Oh! Gizmo

By Luke Anderson

I used to work for a grade school as computer tech. This has to have been the smallest grade school in the state, as there were barely over a hundred students in the entire school. With a low attendance, there weren’t many computers to worry about, and thus I had a lot of free time on my hands. What I found really strange is that the teachers and principal always thought I was extremely busy. My boss said that so long as the principal thought I was busy, I was pretty much free to do as I pleased, which was a pretty sweet gig (even if the pay wasn’t great). I just had to make sure I looked busy when she walked in, which meant some fast window-swapping. I would have gladly paid $24 (plus shipping from Japan) for one of these Phantom mice.

I’ve seen several devices that will make a specific window jump to the front, but none so cleverly hidden as the small button above the scroll wheel on this mouse. Just a quick click and it would look as though I were hard at work updating the lunch menu on the school website. The included software lets you pick what program you’d like to jump to the front, which should be quite handy.

[ Thanko ] VIA [ Newlaunches ]

How many of you own HTPCs? I’ve owned one in the past, but since I can now watch DivX movies on my Xbox 360, I’ve since decided to decommission it. When I did use a PC in my living room, there was always the hassle of having a keyboard and mouse lying around. It wasn’t too awful, as I had a Gyration set that was small, wireless and easy to use. However, Logitech’s new diNovo Mini looks like the perfect keyboard/mouse solution.

The mini-keyboard has all of the essentials that you’ll need. The full QWERTY keyboard reminds me of the one on on my old Cingular 8125 (and likely that of my HTC Mogul that should be showing up on my doorstep any time) which should be comfortable enough for what little typing is necessary. The best part has to be the small integrated ClickPad which serves as both a trackpad and directional pad. It communicates with your PC via Bluetooth and will run for around a month on Li-ion batteries. Look for it to hit stores later this month for around $150.

[ Logitech ] VIA [ PCLaunches ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I’m trying to leave most of our coverage of CES in the extremely capable hands of Evan, but there are a few items here and there that have caught my eye. Like this PalmSecure mouse from Fujitsu that uses vein pattern verification for security purposes, instead of fingerprint recognition.

The technology already has quite a few advantages over using fingerprints, not the least of which is the fact you simply hold your hand over the sensor instead of actually touching it. So if this type of security system was ever used on a public device like an ATM, the sensor has less of a chance of getting dirty over time. And in order to acquire an accurate image of the vein pattern, there has to be blood circulating through the body. I’m sure everyone has thought about circumventing a fingerprint security system by simply cutting off the victim’s finger, but that approach won’t work here. (Come on! I can’t be the only one who’s thought of that!)

While the technology is primarily being marketed as an “enterprise solution” Fujitsu hopes to have a consumer-friendly product ready in the near future.

[ Fujitsu PalmSecure Mouse VIA Ubergizmo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

If you’ve ever had to replace your mouse because it keeps sticking to your hand, rather than malfunctioning, then Belkin’s got the perfect replacement for you. Their Washable Mouse sells for just $29.95, and thanks to a touch sensitive scroll pad and optical sensor on the bottom it can simply be rinsed or washed underwater when it starts looking a bit gross.

Of course the folks over at Gearlog felt that being just water resistant was not all that impressive. So they went the extra mile to see what other foodstuffs the mouse could survive. Believe it or not, even while submerged in oatmeal, chili, chocolate pudding and a bowl of Cheetos the mouse continued to function. And keep in mind that the mouse wasn’t dunked, cleaned off and then tested. No, they were actually able to continue using it even while it was submerged, and the only real problem was a bit of wonkiness from the optical sensor, which is easily forgivable.

[ Belkin Washable Mouse ] VIA [ Gearlog ]

By Andrew Liszewski

If a compact size is more important to you than ergonomics when it comes to a laptop mouse, then the oddly named SM30/Duplus+ from Samsung will be right up your alley. The rectangular design seems to come from the fact that the mouse can also be used as a handheld remote for slide presentations, and it even manages to squeeze a small laser in the tip for all your pointing needs.

