Input DevicesThe Pros and Cons of Different Computer Input DevicesShouting at your computer makes you feel better but won't elicit a response. Instead, hardware manufacturers have devised a range of input devices that let you 'talk' to your computer: keyboards, mice, graphics tablets and games devices. The one that you choose depends on the application you're using - a mouse isn't always best for precision tasks such as drawing in a graphics package, say. Equally, you may need to learn awkward keyboard combinations to perform simple gaming actions, such as 'jump' or 'kick'. Within each category, the makers (from IBM to Microsoft) offer plenty of models - each with subtle differences in feel, responsiveness, shape and size. So we've put a selection of devices to the test, singling out the ones that best perform the tasks for which they're designed. Yet, even these could be destined for the scrap heap if American scientists have their way. Thinking AheadResearchers at the University of Alabama are looking at systems to enable computer users to 'think' their way around a screen. Placing electrodes on the heads of patients with disabilities let them scroll through the alphabet and pick out letters. IBM's Almaden research laboratory has a 'Blue Eyes' system that recognises how you feel. Its emotion mouse tracks your heart rate and temperature to assess your emotional state: if you're stressed, the system slows down. If you're in a hurry, it speeds up. Suitor (the simple user internet tracker), meanwhile, watches your gaze to guess your next move, so if you look at a web-based headline it will automatically click the link to the story for you. Who knows, next time you shout at your computer it might actually react!
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Desk SetsA desk set - a keyboard and mouse in one package - is an attractive proposition for your wallet as the keyboard and mouse tend to be cheaper than when bought separately. The downside is that while the set may include your ideal mouse, the keyboard may not suit you or vice versa. We tested four desk sets: three wireless and one wired. Fans of Harry Potter will delight at the discovery of an F93/4 function on the keyboard of Memorex's Harry Potter Desktop Set while parents may be less delighted that the keys rattle along with a noise that would drown out the Hogwarts Express. JK Rowling lovers will also enjoy the mouse's illuminated Harry Potter logo. Gyration has combined its Ultra cordless optical mouse with a wireless keyboard to create the Ultra Cordless Optical Suite. It's the second time we've seen the mouse (see November 2002) and it's lost none of its appeal. The keyboard, though, was a disappointment with our typists (see 'Testing and ratings') grumbling that the keys were 'too close together'. Our testers warmed to the wireless keyboard component of Trust's Wireless Optical Desk Set with an intermediate typist saying that it helped them to build up a typing momentum. It offers extra multimedia and internet keys by default but if you're more work than surf orientated you can change these to Office functions - there's an overlay to identify them. The wireless mouse is squared off at the end giving it an unusual feel. Best Buy The Logitech Cordless Desktop Optical, £100, is another wireless set and its mouse was the best we tested as it perfectly compliments the contours of the hand. It also has all the features you'd expect, such as a scroll wheel. Logitech's WebWheel makes it easy to perform web tasks, such as Home and Back - you can even program in five web addresses. Aside from its aesthetics (black keys with white labelling, which might not appeal) the keyboard was well liked, if a little noisy. It was the only keyboard, apart from the Harry Potter one, with a wrist rest. This desk set, shown on the front cover, isn't cheap but both the keyboard and the mouse are excellent. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Desk Sets ComparedThe keyboards may have an extra numeric keyboard (N), and may allow one-touch access to functions related to the internet (I), Windows (W), multimedia (M) or specific applications (A), such as Word. Mice may be only for the right-handed or ambidextrous and may have extra buttons to do things like surf the web. The keyboards and mice connect via either a PS/2 or USB port. We give the maximum range of the three cordless devices. Ratings are explained in the 'Testing and ratings' box.
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MiceIt's inconceivable to use a computer without a mouse, yet it wasn't until 1963 that Douglas Engelbart invented the 'X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System'. He made it out of wood with a red button on the top. Technology has advanced since Engelbart's day and more accurate optical mice, which use a tiny camera to judge their position, have surpassed his trackball design. Even traditional mice (bar those designed solely for Apples) usually now have at least two buttons to access extra menus and a scroll wheel for moving up and down documents. We've tested four (and four more as part of the desk sets). Two are wireless, and have shed the trademark wire 'tail' responsible for naming the mouse. As with all wireless devices, they need a battery. Microsoft's IntelliMouse Optical fits comfortably into the hand and is ambidextrous. Extra buttons sit either side of the mouse (making four in total). It was easy to install and has an on-screen tutorial. Smaller than the average mouse, Belkin's MiniScroller Optical is otherwise a classic design. Its diminutive size can be uncomfortable for prolonged use so, as Belkin says, it's really suitable only if you are 'a child, have small hands or are a portable user'. Logitech's MX700 Cordless Optical Mouse has five extra buttons, two for the thumb and three near the scroll wheel - but they are small and fiddly, letting down the ergonomic feel. Best Buy The Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer, £42, is a near perfect fit in your hand (providing you're right handed). This was reason enough to make it our Best Buy but installation was also easy. Two extra buttons designed to use with your thumb were a good size, too, and felt natural to use. Overall, a clear winner. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mice ComparedTable NotesFor the cordless mice, we give the range. They can connect with either a USB or PS2 connection. Mice can be either right handed or ambidextrous. They all have a scroll wheel in addition to the extra buttons used to double click, surf back and so on.
