By
Darius Chang
08/02/2007
URL:
http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/notebooks/0,39050495,61988216,00.htm
This article is not for those who firmly believe in the basic
S$5 mouse and the
S$9 keyboard. If all you ask of a keyboard is to enter alphanumerical characters and have no problems clicking away with your two-button mouse to activate applications and services, reading on will just result in early carpal tunnel syndrome.
On the other hand, those who have already spent thousands on their system may scoff at the basic accessories bundled with their PC. If they had their way, these chaps want peripherals which can read minds or use their laser sensor to nuke takeaways. The latter might not be so improbable, if you believe a certain Miss Singapore contestant several years back who proclaimed that the microwaves from her mobile phone might be useful for self defense in the jungle.
But let's get real here. Though mind-reading technology is still years away, the basic typing and pointing device has come a long way from being merely sidekicks to the CPU. As features and performance increase exponentially, the role of peripherals has expanded and is now an integral part of the user interface. From launching MSN Live to switching your windows via Flip3D, dedicated controls reduce the number of mouse clicks used for the same task. As Tony Boatman, group marketing manager of Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division, puts it: "We seek to design great PC peripherals that enhance the software experience by intelligently combining hardware, software and services."
Though the Microsoft hardware division does have a headstart on the Vista platform, its competitors are close behind. Peripherals maker Logitech has launched a line of accessories with specific features addressing the new services available, while Belkin modestly offers a solution for transferring data from your old XP system to your brand-new Vista machine. As the new platform gains greater market share, we have no doubt that hardware manufacturers will be close behind, offering devices to help simplify the transition.
Logitech
| Model
name |
In a nutshell |
| Wow
factor: A high-end keyboard at a premium price. The 11mm thick diNovo Edge is laser-cut from a single piece of plexiglass and set in a brushed aluminum frame, using Bluetooth technology to avoid fugly cable clutter.
Other
notable frills:
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Circular touchpad with horizontal and vertical scrolling
Backlit controls
Touch-sensitive volume slider
Charging base
Two months' battery life
Expected: Available now
Price: S$399
|
|
Wow factor: The keyboard's touch-sensitive Dynamic Search and Zoom slider can be used to quickly sort out images in the Vista Photo Gallery. The laser mouse, too, is no mere sidekick as it can zoom through documents in 3D via the DocFlip application.
Other notable frills:
Wireless connectivity
Laser mouse with tilt wheel plus DocFlip
Embedded with silver-ion anti-bacterial technology
One-touch Internet calling controls
Soft-touch palm rest
Programmable hot keys
15 months' battery life for keyboard, 6 months' battery life for mouse
Expected: Available now
Price: S$169 |
|
Wow factor: The first range of Logitech mice to feature the MicroGear Precision scroll wheel--this component enables switching between free-spin and click-to-click modes. The MX Revolution also has a dedicated Flip3D thumb wheel.
Other notable frills:
Wireless connectivity
Laser sensor
MicroGear Precision scroll wheel with SmartShift technology
Document quick-flip via Flip3D interface
Touch to search button
Charging base
Expected: Available now
Price: S$179 |
|
Wow factor: The smaller, more portable version of the MX Revolution for the road warrior.
Other notable frills:
Wireless connectivity
Laser sensor
MicroGear Precision scroll wheel with SmartShift technology
Document quick-flip via Flip3D interface
Touch to search button
Charging base
Expected: Available now
Price: S$129 |
Microsoft
| Model name |
In a nutshell |
|
Wow factor: By day a mouse, by night a presentation device. This laser mouse puts both sides to good use by incorporating multimedia controls and even a laser pointer on the device's underbelly.
Other notable frills:
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Laser sensor
Laser pointer
Tilt-wheel technology
Five customizable buttons
Presentation remote control
On/off switch
Magnifier
Expected: Available now
Price: S$179 |
|
Wow factor: This entry-level desktop combo offers Windows Live Call and Windows Gadgets buttons for quick access to your information and buddies.
Other notable frills:
Wireless connectivity
Laser mouse with tilt-wheel scrolling and magnifier button
Customizable hot keys
Windows Live Call button
Windows Gadgets button
Media Center button
Cushioned palm rest
Battery status indicator
Six months' battery life
Expected: Available now
Price: S$159 |
|
Wow factor: Throwing away the numeric pad, the keyboard makes up for it by including an integrated cursor control and longer battery life.
Other notable frills:
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Laser mouse with tilt-wheel scrolling and magnifier button
Customizable hot keys
Windows Live Call button
Windows Gadgets button
Media Center button
Integrated navigation pad
Battery status indicator
Mouse charging base
Nine months' battery life
Expected: March 2007
Price: S$279 |
|
Wow factor: This top-of-the-line desktop combo lets you charge your devices via a charging base and also acts as a four-port USB hub. The backlit keyboard incorporates a proximity sensor to turn off the unit when you are away from the desk, hence increasing battery life.
Other notable frills:
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Laser mouse with tilt-wheel scrolling and magnifier button
Intelligent backlit keyboard
Four USB ports
Customizable hot keys
Windows Live Call button
Windows Gadgets button
Media controls
Integrated navigation pad
Battery status indicator
Mouse and keyboard charging base
Nine months' battery life
Expected: May 2007
Price: S$459 |
Others
| Model name |
In a nutshell |
|
Wow factor: Moving from an old PC to a new system? The Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Windows Vista lets you shift your data quickly via the common USB 2.0 interface.
Other notable frills:
USB 2.0 connectivity
2.5m cable
Windows Easy Transfer and PCsync software
Compatible with Windows XP and Vista
Expected: Available now
Price: US$39.99 (S$61.33) |
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