| Making Money Magazine | |||
 |
|
 |
Career Education | Home |
|
|
aking Money's "Product Watch" Logitech MX610 Left-Hand Laser Cordless Mouse (New) Price: $59.99 What's Hot: Logitech's MX610 Left-Hand Laser Cordless Mouse is among the most comfortable and ergonomic input device I'd ever used. It makes web browsing considerably easier thanks to the inclusion of handy thumb-operated "forward" and "back" buttons; PC volume can be adjusted or muted easily with the push of a finger; and e-mail or IM programs can be launched with equal ease via appropriate buttons. What's Not: Used with a laptop, Logitech's SetPoint software deferred to the touchpad application that was already installed (a safety consideration), meaning that I wasn't able to customize any mouse-specific features and controls using Logitech's software. This isn't a problem on a desktop, though. Those with larger hands and fingers might find the small buttons this mouse uses a bit problematic. What Else: This mouse utilizes 2.4 GHz wireless technology, which affords the device a range of up to 30 feet. Logitech's "smart power management" also allows the mouse to mimic the power status of the computer it is connected to. This means that when the PC goes into sleep mode or is shut down, the mouse powers down accordingly, and when the PC boots up, the mouse turns back on. And when the mouse battery level is low-less than 10 percent of a full charge-an indicator light on the mouse will blink red letting you know it's time for new AAs. It's hard not to like the Logitech MX610 Left-Hand Laser Cordless Mouse. Its curvaceous design literally invites you to grasp and handle it, and the restrained silver-and-black color scheme not only appeals to your aesthetic sensibility but also telegraphs that this is a serious input device and not some gimmicky toy. Buttons and controls can be accessed easily by either the thumb or index finger, with only the IM and e-mail buttons requiring the hand to slide back slightly for proper forefinger contact. Unlike other input devices that sport "forward" and "back" buttons on both sides of the mouse-which makes picking them up without depressing either awkward-the MX610 can be moved and handled easily thanks to its nicely sculpted and grippy sides. The mouse is neither too light nor too heavy, allowing for easy and precise cursor control on any surface. Logitech's diminutive USB receiver is sensitive and powerful enough to allow this mouse to be used effectively at a distance of up to 30 feet using either the USB or PS/2 port (using the included USB adapter). Most importantly, since everything is synchronized at the factory, there's no involved setup routine to get the cordless mouse up-and-running-simply follow the simple, four-step installation routine, reboot the machine, and you're good to go. Despite being a mirror-image of its earlier right-hand predecessor, this latest Logitech MX610 mouse suffers from few of the off-putting technical hiccups earlier reviewers had complained about. The "forward" and "back" buttons, for example, now work properly in both Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer, and depressing the e-mail button always successfully launches Outlook/Outlook Express without inexplicably opening the program in a Hotmail folder (as some had complained). Unfortunately, on my laptop, neither the IM nor e-mail mouse buttons illuminated when a new mail or message arrived...but more on this later. Hardware-wise, even though the underbody laser sensor still remains off-center, it tracks all movements accurately and fluidly without any loss of wireless communication or interference-this despite being used in an environment where a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network was deployed and a 2.4 GHz cordless telephone was in regular use. The MX610's motion sensor uses a low-powered, eye-safe laser which delivers precise, accurate tracking on all surfaces other than a mirror or glass. It worked perfectly on my desk, dresser, bedspread, and even pants leg. Only when awakened from a prolonged standby or a period of extended rest did it stumble in terms of performance, exhibiting a noticeable but thankfully brief response-delay. It would have been nice had Logitech incorporated a sensor in the mouse's scroll-wheel, for this would have made it more convenient to wake it up while scrolling through long web pages when, in my experience, it was most prone to cat-naps. One big annoyance I did note during testing was that the SetPoint software didn't install fully on the laptop I'd initially used to evaluate the mouse's capabilities. Although the buttons and features of the mouse all worked and launched their respective applications as advertised, these couldn't be adjusted at all via the Logitech SetPoint software. This, however, appears intentional: Logitech likely did not want to hear from irate users who'd had touchpads inadvertently disabled by the SetPoint software, and