no frills excellent optical mouse, free night light
Written: Jul 19 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: solid state electronics, accurate, responsive, price
Cons: inexpensive plastic, LED on all the time may limit life
The Bottom Line: A great inexpensive mouse with a few shortcomings.
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| digitaldoc's Full Review: Inland U-Navigate Optical 100 (07236) Mouse |
Introduction
"Build a better mouse trap, and the world will beat a path to your door."
In this case, it is not a mouse trap, but just the mouse. I've owned probably 10 mice over the last 7 years, and used even more at various jobs. A mouse is often an afterthought for many computer users, despite its constant use. Most of us just utilize whatever was included in the box when we bought our system.
A standard mouse works ok when it is new. The better models have that middle scroll wheel to facilitate navigation of documents and web pages. However, after a year or two, the little ball and rollers accumulate lint and dirt. The mouse starts to not respond. Pretty soon, you're cleaning the mouse ball and rollers with increasing frequency to keep it working.
A few years ago, Microsoft came out with their optical mouse. It was designed to have no moving parts, and all solid state electronics. It worked on the basis of a small light (in the form of an LED), and an optical sensor (like a digital camera). Illuminated by the light, the sensor takes a series of pictures to calculate the direction of movement of the mouse. This was clearly a step forward and a better mouse. You would think everyone would have one, except few would cough up the $70 price of admission it debuted at. Let's see how this inexpensive version performs.
Shopping Experience
I have had my eye on this technology for several years. In a recent Microcenter circular they had this mouse under their "No Rebate, Everyday Value" section. For the price of $5.99 it was very affordable and a great deal.
The mouse is made by Inland. The company is known for "no frills" computer peripherals. I have a set of their computer speakers that has lasted over 5 years without any problems.
Features
The package lists the following features:
-accurate and reliable optical tracking technology
-dynamic resolution: 600 DPI
-USB 1.1 compliant
-programmable scrolling button
-PS/2 interface
-red sensor lights up
-ergonomic shape conforms to hand for comfortable use
-easy installation and operation
-compatible with all major software applications
-ready for Windows 98, NT 4.0, 2000 and ME (will work with Win XP as well)
-3 year limited warranty
Installation
The mouse came in a plastic and cardboard package. It simply plugs into the green PS/2 port on the back of the computer. The package states that there are drivers available for download at www.bencole.com. The mouse is truly plug-and-play; you will not need any driver in a windows operating system computer. The only thing in the package is the mouse, not even a manual.
You should note that while the mouse is USB compliant there is no adaptor provided in the package. I'm not really sure why one would use a USB port for a mouse, PS/2 works quite well unless it was a notebook computer with no PS/2 port (in which case check out a smaller travel mouse).
In Use
The mouse is an off-white and gray plastic. It has the standard right and left buttons with the scroll wheel in between. It plugged right into the PS/2 port. The computer booted with no problem.
The mouse has a red LED that you can see when you pick it up. I used it on a mouse pad simply to protect the desk surface. It can even be used on your thigh. In fact, the optical sensor will work on any flat surface- except something very smooth like glass. This is because it can't detect any motion on the smooth nontextured surface of glass.
The mouse is very responsive to any motion. The plastic is not flimsy, but does not have the same solid feel of the Microsoft mouse. It requires only the minimal effort to move, and does not drag. The buttons and scroll wheel work well although they could have a more solid and satisfying click. The mouse is a pleasure to use for both document navigation, and for games.
After a few hours use, it was time to go to bed. I turned the computer and the lights off. To my surprise, the mouse glowed red! The red LED transilluminated through the white plastic. This is where the free night light comes in. While not offensive, just be aware of this "feature." I also wonder with the LED on all the time, even with the computer off, what the longevity of the mouse is.
Conclusion
Overall, I am very satisfied with this product. Inland has done a great job of reverse engineering. They have made a very affordable version of an expensive piece of hardware. With so many folks getting RMI (repetitive motion injury) from long computer use, make sure your mouse is a good one. I think this is a solid mouse for general computing needs at an unbelievably affordable price point.
If you need a computer to attach your mouse to
http://www.epinions.com/content_138039561860
An inexpensive DVD recorder
http://www.epinions.com/content_145685450372
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 5.99
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Epinions.com ID:
digitaldoc
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Location: New York
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 13 members
About Me:
Men don't outgrow their toys, they just get more expensive.
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