique recharging system, and a comfortable contour design. The only con is the price, but it is easily overcome if you are looking for a comfortable, full-featured mouse that is easy to use. Continue reading

Modern keyboards (like the one on my Macbook Pro, that I am using to type this) have a moderate degree of redundant circuitry to allow for keyboard commands, but still fall short of some selective usage scenarios. I can easily press a few different keys at once (and elicit the appropriate response), but pressing four keys arranged next to each other in a square will only report the first three. Video games have emerged as the group of applications that have the fastest combinations involving the most unique keys. For these programs, users are not aware that their key-presses are going unreported, and will often assume the program or their skill is at fault. To address this problem, Microsoft has developed more advanced circuitry in their SideWinder X4 to allow for more simultaneous keys to be reported. Additionally, this technology allows for any of the QWERTY keys to be used simultaneously, and is cheaper than addressing each key with unique circuitry. Continue reading

With more and more video content being available on the internet and a lot of newer computers including HDMI ports, it goes without saying these computers will be hooked up to TVs. However, this means possibly having to use a keyboard and mouse on the couch. For the most part a mouse will work ok on the couch but there are many times it will not. This is where one of Adesso’s newest keyboards comes in. The SlimTouch Pro Touchpad Keyboard not only serves as a keyboard but also has a built in touchpad to help eliminate the need for a mouse all together. Continue reading

A keyboard and mouse are often times one of the most overlooked components of any computer system, yet they may very well be one of the most important components. After all, almost all interaction with any computer seems to be with a keyboard and mouse. Today we will be taking a look at Microsoft’s Comfort Desktop 5000, which features a wireless ergonomic keyboard and a wireless BlueTrack mouse. Continue reading

For those who spend long hours using the computer, keyboard and mouse choice can be essential to your comfort and productivity. Today we will be looking at Logitech’s MK700 keyboard and mouse combo which promises to address both concerns with features such as InCurve keys and hyper-fast scrolling. Will the MK700 deliver on these promises, or will this end up being just another case of marketing hype not living up to its claims? Continue reading

Wacom is the undisputed leader of pressure-sensitive tablet interfaces, and they are expanding their entry-level line with the latest Bamboo tablet, the first tablet to offer multi-touch input alongside the traditional stylus. As a Mac user, I consider myself lucky to be using one of the best multi-touch trackpads available. It took a month to get used to, but my MacBook Pro trackpad seems to respond to my thoughts. I’ve discovered just how to touch the surface to elicit a response, and multi-touch gestures are seamless. It’s a real time-saver, and it’s incredibly comfortable because of its large size. The Bamboo Pen and Touch looks like a large trackpad, which could be an even better experience if implemented properly. Continue reading

With the the recent flood of smaller, cheaper laptops and netbooks hitting the market, it only makes sense that companies would want to make mobile accessories smaller as well. Today we will be taking a look at one of Microsoft’s newest products, the Mobile Mouse 4000. Like most newer mobile mice, it sports a cropped form factor as well as a very small “nano transceiver.” Continue reading

Having owned and used Wacom tablets for years, I’m wary to try the competition. Wacom is the big name in tablet technologies, and owns patents on their various technologies to make pen-tracking and pressure-sensitivity reporting possible. Competition has been notoriously scarce, and of reliably poor quality. Wacom’s serious drawback is their price point, which can easily top $400 for a medium-sized tablet. For just this reason, I purchased the smallest tablet I could from them nearly seven years ago and have not upgraded. Recently they’ve tried to entice a more diverse audience with their Bamboo™ line, but Genius is here to challenge that dominance. The MousePen i608 offers similar functionality for a fraction of the price. If it plays as well as Wacom’s tablets, I’ll be challenging my marching orders for a future upgrade! Continue reading

I use my laptop as a primary computer, and have become quite accustomed to using a trackpad full-time. I don’t see myself as someone who would carry a mouse with them at all times unless it was more comfortable than using the trackpad, offered more controls, used Bluetooth (which my system supports), and took commonly available batteries or could charge over USB. From the looks of things, Verbatim’s Go Bluetooth should be a contender for space in my laptop bag if it’s comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Continue reading

