There are lots of mouse products around, some from people like Microsoft that sell on name, others sell only on price. However there is another category those that are, or do, something different.
The Kensington PocketMouse Pro Wireless is one of the are something
different type. The shape of the mouse is a fairly standard three
button affair with the scroll wheel between the standard two buttons.
It is cordless and this is always useful especially when you take it on
your travels. In fact the difference is that the required piece that
plugs into the USB port on the PC fits inside yes inside the mouse
when not in use.
This means that firstly you should never forget it something thats
all to easy to do and second - and as far as I know this is unique - as
soon as the USB connector is stored in the mouse battery contact is
shut off meaning that the supplied pair of AAA batteries last a lot
longer as they do not waste power.
When I first attached the Kensington PocketMouse Pro Wireless to a
PC I thought it was faulty, Windows finds the device but any
communication between the mouse and the PC seems to be non existent. I
then tried another unit this time a notebook and the same thing
happened. I then moved on to other things. A few days later I tried
again and this time I was more patient and after a fair wait (around 90
seconds) I got the new hardware ready to use message and all worked
well. I then tried the other PC and armed with my new found patience
was again rewarded. When I again attached it to the first unit it was
functioning perfectly without delay. Quite why the long initial delay
is there I do not know and there is certainly no warning about it on or
in the box.
To remove the small USB connector from the mouse push the black
button on the left side of the mouse and the side opens to reveal the
5cm long receiver, the plug rotates 90 degrees either way to facilitate
the signal coming from whichever side the mouse is used.
I moved my corded rodent out of the way and have used the cordless
Kensington for all work on my main PC without any problems, however I
would suggest using it on a matt surface as reflective especially
glass surfaces can cause optical rodents problems.
So is it worth the premium for the unique feature, it depends on
your use and or course how forgetful you are. I found I adjusted
quickly to the feel of the unit and in use it did everything I
expected. However with corded rodents of various sizes and shapes being
available for as little as a fiver then you have to choose. Cordless is
nice, optical is nice (no ball to clean) but then you are paying more.
The extra battery life is useful but even these will expire eventually
and do you have a spare set to hand? The US price is just under $50 so
with the current exchange rate that should be under £28 not really that
expensive for a cordless optical rodent especially with that little
something extra.
Links :
http://www.kensington.com/html/1766.html
http://www.acco.co.uk/computer_products/product.asp?category=6&subsection=21&id=1379
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