UniTrap: Building a much better mousetrap for the iMac
Written: Sep 24 '00 (Updated Sep 24 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sturdy, inexpensive, ergonomic, simple to install
Cons: No second button or roller wheel
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| Zzach's Full Review: Contour Design Perfit Mouse |
So you have an older iMac and you just read about the chic new optical mice released by Apple with their newest line of iMacs and G4s. Seeing the new mice got you to thinking about just how bad the little blue doughnut which came with your iMac really is. You open your wallet with visions of a new mouse dancing in your head, only to not find the $60 needed. Fear not! There is a simple and inexpensive solution at hand: the Contour Design UniTrap
<note: The UniTrap is not the mouse pictured at the top of the review... waiting on epinions to add a specific UniTrap section>
Unit
I'll start off by describing exactly how the UniTrap works. When you take it out of the box, you are presented with three main pieces: the base, upper body, and button insert. The base and upper body sections click together in a very simple fashion to form an outer shell around the doughnut mouse provided by Apple. The button is a large, semitransparent piece of plastic colored to match any of the seven initial iMac colors (bondi/blueberry, strawberry, lime, tangerine, grape and graphite). Simply pick the color to match your computer or one that strikes whatever mood you may be in and just snap it into place on the upper section of the body. (One of my roommates pointed out that when using the lighter colors for the button, some of the blue from the mouse shows through - one little aesthetic negative.)
Installation
Installing the UniTrap onto your current mouse is effortless. Simply remove the colored siding from the doughnut, set it into place in the UniTrap base, line the cable up with the top of the mouse, and click the upper body of the UniTrap. Voila, you're done. (I'll admit, it's not effortless - it takes <gasp> 30 seconds to complete!?!)
The back of the UniTrap box contains the three step instructions clearly described with excellent pictures. Should you end up with a second hand UniTrap, simply go to www.contourdesign.com and you can find the same pictoral instructions for your perusal.
Should you decide the lime button you put in isn't quite what you initially had in mind? Just pop a little catch on the bottom of the mouse and slip a new color in place.
Functionality
One word describes the transformation which takes place when you install the UniTrap: incredible. Two minutes before installation you had a cute, though comfortable as a porcupine mouse. Afterward you are left with a sturdy, large, ergonomic mouse which will surprise you. It looks large at first inspection, but once you put your hand on it, you'll find the UniTrap is an excellent place to rest your hand while computing. The new button is also very large and easy to use. No longer will you be stricken with 'mousus wandericus' when you grab the mouse.
Price
The UniTrap is a very simple product, and is priced accordingly. While new mice set you back anywhere from $30 up to $100 or more, the UniTrap is for sale at a MSRP of $14.95. I found mine on eBay for $4, and with shipping still ended up paying under $10 for the unit. You will be hard pressed to come up with a cheaper alternative which still provides excellent and improved ergonomics.
Overall
The Contour Design UniTrap is a better mousetrap. It successfully turns the iDoughnut into what it should have been in the first place: an attractive ergonomic mouse which doesn't sacrifice substance for style. If you have an older iMac and haven't changed the standard mouse, I highly recommend you you consider this inexpensive and simple upgrade — your hands will thank you.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 10
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Epinions.com ID:
Zzach
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Member: Zach Zaletel
Location: Montreal, Canada
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 2 members
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