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Game ControllersGames players may wish to invest in a games pad (good for arcade games or 'shoot-em ups' like Tomb Raider), joystick (for flight games) or steering wheel. Controllers vary according to the types and number of buttons they offer. Some 'force feedback' devices mimic real-world responses - so a steering wheel used with a driving game will pull against you as you turn corners, as it would in real life. Overall, we reckon the three typical devices we tested all made a big difference to the enjoyment of games. Steering with Microsoft's SideWinder Game Pad Pro, for instance, in a racing game meant we could spend more time watching the virtual road and less time watching our hands grappling for complicated keyboard combinations. A single button controls acceleration, deceleration and steering compared to four separate buttons on a keyboard. The Game Pad fits naturally into the hand making it easy to control all six buttons with the right-hand thumb. Microsoft's SideWinder Precision 2 Joystick is an obvious accessory for Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator. It fits neatly in the hand and performs the same function as a real aeroplane controller: to climb you pull the joystick towards you and to descend push it away. Thumb and finger buttons for firing weapons and so on are easily accessible on the joystick's front. You can really put yourself in the driving seat with the Thrustmaster 360modena Racing Wheel. As well as the wheel and two gearshift levers, a set of pedals lets you accelerate towards the finish or slam on the brakes at corners. Alternatives Games are a growth industry so there are plenty of controllers to choose from. Logitech's current range includes the Wingman Cordless Gamepad (£40) and the Freedom 2.4 Cordless Joystick (£50), both of which work wirelessly with a USB receiver. It also sells the MOMO Racing Force Feedback Wheel (£90). Competitor Belkin has two devices: the Nostromo n50 Speedpad (a £25 combined keyboard and gamepad) and the Nostromo n30 Game Mouse (£35), which allows you to 'feel' responses within certain games. Microsoft's SideWinder range includes the Game Voice (£18), a headset that lets you communicate with team members in multi-player games. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KeyboardsKeyboards have reacted subtly to technological advances. Most still use typewriters' Qwerty layout but now have 'hot' keys to access menus, launch programs or adjust settings. Some have also changed shape to try to avoid problems with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). We've tested six keyboards, and four more in the desk sets. Microsoft's Natural MultiMedia Keyboard puts ergonomics at the heart of the matter. It is curved and splits the left and right hand keys; a design that Microsoft says will reduce (but not erase) the risk of RSI. However, our two-fingered typist complained of eyestrain from moving her eyes back and forth and the professional called it 'clumsy,' although she liked the action of the keys. The AlphaSmart 3000 is more a word processor than keyboard. You can print from it without a computer as it can store up to eight files (of 12.5 pages each). If you want to transfer these to a computer, this happens at only five words a second, so you need patience. If you want a PDA keyboard, the Matias Half Keyboard is, as the name suggests, half the size of a standard one. Each key controls two letters and up to six functions. Its Achilles Heel is the commitment needed to learn the key combinations. We're at a loss over InPace's True-Touch Roll-Up Keyboard: it is not compatible with PDAs so why roll it up and make it 'moisture proof'? The keys also have an unusual 'bubble wrap' feel. Best Buys The Memorex Office Keyboard MX5300, £15, was praised by all our testers. The touch typist found it a 'good, robust keyboard' that responded well to fast typing. The basic user liked it too. Tailored to users of Microsoft Office, it's designed to cut down on mouse use (another cause of RSI) so is big on buttons. Its 29 function keys work well, although some, notably the volume key, could do with better labelling. For PDA keyboards, turn to the Targus Stowaway Portable Keyboard, £76. It 'wobbles' a bit when you use the middle key but, when folded up, it's only just bigger than a PDA. Targus's keyboards are PDA-specific so take care when ordering. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Keyboards ComparedTable NotesSome keyboards have an extra numeric keypad for entering numbers more quickly. They may have extra keys for accessing functions or menus related to: the internet (I); applications (A), such as word processors; Multimedia (M), such as volume; and Windows (W). The keyboards designed for PCs work with PS/2 connections only. The Matias works only with Palm PDAs. The Targus has PDA-specific connections.
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Graphics TabletsDevices that emulate pen and paper (the most natural 'input' device) are likely to grow in popularity with the release of Microsoft's Tablet PC - essentially a laptop that you write on. Graphics tablets act like a high-tech sketchpad and pen for a standard computer. They let you draw free-style in graphics packages. WACOM is a name that's synonymous with graphics tablets, which range from the budget Volito (£40) to £2,000+ models. We tested the mid-range Intuos A6 Intelligent Graphics Tablet System, which at £127 has everything for the graphics enthusiast. The pen's adjustable pressure-sensitive nib offers a good degree of control. The tablet has nine keys which you can customise to open documents and so on. It's a good choice if you do freehand drawing. We were less impressed by the Nisis Easypen G3 Digital Graphic Tablet, £35, as the pen isn't sensitive enough - the supplied handwriting recognition, security and drawing software were good, though. Seiko's Ink Link Handwriting System, £100, connects paper to PDA, rather than computer, via a high-tech 'pen'. You attach a clip to the pad and a receiver to the PDA. Whatever you draw on the paper then appears on-screen. The pen is like a normal pen, so easy to use, and you can tidy up wiggly lines - clicking an icon to make a rough circle perfect, for instance. |