Salient Technology V-Mouse

Provided by: Salient Technology
Estimated Retail: $36.99
Review Date: March 10th, 2004
Written By: Daniel W.

Though we are all use to the current implementation of the computer mouse, it is not exactly the most ergonomically design. In fact, prolong use of the standard mouse can and most likely will cause carpel tunnel syndrome. Though this is no secret, very few companies have actually tried to do something drastic about it. As depressing as this currently sounds, alternative mouse designs do exist. One example is the V-Mouse by Salient Technology. The V-Mouse is a high resolution optical mouse that is shaped like a pen. More than that, the V-Mouse is designed to be used on almost any surface, like your lap. On paper these claims all sound great, but how well does it actually perform? Let's find out.

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Packaging:

The V-Mouse comes packaged in a colored retail box. The front of the box has a picture of the mouse held in its proper position. Printed towards the top is the product's name. Below the name is the claim, "The only computer mouse that works on your lap, as well as many other common surfaces." The back of the box has a list of the product's main features and a table comparing the V-Mouse to traditional computer mice.

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Contents:

• V-Mouse
• USB cable
• Mouse pad
• User manual

Specifications:

• Resolution: 1000 dpi
• Dimensions: Width – 1 1/8" (29mm), Depth – 1 3/8" (35mm), Length – 5 1/16" (130mm)
• Weight: 40 gm
• Minimum work space: 5cm by 5cm
• Cable length: 64"
• Mouse pad dimensions: 10.2 cm by 12.1 cm

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Features:

• Aqua blue LED light source for improved performance and user comfort
• Pen-shaped body design for superior ergonomics and perfect computer art work application
• Advanced optics for super high resolution and reduced work space requirement
• Light weight for travel convenience
• Small footprint and unique lens cap design for ultimate usability
• Standard USB technology for true plug-and-play function without installing driver

System Requirement:

• Windows 98 (SE)/2000/ME/XP
• Mac OS 8.6 or higher
• USB connection only
• Does not support PS2 connection

Description:

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The V-Mouse is shaped like very wide fountain pen and is made of silver plastic with transparent metallic blue accents. It can be ordered in champagne gold instead of metallic blue, if that is your preference.

At the front of the mouse are two mouse buttons in the shape of a skinny figure eight. The bottom button acts as the left mouse button and has a dimple on it so you can feel it, like the F and J keys on a standard keyboard. The top button acts as the right mouse button.

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On the bottom of the V-Mouse, two flat surfaces come together at an angle. The front flat surface has a small magnet whose purpose I will mention later when I discuss the mouse pad. Also, on the bottom is a small hole where the mouse's optic sensor sees through. The back of the V-Mouse features a port that looks like a mini headphone port.

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Next (Description (cont.), Usage & Conclusion)