Redesigned mice may give PC users warm fuzzy feeling

Article Abstract:

Logitech's new $99 MouseMan Cordless mouse is judged the best of three new ergonomically designed mice. The MouseMan Cordless, along with new mice from Apple and Microsoft, features rounded designs that give better support to the thumb and fingers than older mice. All three mice are fairly comfortable and efficient. The three-button MouseMan Cordless communicates with the computer by low-power radio waves. The cordless mouse works much better than standard mice. A close second is Microsoft's highly asymmetrical two-button mouse. The good bundled software allows the user to magnify text around the cursor, move the cursor automatically to an on-screen button and perform other functions. The symmetrical Apple mouse comes with old-fashioned software. Left-handers might prefer it to the other two mice, though. Also, people with small hands, including women, may not like these newer, bulkier mice. Both the Microsoft and Apple mice sell for $79.

Electronic computers, AAPL, Ergonomics, Mouse, Apple Inc., I/O devices, Logitech MouseMan Radio Cordless (Mouse), Microsoft Mouse (Mouse )

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Because mice don't travel well: pointers for PCs on the road

Article Abstract:

Appoint Inc's $60 Thumbelina, Microsoft Corp's $129 BallPoint Mouse and Logitech Inc's $95 Trackman Portable are trackballs convenient for travelers with notebook computers. Thumbelina stands out from the rest because of its extremely small size and ability to fit into the palm of the hand. Thumbelina is very useful in the cramped environment of an airplane and for giving presentations while standing since it never has to be put down or even attached to the computer. The BallPoint Mouse and the Trackman Portable both attach to the side of the computer and are fairly difficult to use. The clamps interfere with the opening and closing of the computer cover and with the floppy disk drive. Both have more buttons than Thumbelina's two but neither button alerts the user when the dragging function is activated. Thumbelina's trackball measures about 1/4-inch in diameter.

Mouse devices (Computers), Cursor Control Devices, Trackball, Trackballs, Microsoft Ballpoint (Trackball), Appoint Inc., Appoint Thumbelina (Trackball), Logitech TrackMan Portable (Trackball)

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Now it's a snap to take photos for use on PCs

Article Abstract:

Two companies are now selling digital cameras, which provide a way to take pictures that can be directly processed into a computer's memory. Dycam Inc, which originally developed the device, sells its Dycam I for $995. The same product is sold as the Logitech FotoMan, by Logitech Inc, which has a license to use Dycam's product design. The products are actually somewhat different: Dycam's version works with IBM-and-compatible microcomputers, with or without Microsoft's Windows program; and Logitech's FotoMan only works with IBM compatibles that run Windows. These products only take black-and-white pictures, and the pictures are grainier than regular photographs. These are first-generation devices, and the technology will no doubt improve. The cameras are not yet widely available, but this should change soon.

Photographic equipment and supplies, Innovations, Column, Image processing, Digital electronics, Photography, Cameras (Photography), Cameras, New Product, Dycam Inc., Dycam 1 (Digital camera), Logitech FotoMan (Digital camera)

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