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.
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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