Crapgadget: thanks for nothing edition

Here in the US of A, we dedicate today to shoving copious quantities of food down our throats, meeting / greeting long lost family members and -- most importantly -- counting our blessings. Here around the Engadget table, we've found five "gadgets" (we're being gracious here) that we're absolutely grateful to not own. In fact, we're thankful that we don't even have to look at these if we don't want to. 'Course, we're betting that you're curious enough to give up that right to ignore in order to see just how pathetic these crapgadgets really are, but we'd recommend waiting at least an hour after your last gluttonous indulgence before clicking the links below. Obviously, we cannot be held responsible for any upchucking.

( Engadget )

• Tiny Wireless Keyboard Doesn't Impede Cuddling [Keyboards]

Roll-up mouse pad encloses a hub, speakers, and our hearts

While our minds know that today's mice, particularly those with lasers, work just fine on virtually any (non-moist) surface, that doesn't stop our hearts from missing the soft, forgiving feel of our home mousing surface while on the road. That's partly why the traveler-friendly Roll-up Mouse Pad caught our eye. Sure, just about any pad can be made into a tube and stuffed into a carry-on, but if you pack this one you'll also get a 4-port USB hub and dual, side-firing speakers out of the deal. Sure, the build quality may be sub-par (check the jagged plastic after the break), but for $22 this could make that hotel suite a little bit more inviting for you and that special peripheral you'll be cradling all night.

( Engadget )

• The DIY DumbGuy laptop stand: so easy, even a dumb guy can make it
• Keyboard Pen Mocks Your Chicken Scratch [Pens]
• KeyRight's Look & Learning Typing Solution = If Coloring Books and Twister Had a Tech Baby [Keyboard]
• Das Keyboard Professional and Ultimate review @ TechSpot
• Eclipse III Backlit Keyboard: a backlit keyboard enthusiast's dream
• Optimus Aux Prototype Looking Prototypical [Optimus]

Targus's Mice for Macs First to Have 4-Way Touch Scrolling [Mice]

Targus has been making peripherals since before sliced bread was invented, but as part of its first line of notebook accessories specifically designed for Macs it's come up with two mice that are the only ones to have four-way touch scroll controls for Macs. They're ergonomic, and both have 1200 dpi sensitivity: the wireless version uses 2.4GHz RF tech, with a micro-receiver that slots into a USB hub or the mouse base for traveling, and the laser mouse connects over Bluetooth. Both are out now, the wireless mouse for $50, and the Bluetooth one for $70. Press release below, alongside news about the Bluetooth presenter that's in the same line. The Bluetooth presenter is apparently the first Mac-specific one you can buy, and is compatible with both Keynote and PowerPoint. It's also got a laser pointer, mouse-control mode and two programmable buttons in addition to its slide control/volume control buttons. It's out now for $80, and is pictured next to the two wireless mice below.

