Peripherals
Targus's Mice for Macs First to Have 4-Way Touch Scrolling
Posted by Kit Eaton at 10:30 PM on September 30, 2008
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 travelling, and the laser mouse connects over Bluetooth. Both are out now, the wireless mouse for $US50, and the Bluetooth one for $US70. 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 $US80, 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 personalise 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 personalise 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.
[Targus]

Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
OletheaEurystheus
Posted 10:59 PM 30/9/08
ummm the Might mouse had 360 scrolling for ages now. http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/
OletheaEurystheus
discounteggroll
Posted 10:52 PM 30/9/08
absolutely hideous. Targus is known for a decent minimal product at a low cost, and this falls short at both. keep it simple stoopid
discounteggroll
The Magnificen7
Posted 10:47 PM 30/9/08
I could see Apple updating the Mighty Mouse with something along these lines.
The Magnificen7
segamanxero
Posted 10:38 PM 30/9/08
hmmm nice. i wonder, do they have one to match the aluminum look of macbook pros and powerbooks? if so i will need to cop this pronto!
segamanxero
vinnyr
Posted 10:35 PM 30/9/08
Its not too badly priced compared to the apple mouse. I like the fact that it has a touch scroll wheel, which is probably more reliable then a mechanical one.
vinnyr
bishara
Posted 11:28 PM 30/9/08
i hope apple would hope on the "touch" wagen,
since my mighty mouse wireless is subjected to biweekly
disassembly and cleaning.
rubbing the wheel rigorously on a cloth doesn't work, period
bishara
macaddct1984
Posted 11:15 PM 30/9/08
@macaddct1984: Nevermind, I guess the qualifier there is *touch* scrolling.
macaddct1984
macaddct1984
Posted 11:14 PM 30/9/08
@OletheaEurystheus: I was going to say the same thing, how did people miss that?
macaddct1984
BigDogues
Posted 11:46 PM 30/9/08
These things fall off the ugly truck or what?
Oh how I wish Logitech would make some of their better mice in a nice glossy white.
Are you listening Logitech?
No? I didn't think so.
BigDogues
BigDogues
Posted 11:43 PM 30/9/08
@bishara: Disassembly? Of a Mac mouse? How do you do that, save throw it at a hard surface repeatedly?
That reminds me, I need to clean my Mac mouse. Time to find a brick wall...
BigDogues
RE-L
Posted 12:18 AM 1/10/08
Not very pretty, but the specs sound good and the price is not bad.
RE-L
sos10
Posted 12:04 AM 1/10/08
@bishara: Or keep the surface of your desk and your hands clean... I rarely have to "service" my mouse.. and I use it all day long.
sos10
Enochrewt
Posted 12:39 AM 1/10/08
I'm not usually one to say things like this, but
BWAHAHAHA welcome to PC land 5 years ago Mac owners!!!
Enochrewt
sos10
Posted 1:04 AM 1/10/08
@Enochrewt: read before writing.
sos10
Hvedhrungr
Posted 1:03 AM 1/10/08
As the technology gradually becomes cheaper, there's hope someone other than Targus will come up with something like this.
Something like this that doesn't look like an ugly sports sneaker ca. 1991.
Hvedhrungr
hhaller
Posted 12:52 AM 1/10/08
@Enochrewt: You're not really paying attention are you? This doesn't mean that Mac owners just got the ability to 4 way scroll, that's been around for years, it only means that this mouse does it with a touch pad... A small but critical detail.
hhaller
zentex
Posted 12:48 AM 1/10/08
@OletheaEurystheus: sure, with an antiquated mouse ball that you have to clean every !@#% week for 10 mins to get it to work again.
WHY did Apple choose to use ancient technology on a high-tech device? why not a touch-area for scrolling?
I will never understand.
@bishara: amen.
zentex
CaliBoom
Posted 1:45 AM 1/10/08
@OletheaEurystheus: so you LIKE getting out the floss to clean that ball every couple of weeks? (or meticulously cleaning your fingers before using your computer. . .)
Heck - I castrated ALL of the mice in my labs YEARS ago. . . it will be nice to re-castrate the Mac mice as well. . .
CaliBoom
schmere
Posted 3:03 AM 1/10/08
@OletheaEurystheus: Yeah except they are horrible.
schmere
oneclick
Posted 3:46 AM 1/10/08
At last a real right click button for the mac user.
oneclick
Eruanno
Posted 3:39 AM 1/10/08
They look horribly uncomfortable... O.o
Eruanno
Timooo
Posted 4:11 AM 1/10/08
@oneclick:
At last? The new mouses for Mac all have right click buttons. Srsly.
Timooo
discounteggroll
Posted 5:26 AM 1/10/08
its not worth arguing how long "right click" has been a standard for apple products. The "U" in USB stands for something, after all.
[steps off soap box]
discounteggroll