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December 22, 2006 10:48 AM PST

The anti-electrocution MP3 player

by Mike Yamamoto
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(Credit: Sunconnection)

Our overprotective parental genes have led us to express concerns about underwater electronics on more than a few occasions. It's that old radio-bathtub-electrocution warning from our childhood, not unlike the standard you'll-put-your-eye-out routine.

So even though it may not be scientifically necessary, we approve of the sealed-case design of this waterproof MP3 player from Japan's Sunconnection. The airtight casing has even skipped the usual display (gasp), though it seems to have most of the standard specs, Fareastgizmos says. And even if it does end up failing, you'll only be out $25--just hope that it doesn't happen while you're in the water with it.

December 22, 2006 6:06 AM PST

Laser mouse needs to cut the cord

by Mike Yamamoto
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Sometimes, we have to wonder what manufacturers are thinking when they sit down at the drawing table. Case in point: a corded mouse with a built-in laser pointer.

(Credit: Kokuyo)

We understand the concept, that people presumably would find some value in having a pointer for presentations to impress their clients and bosses. And Fareastgizmos notes that the pointer in Kokuyo's wired USB optical mouse will never run out of batteries. But how sophisticated would it look when the mouse is pulled just a little too far and yanks your laptop clean off the desk?

It's the same issue we had with Sigma's pistol-style mouse, which was designed for wall-projector presentations but was also tethered by a cord and thereby suffered from limited mobility, not to mention the possibility of tripping its owner. Until these kinds of devices go wireless, we'll stick with the old-fashioned method--the finger. (No, Einstein, not that finger.)

November 3, 2006 12:19 PM PST

Real gamers choose sparkly peripherals

by Erica Ogg
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We know gamers are all about flair and sparkly accents. In fact most would rather have a PC and peripherals with pizazz over the kind that get the job done. Or is that 13-year-old girls? Anyway, it's a good thing this mouse has more than just interchangeable iridescent faceplates to tempt hard-core gamers.

Creative Mouse Gamer HD7600L

Creative's HD7600L gaming mouse claims a resolution of 2,400 dpi, better than CNET Reviews' favorite mouse, but has a marginally slower tracking speed of 40 inches per second, and connects via USB to Windows-based PCs only. The mouse glides around on Teflon feet, allows users to toggle between dpi settings--400, 800, 1,600 and 2,400--and gives speed readouts on the integrated dpi indicator.

Creative does go a little OSHA on us, noting that the Class 1 laser sensor will automatically reduce power when the mouse is lifted off a desktop. That's really thoughtful of Creative, 'cause guess what I don't want for Christmas this year? A burned retina.

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