I use my laptop as a primary computer, and have become quite accustomed to using a trackpad full-time. It’s become a bit of a necessity, as I don’t feel like carrying a mouse with me. Newer offerings such as the Go Nano from Verbatim are designed to walk a line between being portable and comfortable platforms. In terms of mice, I’m a fan of large platforms that support my wrist with adequate height, so carrying one around has been out of the question. Because I use a Mac, I’ve found that the trackpad is more than adequate in terms of gestured input and overall feel. Until now, I had never seriously used a portable laptop mouse as some of my colleagues do. We’ll see if I can be convinced to carry one with me! Continue reading

Several months after Logitech launched several mobile mice featuring nano transceivers, Microsoft is finally fighting back by introducing the Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 with a nano transceiver, which are ideal for use with laptops and netbooks due to the small size of the transceivers. Continue reading

While the quality of Microsoft software offerings is debatable, Microsoft’s hardware offerings are usually top notch. Today we are going to look at Microsoft’s newest wireless desktop set, the Wireless Desktop 3000. Upon first glance, the Wireless Desktop 3000 appears to be like most other Microsoft desktop sets. However, it is one of the first to include a BlueTrack mouse. Continue reading

Over the years, I’ve owned a number of WACOM tablets. It started with a relatively inexpensive Graphire 2 (small) USB tablet, and I still use it to this day. I take it to classes and use it as a lightweight note-taking tool, but its lack of extra features beyond pressure sensitivities keeps me from using it for extended Photoshop use. I have recently reviewed the Intuos 3, which offered a number of additional control surfaces alongside the tablet area. The Intuos 4 is the next progression in WACOM’s line, offering a number of advancements in its extraneous controls, and an upgrade to the main tablet sensitivity. Let’s take a look! Continue reading

Logitech is constantly attempting to up the bar in terms of quality and features added for gaming keyboards. This one is no exception, not in the least bit, but comes with a steep price tag. When asked if I’d be willing to review Logitech’s new G19 keyboard I jumped at the opportunity. I was not too familiar with the keyboard; in fact the only feature I was aware of at that time was the inclusion of a color LCD display in the middle. But after researching the new features, I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on this baby! Continue reading

Big C makes a series o f high end digital microscopes for hobby or professional use. They call the standard microscope series “Dino-Lite”. There are many models available, with different resolutions, zoom levels, and functions; some are UV or IR, and there are models available with a metal shell instead of plastic. In this review I cover two microscopes, and an adjustable stand. Continue reading

The Microsoft Sidewinder X8 presents itself as Microsoft’s new flagship gaming mouse. Having been a Logitech user for years, I am eager to try the X8, and to see how the BlueTrack technology performs. Continue reading

Bluetooth wireless mouse and keyboard combinations are becoming ever more popular for the average user primarily due to the lack of cords. However, due to the latency time required to transmit keystrokes and mouse movements/clicks these devices have been a tough sell for the hardcore or even casual gamer. There is also the worry about batteries running dry right in the middle of an important project with no replacements in sight.

These have personally been major fears of mine and the main reason why I’ve steered clear of wireless keyboards and mice (especially while gaming). But when asked whether or not I’d be interested in reviewing such a product, I figured I’d give it a chance. Continue reading

Wacom is the single largest graphics editing tablet manufacturer, and is solely trusted by digital imaging professionals. Their latest offering in the Intuos line represents a balance between advanced tablet functionality and a reasonable price point. Their Bamboo products are targeted at an entry-level audience, picking up where the Graphire tablets left off. Between the Graphire and Cintiq (tablet integrated displays) categories lies the Intuos. The unit for review is a 6×8 inch model with the grip pen and mouse.

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When asked what first comes to mind when one hears the name “Microsoft,” one’s first thought is often of their operating system or software, and rarely “an excellent piece of hardware”. However, Microsoft does still have some often overlooked areas of expertise. Today we will be taking a look at Microsoft’s newest keyboard and mouse combo, the Wireless Laser Desktop 6000.