ANAHEIM, Calif., – September 30, 2008 - Targus Inc., maker of the world’s top-selling laptop computer cases and accessories, announced today it is launching its first line of notebook accessories specifically designed for Mac notebook users. The new family of products is designed from the ground up to deliver a complete suite of Mac-exclusive solutions and includes a Wireless Mouse, Bluetooth® Laser Mouse, Bluetooth Presenter, USB Hub, Chill Mat™, File Share Cable and Privacy Screen. Each product is developed with materials, ergonomic attributes, technology innovations, functionality and aesthetics designed specifically to meet Mac users’ wants and needs. Drawing on the popularity of the iPod® Touch, the mice and presenter feature the most current touch scroll technology, delivering unprecedented ease of navigation. With its first line of Mac accessories, Targus offers Mac enthusiasts cutting-edge products with feature-rich functionality and Mac-focused designs. The new line complements the Apple® style with clean, sleek and trendy form factors that exude simplicity and sophistication. In addition, continuing with Targus’ Eco-Smart™ campaign, all the packaging includes eco-friendly materials featuring up to 70% post-consumer paper materials and highly recyclable PET. “The new Targus for Mac line was created with Mac user input throughout the design and development process, and while it has a distinct Mac aesthetic in terms of look and feel, it offers much more than that,” said Bob Shortt, sr. vice president of sales and marketing at Targus. “We designed the functionality required to deliver what Mac users want in their products, like the intuitive interface on the presenter, the smooth-moving touch scroll and the dual programmable buttons that let users personalize their experience.” Wireless Mouse for Mac (Model # AMW43US) and Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac (Model # AMB08US)
Both new mice are equipped with the latest in touch technology, our 4-way touch scroll provides smooth, rapid scrolling, move up/down and left/right with just the tip of a finger. Additionally, the mice allow Mac users to personalize their mouse functions with two programmable buttons that instantly give users access to the functions or applications they use most. The ergonomic size and shape of the mice create a comfortable and supportive experience that cradles the hand during use. Equipped with a Power Indicator Light, both mice inform users of low battery power. The Wireless Mouse for Mac features a RF 2.4 GHz Micro USB receiver, which plugs into a USB port, allowing unencumbered free range of motion; the micro receiver stows conveniently into the Wireless Mouse for travel or storage. 1200 dpi optical sensor technology ensures accurate movement on the screen. The Wireless Mouse for Mac measures 4.64” x 2.51” x 1.45”, weighs 4.7 oz and has an MSRP of $49.99. With top-of-the-line Bluetooth technology, the Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac offers the ultimate ease in wireless connectivity and eliminates the need for a receiver, preserving a USB port for other devices. Whether used with or without a mouse pad, the Bluetooth Laser Mouse delivers precise cursor movements with quality 1200 dpi laser technology. The Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac measures 4.64” x 2.51” x 1.45”, weighs 4.4 oz and has an MSRP of $69.99. Bluetooth Presenter for Mac (Model # AMP11US)
The first Mac-specific presenter on the market, Targus’ innovative Bluetooth Presenter for Mac includes numerous features designed to improve the presentation experience. The intuitive button configuration provides ease of use and prevents accidental button presses, with primary presentation controls such as previous slide, next slide and laser pointer easily identifiable from tactile cues; secondary functions like blank screen and slide show are recessed and out of the way. Versatile functionality switches easily from Presentation Mode to Cursor Mode, for use like a mouse, with touch scroll technology delivering smooth, effortless navigation through lengthy spreadsheets, PDF documents and other projected applications. Compatible with both Keynote® and PowerPoint®, the Bluetooth presenter for Mac includes remote control for adjustment of volume and other functions plus two programmable buttons that give users quick access to applications or functions of their choice. Additionally, the Bluetooth Presenter for Mac includes a laser pointer, allowing users to call attention to important information within their presentation. Bluetooth technology delivers wireless control of presentations from a distance of up to 33 feet and the Presenter’s comfort-conscious design reduces strain due to the ergonomic placement of its buttons. The Bluetooth Presenter for Mac measures 5.1” x 1.65” x .98”, weighs 3.7 oz and has an MSRP of $79.99.

( Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog )

NZXT Avatar Gaming Mouse Lightning Review [Lightning Review]

The Gadget Avatar is the first-ever gaming mouse from NZXT, who's better known for its Battlestar Galactica-worthy PC cases. It's got the usual gaming mice features—a ridiculous DPI count with on-the-fly-switching, a crapload of customizable buttons, and bright, shiny lights. The Price: $70. Verdict: I'm on record as being less than fond of ambidextrous mice since I don't use a "claw" grip for gaming. Avatar tries to let you have it both ways, with a deeply grooved thumb grip, and fails more spectacularly as a result. Its most glaring problem, and what ultimately renders it less than usable, is that it has a thumb button placed on either side—part of the whole ambidextrous thing—so it's far too easy to hit the one opposite your thumb with your ring finger whenever you pick the mouse up (something you do a lot, actually). You can try tucking your finger underneath it, but that requires you to recess your grip, so that clicking the button your thumb actually uses requires more effort, and therefore more time. Not to mention it cramps your hand, thanks to its extremely thin profile. They could partially solve this by making the ass of the mouse a bit fatter, giving the back of your palm more surface to grip so you could actually use it in a claw style. Even then, that errant side button would still be in the way. So, while the customization software and everything worked well enough, the ergonomics of the mouse really just make it less than usable. If you're looking for an ambidextrous gaming mouse, I'd recommend one of Razer's instead.
( Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog )

