At last, new technology updates for an old product that everybody can use. Better yet, it’s a tech update that’s affordable. Microsoft has just rolled out three new sub-$30 mice based on BlueTrack technology—basically a new tracking technology that replaces conventional laser and optical trackers (as well as the fizzy rubberized balls, if you’re still clinging to what has got to be a really old mouse) that allows you to work on a wider range of surfaces. Pretty handy if you need to pull out a laptop and work from, well, anywhere from granite kitchen counters to your living room carpet.
From the title, you already know that the SideWinder X4 is a gaming keyboard, so let’s start with the most obvious question: what’s anti-ghosting? “Ghosting” is the term used for the times when your regular (lame) keyboard spazzes out when you try pressing a complex key combo within a game. For example, holding the W and A keys, while regularly tapping on the spacebar, moving through the arrow keys, and holding down the Ctrl and TAB keys at once (yeah, it sounds improbable, but have you tried playing 2K Sports’ NBA 2K10 on a keyboard?) This keyboard’s anti-ghosting tech aims to eliminate the “spazzing-out” part by allowing you to press up to 26 keys at once—which might mean that you’re the one spazzing out. Yeah, you should get that checked out, man.
Lenovo has launched a wireless remote designed to control media center PCs from the couch (or any plush, comfortable office chair, for that matter). Simply called the Multimedia Remote, the device is built for full wireless control from up to 33 feet away with a full QWERTY keyboard and trackball (with two mouse buttons). The remote works with Windows XP, Vista and 7, and is available now for $60.
NewerTech has introduced a new Display Adapter for Macs that lets users add an extra display. The adapter plugs into a USB 2.0 port, and supports displays via an HDMI, DVI, or VGA port. Multiple adapters can be used on one computer for adding an extra display, with Macs supporting up to four while Windows-based PCs can run up to six screens. The accessory is available now for $96 on OWC’s eShop.
Belkin’s Easy Transfer Cable is a direct-connect solution that allows you to link up a pair of computers (via USB) for quick file transfers without having to go through a network. It’s designed specifically for Microsoft’s Easy Transfer utility for migrating to the new operating system, and comes with a 3-step setup process, and a transfer speed of up to 480Mbps through a USB 2.0 connection.
Available in time for the Win 7 launch by October 23rd, the 8-foot cable sells for $40. Of course, you can also fashion a crossover cable that links two PCs through the Ethernet port instead–with a network cable, two RJ45 ends, and a crimping tool, but this simply saves you time if you have $40 to spare.