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The computer mouse has evolved greatly over the years. First there was the mechanical mouse, then the optical mouse, followed by the laser mouse. Well the mouse has once again evolved with the introduction of Microsoft’s Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack technology. BlueTrack is billed as the ultimate mouse tracking technology because it can be used on surfaces that optical and laser mice could not handle. Is this in fact the case or is it all a bunch of hot air?

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Product: Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
MSRP: $64.99     Find Lowest Price @ PriceGrabber
Supplier: Microsoft
Author: Nick
Date: July 7, 2006

For several years now, Microsoft has successfully established its name in the peripheral industry.  However, most of their keyboards and mice are not targeted towards gamers.  Today we will take a look at Microsoft’s Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  This keyboard is… Continue reading

Product: Logitech G15 Keyboard
MSRP: $100    Find Lowest Price @ PriceGrabber
Supplier: Logitech
Author: Bill (tomalakborg)
Date: 5/11/06

You’ve probably heard, or at least seen this keyboard before—it’s hard to miss. Coming from the well established Logitech, this board is their top-of-the-line peripheral targeted to the gamer with everything. With features that include an LCD display and eighteen extra macro… Continue reading

Product: TG3 Deck Legend Keyboard
MSRP: $150
Supplier: TG3 Electronics
Author: Bill (tomalakborg)
Date: April 29, 2006

Sure glowing keyboards are great to look at, but it means nothing if they can’t perform. Since users spend far more time on the keyboard than the mouse, quality is a must. Having the right board can not only affect your words per minute or frag-rate… Continue reading

Product: Razer Copperhead Gaming Mouse
MSRP: $79.99
Supplier: Razer
Author: Bill (tomalakborg)

Razer has safely established their reputation with gamers from the beginning. From the Boomslang with a ball mechanism, to the recent Diamondback, Razer’s products have set standards in performance and quality. Now, jumping into a new technology, Razer will have to establish itself as a power player with laser mice. Logitech has… Continue reading

Product: BLUETAKE BT510 Bluetooth Mouse and BT009Si Bluetooth USB Adapter
MSRP: $54 for the mouse and $29 for the USB adapter
Supplier: BLUETAKE
Author: Bill (tomalakborg)

Introduction-

For the mobile computer user, nothing is worse than bringing cables into your wireless world. A wireless mouse is an ideal accessory for those computing on the road. Bluetake’s BT510 promises to be a… Continue reading

Product: MonsterGecko PistolMouse FPS
Supplier: MonsterGecko
MSRP: $40
Author: Bill (tomalakborg) 

MonsterGecko is putting themselves on the map with an entirely unique product. Meet the PistolMouse, MonsterGecko’s alternative to the high-end gaming mouse for FPS gamers. At first I thought they were bringing back the light-gun, and nearly screamed with joy. However, this is not a light gun, and you will not be shooting… Continue reading

Product: Logitech MX518
MSRP: $49.99     Find Lowest Price @ PriceGrabber
Supplier: Logitech
Author: Nick

While a “normal” optical mouse may be fine for most people, computer gamers require a higher performance mouse if they want to win. This is where the Logitech MX518 comes in. The MX518 boasts a resolution of 1600dpi, which is four times higher than the typical every day mouse… Continue reading

Product: Logitech MX 1000 Laser Mouse
Supplier: Logitech
MSRP: $79.95
Author: Bill (tomalakborg)

Logitech has proved themselves with the MX line of computer mice. With their innovations in wireless mouse technology, and with the great performance of the MX 700, Logitech has set the bar high, but hopefully not too high. Meet the MX 1000, Logitech’s new laser mouse which claims to make the… Continue reading

Device: Logitech diNovo Media Desktop
MSRP: $249
Supplier: Logitech, Inc.
Author: John(AGOIA)

Intro:

With flat-panel monitors, pre-modded cases, and all the other bells and whistles a computer can have, the keyboard and mouse, or at least the keyboard, can be often overlooked as vital and stylish parts of a complete system. Today is the day when your perspective, if it is such… Continue reading