Logitech MX1000 Laser Cordless Mouse Review

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(More customer reviews)Up until now, I've always used Microsoft mice (and wired ones, at that). I've been trying to replace my old Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer because it was generating spurious mouse-clicks. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a local, wired, version of that mouse. So, in desperation, I bought this Logitech MX1000 Laser Cordless Mouse. I was very surprised that I liked it. It's about the same size and heft as my old Intellimouse, and I don't have to mess with a cord. Its tracking seems to be dead on. I've tested it on my old, black, somewhat fuzzy mouse pad, various parts of my desk, different types of paper, and my tummy. It's worked perfectly in all cases. The only things I can characterize as being negative are that 1) I had to remap the Back and Forward buttons to ALT+Left Arrow and ALT+Right Arrow so that those buttons would work properly in Mozilla Firefox (my browser), and 2) I wish the charging base got its power via the USB connection instead of from yet another power transformer.
After another reviewer mentioned it here, I did notice that the "scrolling focus" behaves differently in different applications. In my case, Internet browsing is probably where I'd see that the most. But, Mozilla Firefox behaves "properly." So, I'm ok. Since this behavior depends on the application, I'm guessing that it's a difference in how the applications are coded and not something to do with the mouse. Purely conjecture, though.
Again, surprisingly, I highly recommend this mouse.

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Logitech MX 1000 - Mouse - laser - wireless - PS/2, USB

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Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA Review

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(More customer reviews)The Sharp Zaurus Linux-based PDA is both extremely powerful, and easy to use.
The Zaurus's fast CPU, high quality full-color LCD, and excellent headphone sound output makes for an impressive photo viewer, MP3 and MOD music player, and video-clip displayer.
The slide-out keyboard has completely weaned me from using the handwriting system, which is unfortunate, because a lot of work was obviously put into it. Not only does the handwriting system have a help mode where you can practice strokes, but you can actually train it new, or alternate strokes for each character. But when you can type so quickly, why bother writing?
The dual expansion slots are great, allowing me to use an SD card for software installation, and still have my CF slot free for a RAM card full of MP3s or a network adapter.
Honestly, I was impressed by the capabilities of the Java system. In my opinion, Java has always been too slow and cumbersome to use, and the thought of running it on a 206MHz PDA seemed ridiculous. But from what I've seen of Java applications (even games!) running on the Zaurus, I'm beginning to realize there's a lot of potential in Java.
As a desktop Linux user, I'm also tickled to have the power and stability of my favorite OS underneath the hood. For the extremely geeky, you can get Java, C and C++ compilers that run ON the Zaurus!
The "Qtopia" environment and applications are as intuitive as they are nice to look at. The PIM applications have all the functionality I'm used to from my Palm device, and then some.
Until I can afford a wireless modem to stick in one of my Zaurus' two expansion slots, I've been using a Compact Flash ethernet dongle to get online while watching TV.
After using offline browsers on the Palm, I was shocked to find a full-fledge, desktop-quality browser built right into my Zaurus: Opera.
Opera's zoom-out feature can't be lived without. Frustratingly, most websites assume you have a screen capable of at least 800x600. On a small PDA screen, this would mean constantly scrolling left and right as you try to read. Under Opera, you can zoom out to get a better overview of the page, and still be able to read all of the text!
I've only used the Sync software (Qtopiadesktop - I used the Linux version) a few times, since my pattern for PDA usage is to use them as stand-alone devices. It was quite intuitive, though, as it looked and felt just like a larger version of the PIM software built-into the Zaurus.
Finally, while there's obviously very little 3rd party software for the Zaurus so far, since it just came out, there's been what seems to be exponential growth. I've already installed almost 20 new applications, including games, a streaming Internet radio player, and an embedded version of the popular Linux browser, "Konqueror."
Software installation is usually a snap, too. Just as with Palm, all that's usually needed is one file downloaded off a website. Run the graphical installer, wait a few seconds, and the new app. is there, ready to run!
All in all, it's a great system. Powerful and slick hardware, in a beautiful form-factor, running powerful and slick software.

