would you use a mouse like this ?

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renovation
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would you use a mouse like this ?

Post by renovation »

LET’S TALK ABOUT the MouseCaster. The people at SmarTec, Ltd. have figured out how to put a FM radio receiver in a computer mouse. Nothing fancy here: This is a very basic FM radio built inside a very basic mechanical PS/2 wheel mouse (with a ball doing all the moving) selling for a very basic $29.95.
The real innovation here is the included software which lets you control your new digital radio. You can pre-set 28 favorite stations, auto-scan the entire FM dial, record a song or station onto your PC in a number of different formats (MP3, WAV, etc.), program the radio’s schedule with the timer function and even turn the thing into a clock radio. You can even change the way the PC interface looks by downloading different skins.
The MouseCaster looks like an ordinary wheel mouse -- but inside there's digital FM radio for your listening pleasure.
But the key word here is “basic”. As I mentioned above, the mouse is a basic mechanical wheel mouse and it needed to have dust removed from its insides every few days. I guess I’m so used to optical mice that going back to an old-fashioned mechanical one takes a little time.
Also, the FM radio depends on one thin wire for its antenna. My PC at work is nowhere near a window so reception was spotty at best, but if your computer sits in plain view of a window you should be fine.
But listening to the radio doesn’t require an Internet connection — and it’s free.
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http://www.msnbc.com/news/933932.aspi dont think i would but -now the wife she might !
the Last time I was Talking to myself . I got into such a heated argument . that is why I swore I never talk to that guy again. you know what it worked now no buddy talking to me. :help
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marscheese
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Post by marscheese »

well, it's an interesting idea...I could see me buying it if was included in a mouse that I'd use. i don't have a radio in my room that I can listen to, and it'd be nice to be able to listen to sometimes, I think. Interesting that the price isn't too much.
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Sean
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Post by Sean »

Can they just come out with a mini USB antenna one? That mouse looks crappy. :p
- Sean
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DoPeY5007
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Post by DoPeY5007 »

Originally posted by Sean
Can they just come out with a mini USB antenna one? That mouse looks crappy. :p



thay have had one out for years



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Sean
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Post by Sean »

Jeez, shows how much I know. :D
- Sean
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Hipnotic_Tranz
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Post by Hipnotic_Tranz »

Bah, nope. With a USB antenna under $20, why would you buy this mouse? Its a frikkin' ball mouse, thats ancient. Buy a mouse that <i>you</i> feel comfortable with and that has good functions (such as a back button, cause I couldn't live without that) and then buy a USB antenna that can be placed nearly anywhere. Interesting concept, but something I think would be interesting is somehow integrating it onto a motherboard....have it use a PCI slot or something, kinda like a wireless NIC.
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