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The Road Warrior Review: Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Optical Retractable Mouse

In many respects, the Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Optical Retractable Mouse is not that different from dozens of other compact USB optical mice targeted at the laptop-user market, but its marquee features that make it different are its retractable USB connection cable and especially its patented color-radiating design it cycles through seven brightly glowing colors (or fog lights as Targus calls them) when it's powered up.

The colors cycle in the following order: Red, Blue, Purple, Green, Yellow-Green, Light Blue, and White. Each color glows for five seconds, then fades to the next, and it's bright enough to show in a well-lighted room and pretty bright in a darkened one. It would be nice if there were a provision to toggle the light show on and off, but there is not, so it's running whenever the mouse is powered-up.

The latter is of course a gimmick, albeit an entertaining one, and likely to be a particular hit with kids (although my wife thought it was extremely cool as well).

However, the retracting cord feature is a practical boon to those of us who like to carry a mouse in our laptop case or backpack, but don't like the hassle of messy, too-easily tangled cords, but prefer the positive, latency-free responsiveness of a wired mouse.

Wireless peripherals have not until recently been favorites of mine. Bluetooth mice require tedious pairing, and have to reconnect on wake-up, while non-bluetooth models require a receiver that uses up a precious USB port anyway, which negates any advantage in that department. Until very recently, I hadn't tested a wireless mouse that didn't demonstrate that least some response latency, which I find annoying, although the new Logitech V-550 cordless mouse with that company's proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless technology has changed my thinking about wireless mice substantially with its breakthrough of no detectable lags, but a hard-wired mouse gives you instant response every time, which for me makes it worthwhile putting up with the minor hassle of plugging in the USB connector. Wireless mice are also burdened with the weight of batteries, and I don't like heavy mice - the lighter the better.

To summarize, with a wired mouse, you are spared the aggravation of device "pairing" (Bluetooth), the hassle, expense, and extra weight of batteries, and (in most cases) response latency, cursor jumpiness, erratic precision, and (Bluetooth again) wakeup lag that have plagued to varying degrees almost every wireless mouse and trackball I've ever tested.

The Targus Kaleidoscope mouse is attractively styled with a silver, teardrop-shaped housing skirted with a frosted, translucent base through which the light show glows. It's on the small side, although it's not a mini-mouse like the Targus Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse (see product profile of the latter at the end of this review), and its compact dimensions make it easy to tuck into your laptop bag and to use wherever space is limited - on an airplane seat tray, a crowded desk or home office, or even the palm rest of your laptop. Personally I prefer standard-sized (or larger) mice, so this one (or any other compact mouse) would not be my choice for full-time workstation service, but it glides smoothly and almost effortlessly on the mouse pad with the light button and scroll wheel action I prefer, and is plenty comfortable enough for use on the road. The split top panel flexes to activate the left and right button clicks. I prefer completely smooth scrolling scroll wheels with no detent clicks, and this one is detented, but at least it offers relatively light resistance and a positive feel. Overall, the input feel of this mouse is very satisfactory. Tracking accuracy seems fine.

The information panel on the mouse bottom proudly declares that it was made in China, and it has a very smart and contemporary look (even without the light show on). The Ci25M is delightfully light in weight at just 2.5 ounces, and no driver software is required for use with OS X,

Again, aside from the light show, the retractable USB cable of the Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Optical Retractable Mouse is its most innovative feature. The cable, which is about two and one half feet (30") long when fully extended (just enough to reach around the back of a MacBook, iBook or 12" PowerBook to reach the left hand USB port for right-handed users), conveniently retracts onto a take-up reel for neat and compact storage and carriage when the mouse is not in use. The reel pulleys have ratcheted steps so the cable can be extended only as much as you need at a time.

Extension and retraction are smooth and positive, with a reassuring feel. I am always a bit concerned about the small gauge of the cable itself on this type of cord (not just with this Targus unit) which could be more susceptible to damage and fatigue than conventional mouse cords, especially where it enters the mouse's main housing. However, a retractable cable is a way to eliminate tangles and cable clutter associated with carrying a wired mouse on the road.

To extend the cable, grasp the mouse housing with one hand and USB connector with the other and pull gently until they desired length is extended and the ratchet stop engages. To retract, give the cables a short tug outward to release the ratchet stop, and then converge the mouse and connector as the cable takes up on the reel.

If you're looking for a road warrioring mouse and prefer a hard wired connection, one definitely merits your consideration, and the light show is a novel wrinkle that may or may not appeal. It certainly makes this mouse a conversation piece!

Color
Silver with 7 radiating colors

Exterior Dimensions
3.63" x 2" x 1.25"

Weight
2.5 oz

System Requirements
• Mac OS X, Windows 2000, Vista, Me, or XP
• USB Port

Limited One Year Warranty

Price: $24.99

For more information, visit:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=AMU0503US

Also available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Kaleidoscope-Optical-Retractable-AMU0503US/dp/B00094F67E

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Targus Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse

Targus also offers the Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse (Silver and Black with red LED) as a perfect solution for the road warrior who really needs to save space when using an external mouse. The mouse's handy "Screen Scroller Button" allows you to scroll up or down, left or right.

The Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse comes standard with a USB connection (USB 1.1) that will allow true plug and play connection with the notebook USB port.

This is a Targus global product

Optical sensor technology: The latest optical sensor technology ensures perfect response to mouse movements

Ideal for travel or home office: Small, compact design is perfect when space is limited -- on an airplane tray, desk or home office

Retractable cord: Avoid extra cable cluttering your workspace by adjusting the retractable cord to the desired length

Color
Silver

Compliance
CE and FCC Certification

Exterior Dimensions
3" x 1.4" x 0.9"

Includes:
Carrying pouch

System Requirements
Windows98, Me, 2000, XP, Vista or MAC OS
USB Port

Limited One Year Warranty

Weight
1.5 oz

Price: $19.99

For more information, visit:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PAUM01U



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cmoore@macopinion.com

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