Grenade Mouse: If Rambo Used a Computer [Mouse]

This is the most hardass mouse I've ever seen. It's a mouse stuffed inside of an actual grenade shell (that's sadly plastic, I was a little overexcited after watching Rambo the other night). Sure, it's a crappy Targus mouse lurking underneath its rippled casing. And you know it's goddamn uncomfortable. But that's part of the point. When your pasty, sweaty hand is gripping this instrument of death turned into a cuddly gadget, enduring the minor misery in your lower arm caused its frankly horrifying ergonomics, you'll feel like a badass. You totally won't be, but for that brief second, it's not like anyone could tell you any differently. Except for you know, Rambo, who would punch your heart out.
( Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog )

Silverstone Raven Gaming Mouse Has a Tumor on the Side, Can't Possibly Be Comfortable [Gaming]

Silverstone's Raven gaming mouse looks really interesting at first glance, what with the giant, glowing and strangely hypnotic tumor bolted to its side. It appears to be a secondary scroll wheel, which sits next to the usual thumb buttons. And you've got another pair of buttons next to your middle finger. But when you think about the ergonomics, it just don't work. How can it possibly be comfortable to hold with that massive wart bulging out? Check out this top down view to see what I mean.

Also, NZXT's Avatar pulled some similar side button trickery as the Silverstone, which resulted in you accidentally mashing the side button every time you picked up the mouse. The Raven's side buttons don't look quite as haphazardly placed, so it might not be the case. When we get one in our hands maybe our doubts will be blown by away by this 3200dpi monster, but hold on to that $85 in the meantime.
( Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog )

Phantom Lapboard Shipping By The End of The Year, Promise! [Phantom Lapboard]

Remember the Phantom Lapboard? Yeah, it's been so long that we've heard any news of it (despite them telling us that it was finally released), that most people have plumb purged it from their memory. According to Phantom Entertainment's recently updated blog though, the lapboard still exists and it's coming by the end of the year – for real this time! The Phantom Entertainment folks have paid for their first shipment of manufactured lapboards, and they'll be posting a delivery time frame soon. Good luck trying to generate buzz on your four-year-old almost-product, guys!
( Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog )

Standard Dell mouse gets GRS electrode implant

Looking to spark up a makeshift psychology lab in the basement of your house? Look no further than the galvanic skin response computer mouse. For those unaware, GRS electrodes can gather data about human interactions with computers, though most rigs are so invasive that test subjects end up freaking out rather than passing on useful information. This non-obtrusive method relies on a device that the vast majority of computer users already use (that'd be a mouse), and by simply installing the sensors into the left and right click buttons, you're left with an analyzing tool that may not even tip off your kid sister, significant other, or your most favorite poker pal. At any rate, hit the read link to get your mad scientist on.

( MAKE )

SteelSeries WoW MMO Gaming Mouse makes wasting your life that much easier

With Wrath of the Lich King just around the corner, it's time to up your game and finally make it out of the low double digits with that Blood Elf mage you keep telling us about. Maybe SteelSeries can help. The high-end gaming peripherals builder recently snapped up Ideazon, and together they've built the official World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse in close cooperation with Ideazon's BFF Blizzard. There are 15 programmable buttons scattered across the mouse, and a new in-game configuration utility to graphically assign the buttons just where they're needed. You can save different profiles for different purposes, and choose one of 16 million colors for those LEDs down the back. Just don't expect any fancy auto-levelling macros or even a recommended control scheme -- Blizzard still expects you to do the hard work of lining up your favorite actions and buying your gold on eBay. The laser mouse hits on November 13th to coincide with the Lich King launch, and should retail "under $100."

( Engadget )