The relatively small wireless dongle connects to one of your laptop’s USB ports, but can also be stowed inside the mouse when not in use. I like the scroll wheel that reminds me of the physical wheel used on the original iPod, but I’m not sure what you press for the left and right buttons when using this thing as a mouse.

As far as I can tell the SM30/Duplus+ has only been released in Korea at this time, but I have no idea what the price is or if this will ever see the light of day in other markets.

[ Samsung SM30/Duplus+ Wireless Mouse ] VIA [ Ubergizmo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

A computer mouse that’s able to stash away in your laptop’s PCMCIA slot is nothing new, but I like the fact that this one from EverGreen doesn’t remain completely flat and actually makes a small attempt at being ergonomic.

Once removed from the PCMCIA slot, it can be cleverly transformed into a two button optical mouse complete with a touch sensitive strip used for scrolling. And the raised section on the back will help support your hand like a regular mouse does, though I can’t imagine it being anywhere near as comfortable.

For the fashion conscious, the mouse is available in a variety of pastel colors to match the current trend in color coordinated laptops, and will set you back about $37.

[ Transforming EverGreen PCMCIA Slot Friendly Mouse ] VIA [ Ubergizmo ]

By Evan Ackerman

I spend a lot of time on the computer. I mean, seriously, a lot. Fortunately, I’ve never had any issues with carpal tunnel or wrist pain (not from work, anyway), and have no need for the SafeType mouse. The SafeType mouse is made by the same company responsible for the totally nutty SafeType keyboard, and is designed to reduce all of the muscle stresses normally present when using standard mice, which it accomplishes by working like a joystick. Sure, it’s a good idea, but it’s like changing over to Dvorak from QWERTY: it may make a lot of sense, but there’s no way you’re gonna get many people to actually do it, because we’re all lazy and too used to what we grew up with.

You can get a SafeType mouse for $74; not currently available for lefties (it’s a conspiracy, man).

[ SafeType Mouse ] VIA [ Techie Diva ]

By Andrew Liszewski

A wireless mouse can be a great convenience, but there are some downsides that Microsoft is trying to address with their Mobile Memory Mouse 8000. First off, most cordless mice rely on a wireless receiver that takes up a USB port. While the MMM 8000 still relies on one, the receiver actually includes 1GB of flash memory allowing it to serve double duty. Just keep in mind that once you remove it to copy files to or from another system, the mouse stops working.

Another downside to cordless mice is that they rely on batteries that need to be replaced. The MMM 8000 however has a built-in rechargeable battery that can be recharged VIA USB. The mouse includes a special cable with magnetic connectors that attach to the receiver and the underside of the mouse allowing it to recharge whenever needed.

Personally, I would still go with the Logitech VX Nano and its ridiculously small USB receiver, but if you like the idea of always having an extra gig of flash memory handy you can grab the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 for $99.95.

[ Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 ] VIA [ Gizmag ]

By Luke Anderson

All too often we see companies trying to blend a multitude of functions into one gadget. The end result is generally something rather hideous that can’t do anything very well. So naturally it’s rather refreshing when I come across a device that combines several things into one. This SlimBlade Mouse from Kensington is a perfect example.

Many people give Powerpoint presentations from their laptop, so it’s only natural to have a mouse that also serves as your presentation remote and laser pointer. It’s even smart enough to power off whenever your laptop goes to sleep. How cool is that? You’ll have to pony up a little extra for this notebook mouse, however the $79 price tag is well worth it.

[ Kensington ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]

By Luke Anderson

There’s nothing worse than having sweaty palms when you’re stuck working at your computer for long hours. Naturally, your mouse and keyboard tend to get a bit slippery with sweat, and it makes your work go so much slower. That’s why some of you will love this OptiWind Mouse which features an internal cooling system.

Inside the mouse you will find a small cooling fan which will circulate air up towards the palm of your hand. This should be enough to keep even the sweatiest palm dry. They even take advantage of the holes in the top by adding in some cool LED lights. If you have a problem with a sweaty mousing hand, you can pick one of these up for just $22.

[Brando] VIA [SlipperyBrick]