so the company prudently opted to provide laptop users with as much mouse functionality as possible without creating new headaches. Consequently, the SetPoint software defers to the existing notebook touchpad software for all mouse settings. When installed on a desktop computer, though, the left-hand specific SetPoint software works normally and users can easily adjust mouse properties and assign/reassign button functions as they see fit. The program window is neatly arranged and clear: two tabs at the top allow you to access either the "My Mouse" or "Tools" screen, while separate tabs running down the left-hand side of the window provide ready access to particular settings. Given that this mouse runs on AA alkaline batteries, it was especially nice to see a battery-level tab within SetPoint. Personally, it would have been even nicer had the mouse come with a rechargeable battery-and-cradle. If you're left-handed and have grown tired of dealing with the seemingly ubiquitous right-handed or ambidextrous, hard-plastic, bean-shaped rodents of this world, this wonderfully contoured left-handed mouse could be just the ticket to offer you greater freedom, flexibility and control. It's not quite perfect, but, even though I'm not left-handed, I've found it a pleasure to work with. But, remember, unlike other mice, this one will need some extra care and "feeding," so if you buy it, be sure to pick up a multi-pack of AAs so that your rodent will always be ready-to-go in the future. And with Logitech's five-year warranty, it's pretty certain that your MX610 will be around for a while.... Verbatim Notebook Essentials Collection Price: $34.99 What's Hot: Verbatim's Notebook Essentials comprise a nicely designed, cost-effective collection of appreciated Windows- and Mac-ready notebook peripherals-you know, all of that useful stuff most of us generally forget to pack and take along on our business trips. What's Not: While the mouse and all of the cables and adapters included in the kit are much appreciated, some of those cords could be a foot or two longer. Also, the mechanisms that allow you to easily and neatly retract each handy cable can sometimes be problematic because of their weight. For example, the retractor on the otherwise fine and much-appreciated optical mouse tended to slide off the desk during use, inadvertently sending my mouse overboard whenever I forgot to hang on to it. What Else: Assembled in a compact and highly portable case that has room for additional essential notebook gizmos (i.e., USB flash drives, diminutive notebook surge protectors), this package is simply a must-have item for the on-the-go business traveler or space-limited dorm dweller. Ever since I purchased my laptop computer two years ago, it has never been far from my side. At home, it follows me from room to room and it's in continuous use from early morning to late at night. Wi-Fi has liberated me from being continually tied to a cable modem and router, and whenever I travel I make use of every available wireless "hotspot" so that I'm not out of e-mail and Internet access for too long. Unfortunately, not all destinations (and budget hotels) are created equal, and I've often found to my chagrin that, because I've become so enamored of wireless versus wired technology, I sometimes find myself cut off from the world because I had failed to pack a needed Ethernet or phone cable along with my laptop. Yes, my dumb, my bad...but, I'm probably making a mistake other of my fellow laptop-lugging travelers make. Well, if you've grown tired of finding yourself in the unhappy position of having to beg, borrow or steal Ethernet cables from colleagues or helpful hotel workers, or if you've had it with resorting to noisy cafes and restaurants and their insecure wireless hotspots, you can save yourself a lot of headaches and hassles by buying the nicely outfitted travel kit that Verbatim offers under the aptly named "Notebook Essentials Collection." Beyond a compact-yet-functional USB optical travel mouse you get a 6 foot retractable combination network (RJ45) and modem (RJ11) cable-a perfect solution for hooking up to the Internet via those not always conveniently placed hotel/motel data outlets-along with a 33-inch retractable USB cable for those hard to reach USB ports. There's also a four-port USB hub should you need to be even more connected while out on the road, as well as a handy USB to mini-USB adapter that's ideal for transferring files such as images from a digital camera or music to or from an MP3 player. Everything is located in a sturdy yet lightweight storage case that takes up slightly more room than that of an electric razor, and it's commodious enough to accommodate any additional micro-devices (i.e., a USB flash drives, media cards, notebook surge protectors, etc.) you might possibly want to bring along. Misses are few and they're far outweighed by the benefits you'll get from this economical and useful package. It's well