Friday, February 1, 2013

PENCLIC, Reinventing The Traditional Mouse


Reinventing The Traditional Mouse….

© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT


In 1981 the first integrated mouse intended for use with a personal computer was introduced by Xerox. Since that time there have been several variations including such devices as trackballs and built-in laptop/keyboard trackpads, but nothing revolutionary. Along comes PENCLIC, a Swedish innovative design, incorporating cutting edge technology that enables the extension of your hand’s movements to control the orientation of your computer’s cursor.

The name says it all. In the shape of a pen mounted on a small base or holder, the PENCLIC operates on most surfaces without any pad. It has controls mounted on the pen’s shaft for engaging left, right, middle, backward and forward clicking. A scroll wheel is accessible on the right topside of the base and a power on/off switch is recessed on the bottom. The button functions are based on HID 1.1 protocol supported by Windows and Linux. Apple has not implemented this standard, so only the left and right click functions will work. This should not be a problem for Apple users since you are accustomed to only using the left and right buttons anyway. At the moment, the best way to get the middle, backward and forward buttons to work on a PC is to program them. A free App site for this is: http://bit.ly/av8eBJ. As for MAC’s, you could try: http://bit.ly/m1Rfu. In either case, the PENCLIC works just fine for right and left click operation.


(TIP: PENCLIC, a right-handed user’s mouse, and is available as a wireless (R2) or wired (D2) device. The wireless version operates up to a distance of 15 feet, is supplied with a rechargeable NiMH battery that holds a 3-month charge, and incorporates an energy saving mode that kicks in after 10 minutes of non-use. Charging is via USB with a supplied cable. The PENCLIC will also accept an AAA non-rechargeable alkaline battery.)

PENCLIC supports all HID 1.1 operating systems including Windows XP or later, MAC OSX 10.1+ and most Linux/BSD systems. No software or special drivers are needed. It also works with Casablanca video editing systems, too.

(TIP: PENCLIC, may aid in the prevention of RSI, Repetitive Strain Injury, an injury of the musculoskeletal and nervous system that is caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations and sustained or awkward positions.)

So, how does it work? You hold the PENCLIC like you would a pen, allowing your forearm and hand to rest on the work surface. The shaft portion rotates vertically & horizontally for maximum comfort. Holding left and right click buttons in for three seconds rotates a DPI sensitivity mode thru four selections. The base or PELCLIC holder acts like a traditional mouse, while your fingers grasp the PENCLIC’s shaft. The movement now resembles that of writing with a pen. Since the click controls are also mounted on the shaft your hand never leaves the PENCLIC. At first glance this all might seem a bit cumbersome, however, after an hour or so I found the speed, comfort and accuracy to be just fine. Over all, PENCLIC worked very well, made the mouse experience more comfortable and quite a bit more precise.

MSRP: Wireless (R2) or corded model (D2): $118.00

Available at retail and on line worldwide.

For more information go to: http://bit.ly/n94tkd

GADGETEER’S RATING: *****

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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