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.

Two wireless mice have been announced: the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 and the Wireless Mouse 2000. Both BlueTrack mice connect wirelessly via a tiny USB RF receiver and come with the basic mouse controls: two buttons, and a clickable scroll wheel. They’re pretty much functionally identical, although the Mobile Mouse 3500 is a smaller model designed for portability, while the Wireless Mouse 2000 is standard-sized for a better grip.

Another BlueTrack model, the Comfort Mouse 4500, is a standard-sized BlueTrack mouse that’s meant for desktops and connects via a standard USB cable if you don’t want to go through the hassle of changing batteries. It does add more functions though; this mouse comes with five customizable buttons, plus a tilting scroll wheel that can scroll sideways.

Here’s the best part: they’re all pretty affordable. Both wireless mice are priced at just under $30, while the Comfort Mouse 4500 costs $25.

Anyway, if you’re a gamer, they thought about you when they designed this. Each key is scanned independently by the keyboard hardware, so each key press is correctly detected regardless of how many other keys are being pressed at the same time—a new technology that lets gamers (and 26-fingered aliens) execute the most complex key combos.

Just like any premium gaming keyboard worth its salt (or worth your time, in case you don’t have any salt), the SideWinder X4 fills out the “good gaming keyboard features” checklist:

• Programmable macro keys – six programmable macro keys multiplied by three groups let you set up to 18 macro commands per profile. Check.
• In-game macro recording – lets you record keystroke sequences and set it to a single button in-game (so you don’t have to repeat certain key combos and sequences). Check.
• Multiple gaming mode switching – lets you toggle between different keyboard settings and macro sets. Check.
• Backlit keys – for gaming in dark dungeons (read: your buddy’s mother’s basement during scheduled LAN parties). With three levels of illumination plus “lights off.” Check.
• Dedicated media keys – play/pause, track skips, and volume control. Check.
• Windows key disable button – an emerging gamer’s must-have feature. With shooter games that usually use the left-side Alt and Ctrl keys, this is critical. There’s nothing more annoying than a (Windows) button that accidentally switches you to desktop just when you’re about to pull off a headshot, right? Nope. Bummer.

So there you have it. If you’re interested, it’s priced at $60—relatively affordable for a nice gaming keyboard. It’s about a month off from shipping though (set to ship in March), but it’ll be up for pre-orders on Amazon next week.

Options

Now for intriguing question: would we buy this? $60 for a new SideWinder gaming keyboard? Sure, if we had $60 to spend on a gaming keyboard. But if we had $80 to spend, we’re springing for Logitech’s G110. It’s got the “gamer’s checklist” filled, plus integrated USB audio, a removable palm-rest (“removable” is important when you don’t have the desk space), custom backlight colors (you can mix red and blue to get that perfect shade of purple you always loved), plus the all-important button that disables the Windows/context keys when you’re playing. Really, this single button is what makes a great gaming keyboard awesome.

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.

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.

What you’re looking at is a new CPU cooling fan from Austrian-based PC cooling company Noctua for fitting into systems based on Intel’s upcoming LGA1156-based Core i5 and i7 processors. Now, a lot of fans have been rolling out with the same spec, but this just looks pretty darn good with the earth tones.

The NH-U12P-SSE2 cooler is built with dual fans sandwiching the aluminum heatsink for performance. And, so you’re not bothered by the “performance”, this fan is designed to be quiet. The cooling fan is compatible with the aforementioned upcoming LGA1156 socket as well as existing systems with Intel’s LGA775 or AMD’s AM2, AM2+, and AM3 processors using Noctua’s SecuFirm 2 multi-socket mounting system.

Expected by mid-September, the cooling kit will retail for EUR 56.90/ US$64.90 and will be packaged with Noctua’s NT-H1 thermal compound.

Gaming peripherals manufacturer Razer has just unveiled a pair of mobile gaming products, the Razer Orochi Laser gaming mouse, and the Kabuto, an ultra-thin multi-purpose gaming mouse mat.

The Razer Orochi is a compact notebook gaming mouse that’s equipped with a 4000 dpi Precision 3G laser sensor for precision and accuracy and 7 programmable buttons for flexibility. It’s also built with a dual mode that allows players to switch from a wired or wireless connection (vie Bluetooth 2.0, with 2 AA batteries), and an ambidextrous design for use with either hand.

The Razer Kabuto is an ultra-thin (1.2mm thick) microfiber tracking surface that’s built with a high-grip rubber base. The slim pad also doubles as a screen protector for easy storage within a closed laptop, while the microfiber surface that promises a consistent glide of the mouse, can also be used to wipe the screen clean. Available in one size: 280mm x 195mm.

The Orochi mouse will be available on Razerzone.com in mid-August and in store shelves by late September for $799 in the US and 79.99 EUR in Europe. The Kabuto mat will cost $19.99 in the US and 19.99 EUR in Europe, and is set to sell worldwide in August.

Shure has just released three new headphones under their Professional Headphones line of cans. The new set includes three new models, the SRH240, SRH440, and the SRH840 that range from cans built for general listening to a pair of premium headphones for studio monitoring and recording.

The $60 SRH240 is for general listening and designed for quality sound and comfort. Built with 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers, the set ensures deep bass, clear mids and highs. This entry level set is designed for use on consumer and professional audio kits. The $100 SRH440 is optimized for home and studio recording use, with impedance, power handling and sensitivity calibrated for pro audio devices such as DJ mixers, and amplifiers. The $200 SRH840 is the new line’s flagship, designed for professional audio engineers and musicians. The 840’s cable features a 3m detachable (and replacable) cable, plus an extra set of replacement earpads.

The SRH240 is built with a fixed headband, while the 440 and 840 comes with adjustable, collapsible headbands and clips that locks the detachable cables into the cup. The two higher end models also comes with gold-plated adapters and carrying bags.

Alright, they’re really just highly stylized mousepads with a different name, but for StarCraft fans that have been shaking their boots in anticipation of the sequel’s eventual release (it’s gonna happen guys…), here’s a little something to tide you guys over.

This limited edition set of gaming surfaces by gaming gear company SteelSeries is based on artwork made for Blizzard’s StarCraft II. They’re printed on the company’s QcK Series surfaces that features a non-slip rubber base, and a topside that’s optimized for use with optical and laser mice.

The SCII-themed pads will be out sometime this month, and will sell for $14.99 each. As for the actual StarCraft II game, the release is still a mystery.

Gaming product manufacturer NZXT has just announced the release of a new gaming-inspired PC chassis called the M59. This here is a pretty cool box that pretty much delivers on all fronts, giving gamers enough space, cooling, and styling to build a gaming system around. It’s also relatively affordable at just under $60.

The M59 comes with five cooling fans, including large 120mm intake and exhaust fans at the rear and side, plus two more empty fan slots on top. Mesh panels along the front and bottom of the chassis draw in cool air, and it’s pre-drilled for mounting a liquid cooling kit for enthusiasts who need to go that far, and the compartments are built for easy installation and neat cable management.

For new builders, the M59 also includes space for a pair of SSD drives and large, 10-inch graphics cards. The design also includes an ambient blue light up front that illuminates the drive bays for visibility in dark rooms.

The M59 will start selling in August for $59.99.