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Note: There is a software update available for download at: http://www.myzaurus.com/ROMupdate3.asp Combining the power of a PC with the fun of multimedia, the Zaurus SL-5500 boasts a powerful Intel StrongARM 206 MHz processor, 64 MB standard memory, an MP3 and MPEG-1 multimedia player, and a voice recorder. It also features a high-resolution color reflective LCD and an integrated keyboard with a sliding cover.
Because of its open-source Linux/Java-based platform (with Qt/Embedded GUI), applications can be easily customized to fit your personal and business needs.
Sharp's built-in QWERTY keyboard design allows easy data input without sacrificing space. In addition to the keyboard, you can use the stylus and touchscreen to navigate through applications with ease.
Incorporating Sharp's leading LCD technology, the Zaurus SL-5500 has a high-definition color reflective TFT screen with over 65,000 colors and a 240 x 320 resolution. You'll get bright, vivid color no matter what the lighting, making it simple to view a movie or pop in a video while on the move.
The two built-in slots for Secure Digital (SD) and CompactFlash (CF) cards provide dual expansion capabilities and simultaneous use of accessories such as optional modems, memory, LAN cards, and digital cameras. The Zaurus SL-5500 is compatible with a number of modem options for maximum flexibility in communication.
The Zaurus SL-5500 comes equipped with an extensive software application package including address book, calendar, calculator, text editor, to-do list, and Word and Excel viewing and editing capabilities. Its PC synchronization program for Microsoft Outlook makes it easy to keep all information up-to-date. The Zaurus also comes complete with a docking station that features an integrated USB cable and AC adapter for easy synchronization and battery recharging.
The Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 comes with an AC power adapter and cord, USB synchronization cradle, stylus, display-protection cover, and rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
What's in the box
Zaurus SL-5500
EA-70 AC Adaptor
Docking Station (USB)
AC Adapter and Power Cord
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
Stylus
Display Protection Cover
CF Slot Protection Card

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GYRATION GP1100-001 Wireless Rechargeable Rf Combo Review

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(More customer reviews)OK. First of all I have to mention that the reason I bought this set is because of the mini size radio wireless keyboard.
I use it at bed and the light weight mini size keyboard is a lot easier to handle than a heavy full size keyboard, and I also like the tactile feel of the notebook type keyboard.
There is not a lot of other alternatives out there, given my requirement.
The logitech bluetooth set is 30% more expensive and requires a bluetooth stack to work, versus the gyration just works out of the box requiring no driver to be installed.
There are other taiwaness mini size keyboards but they either use outdated infrared technology or are more expensive than this set.
The gyrascope in the mouse works but is not exactly a pleasant experience to use.
It's rather cumbersome and you'd be frustrated soon except maybe using it to doubleclick-launch a program from your desktop or scroll a page or two on your browser. You'd rather use the mouse on a surface instead of in the air whenever you can.
The mouse movement is a lot faster than normal desktop mouse when using on a surface - I guess this is part of the engineering design which otherwise would make the gyrascope too painful to use in the air.
The mouse requires regular charging, which is inconvenient. Typical wireless mouse like the microsoft one can last months, so I guess that the gyrascope uses quite a bit of power to operate.
The metal charging contacts on the mouse wears off quite fast and you have to make sure that the mouse sits perfectly in the charging cradle otherwise it won't charge properly.
Also, the scroll on the mouse behaves quite differently than MS or logitech mouse. It's a lot less sensitive and you need to scroll a couple more times in order to cover as much ground as the MS/logitech mouse does.
One last bad thing I have to say about the mouse - I originally bought a used set from ebay and the gyrascope just doesn't operate properly. It turns out that the seller had once drop it on the floor from several feet - so beware that it's quite fragile compare to your typical "low-tech" wireless mouse.
There's only one thing I want to complain about the keyboard - the layout. Like the ibm thinkpad, the Fn key and the Ctrl key are misplaced. If you use Copy & Paste (Ctrl-C Ctrl-P) a lot like most people do, it's frustrating that you'll press Fn-C Fn-P all the time - which does nothing.
What I do to remedy this problem is to download a freeware program to remap the keys. Note that the Fn key is special that it's only "visiable" to the keyboard, your operating system won't know it when you press it. In other words, you cannot remap the Fn key. What I did instead is to remap the Caplock key to behave like the Ctrl key. A lot of unix users are accustomed to that (older unix keyboard have the ctrl key resides in where the caplock key is), so I'm trying to get used to it. So far it's working out for me.
I'd never imagine that I would drop that much of $ for a set of wireless keyboard and mouse (most I have spent on a keyboard/mouse is $50 max) and I'd still rather not if there are other cheaper alternatives.
To be fair though, when it says it works from 30ft away, it actually does. I'm now typing 5 feet away from the receiver and the gyration set works wonderfully, while my MS wireless explorer mouse skips from time to time (but still bearable, as I prefer to use it on a surface instead of the gyration mouse, given all the shortcomings I mentioned above).
Hope this helps for all potential buyers.

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Ultimate Comfort and FreedomWhat could be better than a mouse without wires? How about using a mouse without a desk? Gyration's patented GyroPoint technology allows you to mouse around using natural hand movements. Alternate between desktop and in-air use to reduce fatigue and discomfort associated with repetitive motion. Great for gaming, surfing and more! Whereas other mice become unstable at 5 feet or less. Gyration's powerful 25' radio gives you the freedom to move away from your desk without sacrificing precise and reliable cursor control.Gyration's high power radio transmits optical data at 80hz, 60% to 160% higher than other cordless mice. You'll feel the benefits of smoother tracking, more precise cursor movement and ultra fast response. You'll also enjoy the benefits of the included rechargeable batteries. Other cordless mice require you to purchase and replace batteries frequently, but Gyration uses high performance NiMH rechargeable batteries for long life and no memory effect. Your mouse will always be ready for action.Models GP110-001, GP170-001Gyration Ultra Mouse Features: Optical mouse - no moving parts to wear out or get dirty Extra long 25 foot radio range.

