provided by: 
| Product: |
| SlimBlade Media Mouse |
| Rating |
|
| Pros |
| 360-degree navigation wheel enables scrolling in all directions; media navigation pad controls iTunes tracks; slim design; receiver tucks into battery slot for easy storage. |
| Cons |
| Inconvenient navigation placement; no mute button; scroll ball is not a button; scroll ball is hard to control. |
| Company |
| Kensington |
| Price as rated |
| $60 |
| OS compatibility |
| 10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard) |
| Processor compatibility |
| Universal |
| Best current price |
| $49.95 |
The most unique feature of this mouse is actually hidden on the gadget's underside. On the bottom of the SlimBlade Media Mouse is a navigation pad that allows users to control their media player of choice. Similar in design to the iPod shuffle, the navigation pad allows you to control the volume, move to the next or previous track, and play and pause the audio or video. By placing the navigation pad on the bottom of the mouse, Kensington has avoided the problem of users bumping those buttons during normal use, but it is somewhat of a hassle to turn the mouse over when you want to hear the next track of the album you're listening to. It also would have been nice to include a mute function in the navigation pad, but the Pause button serves the same purpose. Be aware too that in order to switch menus in iTunes, you have to use the traditional side of the mouse-so to switch from music to video, you have to turn the mouse on its right side.
Kensington SlimBlade Media Mouse
Another handy feature Kensington included is a sleep function. This turns the mouse off when the computer goes to sleep, allowing the mouse's two AA batteries to last up to six months, according to the company. The mouse also features a battery life indicator that lights up green when the batteries are good and red when the power is getting low.
While this mouse is not billed as ergonomic, I found its curved structure very comfortable to use. And while the documentation states that you need to install the drivers to use the 360-degree functionality and media controls, the mouse worked as advertised right out of the box. (Kensington includes a CD, and has a driver available for download on its Web site.) However, the scroll ball was perhaps a bit too easy to use: it turned so easily and I found myself scrolling sideways in documents when I didn't want to.
Macworld's buying advice
Kensington's SlimBlade Media Mouse is great if you're looking for media control and sleek design in addition to basic mouse functions. The lightweight, slim body is great for travelers. It performed to my expectations and the novelty of the navigation pad is something I will appreciate endlessly.
[James Wickboldt is Macworld's editorial intern.]
James Wickboldt,
Macworld.comRead article at Macworld.com