‘Book Mystique Review: Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Optical Retractable Mouse
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
by Charles W. Moore
The two main features distinguishing the Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Optical Retractable Mouse from the dozens of other USB optical mice on the market are its retractable USB connection cable, and its patented color-radiating design it cycles through seven brightly glowing colors as you use it when it’s powered up.
The latter is of course a gimmick, albeit an entertaining one, and likely to be a particular hit with kids (although my wife thought it was extremely cool as well, saying it reminds her of the lighted water fountain display outside the Bacardi building in Hamilton, Bermuda, where she hails from)
However, the first-mentioned feature is a practical boon to those of us who like to take a mouse along in our laptop case or backpack, but don’t like the hassle of messy, too-easily tangled cords.
The retractable cord mouse is a cheaper, and in my estimation more desirable alternative to using a wireless mouse. Wireless peripherals are not a favorite of mine, especially mice, some of which (non-bluetooth models) require a receiver dongle using up a precious USB port anyway, and Bluetooth mice require tedious pairing. Either way, I haven’t tested a wireless mouse yet but didn’t demonstrate that least some response latency, we had bugs me a lot, while a hard-wired mouse usually gives you instant response every time, which for me makes it worthwhile putting up with the minor hassle of plugging in the USB connector. Wireless mice are also burdened with the weight of batteries, and I don’t like heavy mice - the lighter the better. This one weighs just 2.5 oz.
To summarize, with a wired mouse, you are spared the aggravation of device “pairing” (Bluetooth), the hassle, expense, and extra weight of batteries, and the response latency, cursor jumpiness, erratic precision, and (Bluetooth again) the wakeup lag that have plagued to varying degrees every wireless mouse and trackball I’ve ever tested.
The Kaleidoscope mouse is on the smallish side, and its and compact design makes it both easy to tuck into your laptop bag, and to use wherever space is limited - on an airplane seat tray, a crowded desk or home office. Personally I prefer large mice, so this one would not be my choice for full-time workstation service, but it glides smoothly and almost effortlessly on the mouse pad with the light button and scroll wheel action I prefer, and plenty comfortable enough for use on the road. The split top panel that flexes to activate the left and right button clicks. I prefer completely smooth scrolling scroll wheels with no detent clicks, and this one is detented, but at least it offers relatively light resistance and a positive feel. Overall, the input feel of this mouse is very satisfactory. Tracking accuracy seems fine.
The information panel on the mouse bottom proudly declares that it was made in China, and it has a very smart and contemporary look (even without the light show on). The Ci25M is delightfully light in weight at just 2.5 ounces, and no driver software huge required for use with OS X,
Again, aside from the light show, the USB cable of the Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Optical Retractable Mouse is its most innovative feature, being retractable. The cable, which is about two and one half feet (30”) long when fully extended (just enough to reach around the back of a MacBook, iBook or 12” PowerBook to reach the left hand USB port for right-handed users, conveniently retracts onto a take-up reel for neat and compact storage and carriage when the mouse is not in use. The real pulleys have ratcheted steps so the cable can be extended only as much as you need at a time.
Extension and retraction are smooth and positive, with a reassuring feel. I am always a bit concerned about the small gauge of the cable itself on this type of cord (not just this Targus unit) which could be more susceptible to damage and fatigue than conventional mouse cords, especially where it enters the mouse’s main housing. However, a retractable cable is a way to eliminate tangles and cable clutter associated with carrying a wired mouse on the road, and I do much prefer the operational characteristics of wired mouse.
To extend the cable, grasp the mouse housing with one hand and USB connector with the other and pull gently until they desired length is extended and the ratchet stop engages. To retract, give the cables a short tug outward to release the ratchet stop, and then converge the mouse and connector as the cable takes up on the reel.
If you’re looking for a road warrioring mouse and prefer a hard wired connection, one definitely merits your consideration, and the light show is a novel wrinkle that may or may not appeal. It certainly makes this mouse a conversation piece!
Color
Silver with 7 radiating colors
Exterior Dimensions
3.63” x 2” x 1.25”
Weight
2.5 oz
System Requirements
• Mac OS X, Windows 2000, Vista, Me, or XP
• USB Port
Limited One Year Warranty
Price: $24.99
For more information, visit:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=AMU0503US
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