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Microsoft 2.4GHz Wireless BlueTrack Technology Laser Explorer Mouse with 30-Foot Range and Easy Battery Recharging Base (5AA-00001). Review

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(More customer reviews)What I liked:
=============
The first thing that I loved was that the mouse works fine under Linux (and Windows, of course), even the two side buttons: under Linux they are "Back" and "Forward" in a web-browser by default.
The mouse is rechargeable and requires one AA Ni-MH battery (which means it can be easily replaced when the battery dies eventually) and comes with a low charge indicator (slowly flashes red when the mouse needs recharging and slowly flashes green when the mouse is being charged) and an easy charging station. After some minimal charging is done, the green flashing stops and the indicator just stays on green. Unfortunately there is no indication as to when the mouse is fully charged - the indicator does not change to blue or some other color, instead it just stays on green).
The two customizable buttons can be assigned (under Windows) many different functions out of a list.
The mouse indeed works well on most surfaces. However, I found out that it does not work at all on a concrete wall painted with a white paint. It also barely works on its original package (which could mean that it performs poorly on transparent surfaces). I guess there are always exceptions.
The mouse looks beautiful! Although, keep in mind that you won't see the blue light from under the mouse and the BlueTrack sign all the time - it only turns on for a few seconds when the mouse is turned on (i.e. after one takes the receiver out of the mouse) and after the mouse returns from a sleep mode (the mouse goes into the sleep mode to save battery if it is not used for a while).What I liked and did NOT like at the same time:
===============================================
One thing which I love is the smooth no-sound (no clicks) scroll wheel in a web-browser. It is as convenient to use as a wheel with clicks. It is great, for example, during meetings since the constant wheel clicking would not annoy anyone or in any situation when one wants to be quiet. The scrolling also takes very little effort. However, in all the other applications (not in a web-browser - for example in PowerPoint or in Excel) the scroll wheel is too sensitive, i.e. even a slight touch of the wheel causes a difficult to control scrolling of a page(s). One can get used to it but will still remain uncomfortable. What I did NOT like:
====================
The first (very annoying) feature, from my point of view, is that the scroll wheel has to be clicked in a specific direction away from the user, when used as a middle button., i.e. if one just presses it down or towards oneself it would not consider it as a (middle) click. So it takes some thinking (or maybe a habit) to put a finger on the nearest end of the wheel and press it away. I love using the middle click to open a link in a new tab in FireFox. And also middle clicks are used really a lot under Linux (paste) so I consider it as major drawback of the mouse. I also cannot understand why the mouse was designed that way, since unlike scrolling, it takes some effort to click the wheel, so one would not click it accidentally anyway.
The second thing that I did not quite like was that the mouse is very big (its physical size: it is wide and thick - feels like a ball in ones hand). It is probably one of the biggest mice I ever seen or used. I have small hands and find it more convenient to use a narrower and thinner mouse. It does not make using the mouse troublesome - just feels somewhat uncomfortable. There is a "Mini" version of the mouse but that one is not rechargeable.
The mouse gets discharged pretty quickly (i.e. in less than a week - just a few days) when it is off. That is if I fully charge it and then snap the USB receiver into the mouse to turn it off with an intension to take the mouse with me on the road in a few days - it does not work, since in a few days when I turn the mouse on again, the charge indicator blinks red (which is an indicator that the mouse needs to be charged). It looks as if some circuit does not get disabled and still drains the battery power even in the mouse's off-state.
I find putting the mouse's wireless receiver in and out quite inconvenient. It takes special care to put the receiver in since it does not naturally find its proper position before one pushes it in. Even much more inconvenient is to take the receiver back out of the mouse - it gets stuck there pretty tightly and deeply and it is not easy to grab on it to pull it out (accurately without breaking it).
I also do not quite like the feature that to turn the mouse off one has to put the USB receiver into the mouse. It is subjective, of course, but I would find a simple on/off switch more convenient. The switch could be even positioned on the front or back side of the mouse so that it does not get congested with dirt over time, if this is the problem.
Also I wish the mouse would come with some carrying case. The idea of the BlueTrack technology is that the mouse works on most surfaces which makes it a good choice to take it with on the road, so, I think, a carrying case is desirable.Overall:
========
I kept the mouse. My goal was to find a rechargeable wireless mouse which would use standard rechargeable batteries (i.e. AA or AAA) and I found it. It is a good mouse, but I would not call it a marvel of engineering - it has a few important things to get fixed. I guess the Microsoft engineers were so excited about the novel BlueTrack technology that they forgot to make sure that other not so novel features of the mouse are implemented conveniently for a user.


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The Microsoft Explorer Mouse, with revolutionary Microsoft BlueTrackTM Technology, works more places than ever before, including on granite countertops, living room or airport carpets¿even on a wood table or rough, unfinished park bench.

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