IOGEAR Launches the First Mouse with a Memory

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.iogear.com/press/pressrelease.php?ID=100' target='_blank'>http://www.iogear.com/press/pressre...ease.php?ID=100</a><br /><br /></div>This has nothing to do with a Pocket PC, unless you happen to be one of the rare few who have managed to get a USB mouse working on your Pocket PC. Regardless, putting flash memory in a mouse is a very cool idea.<br /><br />"IOGEAR has eliminated the hassles of touchpads, cumbersome mice and bulky external hard drives with the launch of Memory Mouse, a mini mouse capable of storing files of up to 32MB. The tiny peripheral is a great tool for mobile travelers who don’t want to lug around bulky laptops and have limited space to work. By storing PowerPoint presentations, MP3s, photos and other files, Memory Mouse enables users to transfer data onto any PC or Mac computer at any location by simply plugging the device into a USB port."

[CoreyJF]

How about a bluetooth keyboard/mouse/memory combo that can be used with my pocket pc. I would pay for that!

[sponge]

CUMBERSOME mice? So what makes their dumb little mouse so different?

[delfuhd]

The fact that "regular" mice have long cords, and usually a mouse is the standard fit inside your hand nice and comfortable, and I guess this one is smaller. Also this has a retractable cord, which is nice. Even with wireless mice, there's still the data reciever which is larger, so it works around that as well. I think this is a smart idea, and if I traveled with a laptop often I would be looking for a place to buy it right now lol..

[takotchi]

Sony already had a mouse with a memory stick slot... not really made for portability, but like this one, it wasn't very ergonomic, and well, MemoryStick...? Please.

So neither of those really get the "mouse/memory" combo right in my opinion. It'd be nice if this had an SD slot or something rather than a paltry 32MB built-in, for a start.

[Jason Dunn]

It'd be nice if this had an SD slot or something rather than a paltry 32MB built-in, for a start.

I think Iogear made the right bet here. Look, almost every new laptop is coming with built-in CF/SD or Memory Stick (or both) slots, to adding a slot to the mouse doesn't add that much value. 32 MB is an amount that is usable for a few files, but not so much that it makes the mouse extremely expensive. Sure, they could have a 512 MB model, but how many people would buy a $400 mouse? :wink:

[SassKwatch]

My initial reaction when I read this was..."Kewl!"

But the more I think about it, the more I wonder..."Why?"

If the object is simply to have a device capable of storing a few small-mid size files that won't fit on a floppy (the drives for which are rapidly disappearing as a standard piece of h/w in pc's anyway), then why not just pick up one of those USB key fob like thingies. Why carry around a corded mouse.(?)

The potential here for making me all too aware of my proclivity for 'missing something' = HIGH. :D

[scargill]

http://www.aria.co.uk/ProductInfoComm.asp?ID=8234

Now THATS what I'm talking about! A watch with memory built in, you can wear it around your wrist (without looking stupid) and its something most people have with them anyway!

[bjornkeizers]

This is utterly pointless if you ask me. Back when we didn't have a network installed in my house, I used a compact flash card reader and a 64 mb CF card to transfer files. I had the card for a while but didn't use it. I bought the reader [really small, little cable, easy to carry in your pocket] for something like $20.. and I've used it ever since to transfer those larger files. I sure wouldn't carry around a mouse.. it's just .. stupid. No other word for it.

[GoldKey]

Sony already had a mouse with a memory stick slot... not really made for portability, but like this one, it wasn't very ergonomic, and well, MemoryStick...? Please.


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005T405.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

Agreed, this with CF or SD built in would seem to be a better idea.

[clinte]

New Cordless Mice from Microsoft and Logitech
http://pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php?id=1989731351&fp=2&fpid=1
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?page=about/pr/release&contentid=6996&countryid=19&languageid=1

Apple-branded Bluetooth Wireless Pro Mouse and Keyboard
http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=122

[laurent.cristol]

Mouse with integrated CF reader (sorry it's in French):

http://www.brsystem.com/produits/souris/2403008.htm

[Sven Johannsen]

Mouse with integrated CF reader (sorry it's in French):

http://www.brsystem.com/produits/souris/2403008.htm

Interesting. I can't find any Western hemisphere source for that thing, but here is an English product site. http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/e90060893/Typhoon_Maus_Stream_CardReader_USB_Compact_Flash.asp

The company has some other interesting things, such as an SM slot mouse.

I am surprised at the number of 'this is dumb' posts on the memory mouse. I understand any individual's belief that they wouldn't want one, but I have long ago learned to accept that my desires (and lack thereof) aren't necessarily reflected by everyone else on the planet.

In this particular case, I can see it. I much prefer a mouse to a touch pad when working on a laptop, if I've got the room. I have several small mice that don't take up much room in my laptop bag. I got a super slim laptop so that the bulk was reduced, I don't need a mouse the size of a baked potato to add to the bulk. Several manufacturers make 'laptop' mice which tend to have lower power consumption (they say)and shorter cords, because I don't need a 9 foot cord when I am working on an airline tray. Retractable is even better. Wireless is better still, but there is some question whether you should use that on an airplane.

The memory is just a bonus. I have a hands on seminar coming up, that the PCs to be used are laptops. They suggested bringing a USB mouse if you were more comfortable with that. Having the storage on that mouse would allow me to take notes in notepad during the seminar and store it on the mouse. Just a convenience. (I know I could just take a thumb drive and a mouse.)

George Carlin said it many, many, years ago. "Nail two things together that have never been nailed together before, and some schmuck will buy it from you."

[blantrip]

Seems like a great spy/covert storage device.

Go to a business meeting, ask to plug in your own mouse. Save network information on the mouse and walk away.

I'll never look at a mouse the same way again.

[Sven Johannsen]

Seems like a great spy/covert storage device.

Go to a business meeting, ask to plug in your own mouse. Save network information on the mouse and walk away.

I'll never look at a mouse the same way again.

Except for all the new hardware found, loading drivers, your device is now ready messages ;)

[drxacto]

Check out the Fellowes Mobile USB Reader Mouse. It is available at:

http://www.pcconnection.com/scripts/productdetail.asp?product_id=340229

It has CF and SD card reader slots built into the mouse, which uses optical tracking. It looks like an interesting and useful addition to my travel armamentarium. Also, not badly priced at $34.95.

[ctmagnus]

http://www.aria.co.uk/ProductInfoComm.asp?ID=8234

Now THATS what I'm talking about! A watch with memory built in, you can wear it around your wrist (without looking stupid) and its something most people have with them anyway!

Cr@p! I paid that much for the watch I have now! But does that one take a lickin' and keep on tickin'?