worth the money given the potential hassles and headaches it will save you when you're out on the road. Verbatim Store ‘n' Go PRO USB Drive (1 GB) Price: $99 MSRP What's Hot: The old adage goes "good things come in small packages" and this diminutive Verbatim USB drive certainly lives up to that billing. About the size of a disposable lighter, it's small, speedy, rock-solid reliable and ever-so-handy for transferring critical files among PCs. What's Not: For me, the unreformed cheapskate, a $99 MSRP seems a bit pricey; however, these drives can be purchased online from under $60. Frankly, the only thing to complain about is the fact that 1 GB, today, is not quite the amount of copious data storage it used to be.... What Else: Included is Verbatim's own V-Safe security software with a user-adjustable security partition, anti-tamper password entry, and secure data encryption that help keep data safe-and-secure from prying eyes should the unit ever be lost or stolen. You also get Verbatim's V-Key file-synchronization software that helps users manage data to ensure that the most current information is updated between devices and which provides an easy-to-use on-screen interface for accessing the Store ‘n' Go Pro USB drive In the late 1990s, I was among those who became very enamored of the SyQuest SparQ drive, an external parallel port unit which offered computer users a then remarkable gigabyte of data storage within a cartridge no bigger than that used by the competing and much less capacious Iomega ZIP drive (remember those?). Back then it was truly something to be able to say that you could "Put a giggy in your pocket" as the SyQuest ads once touted. Today, however, it's hard to wax nostalgic for 1 GB data cartridges that were the size of a small flat-pack of cheroots when you can now store that same amount of data (and more) within devices that are much faster, much more reliable and no bigger than a disposable lighter. Offering higher performance, higher capacities and more advanced security features than competing less-expensive USB flash drives offer, the sleek-and-colorful Verbatim Store ‘n' Go Pro USB units are most useful for sharing projects between PCs. These drives come in capacities ranging from 256MB to 2GB, making them ideal for content developers, IT professionals, digital photo and music enthusiasts...and with a maximum "write" speed of 14MB/sec speed-over 90X in terms of a CD speed rating-and a maximum "read" speed of 23MB/sec (over 150X), they provide unmatched performance, transferring a 100MB folder to a host system in less than 7 seconds. Verbatim's Store ‘n' Go PRO units also offer advanced security features and handy file synchronization that other drives lack. Key features include: V-Safe Security Software with a user-adjustable security partition, anti-tamper password entry, and secure data encryption. The anti-tamper password entry feature, for example, exits the software after the fifth failed login attempt, and the device disables completely after the hundredth failed login, permanently foiling unauthorized access attempts. V-Key File Synchronization Software that helps users manage data to ensure that the most current information is updated between devices. This software also provides an easy-to-use on-screen interface for accessing the Store ‘n' Go Pro USB drive. Customization features let the user personalize the device with a custom volume name, device icon, or preferred audio sounds. An ultra-slim design that makes it easier to use in stacked port arrangements, common in today's compact notebooks and USB hubs. A handy user label area that can be used with the included labels to identify or personalize the device. Individual case serial numbers help make each drive more readily identifiable. For maximum reliability, Verbatim's Store ‘n' Go Pro drives utilize an on-board 32 bit ARM-7 microprocessor that manages I/O operations and many of the drive's technical features. An advanced wear-leveling algorithm is also used to distribute writes evenly among flash storage cells. By evenly distributing the writing, Store ‘n' Go Pro achieves an unprecedented reliability rating of over one million write/erase cycles. And advanced EDC/ECC (Error Detection Code/Error Correction Code) furthers the Store ‘n' Go Pro's longevity and dependability. Easy to comprehend LED signals tell you when the drive's connected and ready for use, in the midst of performing a data operation, working in high- or full-speed mode, or powered down and safe to disconnect. The complete retail package includes one Store ‘n' Go Pro USB Drive, one lanyard, user labels, pre-loaded VSafe Security and V-Key File Synchronization Software, and a Quick Start Guide. All Store ‘n' Go USB Drives are also backed by Verbatim's limited lifetime warranty and toll-free technical support. If you need a capacious, reliable and secure USB flash drive, this device will satisfy your needs.
|
 |
Thinking about advertising? |