Throw Away Your Mouse
Written: Oct 10 '99 (Updated Oct 26 '99)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use, virtually unbreakable, lifetime warranty
Cons: Learning curve for some motions, pricey compared to cheap mice
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| JMB623's Full Review: Cirque Smart Cat Touchpad |
Since no one else is writing about the Cirque touchpads, I just couldn't pass up this opportunity to let you know that using a mouse is old hat, and that you can get a lot of groovy features without spending a lot of money. The Smart Cat is available on-line for less than the fancy mice, it requires absolutely no maintenance, and comes with a lifetime warranty (there is nothing to break). Plus, it requires only your index finger motion to use, no mouse pad, and comes with a wrist pad (I've never used it, but at least you have a choice).
The smart cat can scroll pages up and down using the right edge of the screen, sideways using the bottom edge of the screen, and can zoom in and out using the left side of the screen, all using only your index finger (you can use the finger of choice from pinky to bird to thumb). It has programmable buttons that can be set for double clicks, control clicks, delete, and a number of other choices. What separates it from the Cruise Cat is that it does not have the capability to go backward and forward with web pages (top edge of screen on Cruise Cat), does not have the gesture feature to use programmed finger movements to minimize, maximize, close, and others, and does not have the programmable buttons to launch your favorite applications. You can plug it in to a serial or PS/2 port with the included adapter, and it's software will run your mouse if you choose to keep it as a spare. The Windows OS will not allow you to run your MS Intellimouse with its software, and have the Cirque drivers. Cirque's drivers will run your mouse, but you cannot have the scroll function on your wheelmouse with it. Initially, when I installed my Smart Cat a couple of years ago, I was deeply troubled by that loss, but after using the Smart Cat for a few months, I never went back to my Intellimouse. Never needed any grief counseling.
My Smart Cat hasn't been used in a few months since I took it out to see if it still worked. It was dusty, but worked like a charm. It wasn't even vengeful toward me for replacing it with its big brother the Cruise Cat. The Cirques come with a tutorial that runs after installation (way fast and easy), and within a few days you'll be tapping like a pro. The hardest thing to learn is highlighting and drag 'n drop motions, but you'll be passable in a week or two. The drivers are highly configurable for arrow motion speed/acceleration, tap speed, use of the programmable buttons, sounds, and scrolling. If you try one of these Cirques and don't like it, you need an attitude adjustment and professional help.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 35.00
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JMB623
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Member: Joel
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