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maximawoo · Nov 8, 2001, 05:38 PM

I just purchased this mouse today from J & R in NYC. I thought I give a little personal review for those who are interested in purchasing this mouse. I noticed that on Kensington's website that there are two models that seem to be very similar: Turbo Mouse Pro Wireless and the Expert Mouse Pro Wireless. The only difference I saw between the two models was that the Turbo specifically saids it comes with a Mac OS X driver and that the colors seem different. I purchased the Expert not knowing there was a another kind but I can report a success using it with Mac OS X (10.1) with the Kensington Mouseworks for X. Also to note, the Turbo seems to be a bit more expensive than the Expert (I got mine for $119.00 where the Turbo retails for 129.00).

I have a Powerbook G4 and I was kind of worried that the RF signal from the mouse might interfere with the Airport signal. I'm glad to say that I haven't seen a downgrade in quality strength. I read somewhere on the web that wireless mice have a tendency to skip. This mouse does none of that. The ball feels smooth, almost like a cue ball.

Man is this thing big. I feel like Captain Kirk with this mouse. But it is very comfortable to use. I was using the Apple Pro mouse before this one, and I gotta say that I am already seeing a gain in my productivity with this mouse. Just the scroll wheel itself is a big plus. The buttons are all easy to reach.

One quirk though (always seems that their are at least one =) ). The mouse requires 2 AA. I was kind of bummed out when I opened the package. But since this mouse is much like a cordless telephone on how it sends signals, I guess it makes sense that it needs a power source from somewhere (like a cordless phone).

So, if your thinking about buying this mouse, I say go for it. Kensington seems to be taking Mac OS X very seriously (not like Epson). If you got any other questions, ask away.

Jerjerrod · Nov 8, 2001, 06:02 PM

I bought one myself, and I love it too.

It has a couple of quirks worth noting, though. Frankly, I *hate* the location of the scroll wheel, and find myself using it less and less. If it's going to be way up there, at least they could make it bigger and easier to reach for.

Also, the relative placement of your trackball and receiver are important. Right now, I have it on my desk with the receiver on the floor, and everything's fine. But sometimes when I use it while kicking back on the couch (don't you love wireless gadgets?) I have to move it around to find a sweet spot. Apparently the couch does a good job of interfering with the signals, because I often have to move the trackball to the edge for it to work. No biggie, but worth noting.

I had kind of hoped the color scheme would more closely match my new QuickSilver, but hey, it's close enough. "Captain Kirk" is a great description of it. Looks like a graphite color-schemed version of one of Spock's or Sulu's control panels.

I just can't wait until Kensington finishes Mouseworks for OS X. I mean *really* finishes it. I'm dying to assign some keystrokes for app hiding and minimizing to the top two buttons.

But I heartedly agree with the above review -- if you're thinking about one, go for it! It's a great device. (For the record, I have the Turbo Mouse Pro Wireless as opposed to the Expert.)

Chuck_star · Nov 9, 2001, 12:01 AM

I imagine both you guys upgraded from the pro mouse. Just curious if you noticed any difference in tracking? I've heard wireless mice track a bit slower than one with a cord.
Thanks

Jerjerrod · Nov 9, 2001, 12:51 AM

Actually I do have an old Turbo Mouse ADB sitting in the closet. As for tracking, if there is a difference, it's completely unnoticeable. I'm not quite sure why one would think there would be a lag for wireless peripherals. The time needed for a signal traveling at relativistic speeds over only a few feet is darn short, whether the medium is wire or radio waves.

zjokke · Nov 9, 2001, 04:19 AM

OK, I'm going to buy one! I've already checked availability here in Europe (I'll have to wait a while). One question, what size is the receiver? I have an ADB TurboMouse, but was looking for a USB version, this wireless one seems perfect, but when I hook it up to my iBook, I wouldn't like the receiver to take more space than a wired USB version would...

maximawoo · Nov 9, 2001, 10:55 AM

The receiver is a bit big, a lot bigger than I expected. I would estimate the size to be half the size of a regular mouse. The receiver is light, however.

I would also like to point out that the mouse came with a free wrist pad which helps a lot in the comfort area. Nice touch by the Kensington guys. Oh, and one last thing: it has a FIVE YEAR warranty.

[ 11-09-2001: Message edited by: maximawoo ]

Diggory Laycock · Nov 11, 2001, 11:56 AM

I've just bought the Logitech optical wireless mouse - and that's pretty good too - no sign of software for OS X from Logitech though - so you're currently able to use just the two buttons and the scroll-wheel (there's another button on the left - where your thumb rests (if you are right-handed.))

But that's fine with me - as an old school mac user I see that as an extravagance!

It cost me �45 - which I reckon is pretty good value.

[ 11-11-2001: Message edited by: Diggory Laycock ]