May 25, 2006

Mighty Mouse

Perhaps now is the time to start REALLY calling me a computer geek. Or not.

Last week I WOOTed a new computer mouse: the Razer Pro V1.6 1600dpi Gaming Mouse. This is, for now, the pinacle of precision game control, not to mention a MAJOR improvement in Photoshop utility.

For the nerds among us, here are the specs:

  • Infrared engine powered by Razer Precision
  • 1600 dpi, twice that of conventional high performance sensors
  • High speed motion detection, up to 40ips and 15g
  • Frame rate over 6400 frames per second (5.8 megapixels per second)
  • 16 bit data path, as compared to 8 bit and 12 bit data paths used by other conventional mice
  • Always-On Mode – the optical sensor never powers down – provides instantaneous response at all times
  • Buttons – 7 independently programmable physical buttons with multiple macros
  • Award-winning Razer drivers featuring On-the-Fly sensitivity adjustment
  • Ultra large non-slip mouse buttons, tactile response design
  • Non-slip side rails and new ergonomic ambidextrous design
  • Zero acoustic Teflon feet for smooth motion over any surface
  • Gold plated USB connector for maximum conductivity
  • Size: 5.04” length x 2.5” width x 1.54” height
  • 7 foot, lightweight, non-tangle cord

So what makes it so impressive? Well imagine going back to a mouse with a ball (you DO use an optical mouse, right?), well if you remember how junky it was to use an old ball mouse full of lint and desktop munge, and the incredible freedom, speed, and slippery-slidey feeling of that first optical mouse, this mouse makes that experience seem dull. Response is incredible. A slight flick of the wrist and the cursor is clear across the screen. Dial back the sensitivity and you've got the ultimate in precision control in your graphics tools of choice (no, not MS Paint, I hope).

It's even got internal blue LED lighting that makes this little mouse glow in the dark, almost calling to you to give it a test drive.

So why did I get this mouse when I had a perfectly functional mouse before? Well, it was almost 70% off retail price that's why. And to compliment the hopefully soon to be completed Firefighter case, I wanted a blank-slate mouse for the airbrush treatment...

But in the mean time, it DOES take some getting used to. Like getting in that '67 427 'Vette for the first time... a bit overwhelming for a few minutes... then wondering where it's been all my life!

Posted by MEK at May 25, 2006 10:58 PM