Review: Adesso iMouseT1 Desktop Optical Trackball

The trackball may not be as popular as it once use to be but a few companies out there are still offering up these rather unique input devices. Adesso is one such company that is still churning out new models. The latest of these is the Adesso iMouse T1 Desktop Optical Trackball, an optical trackball featuring an 800 DPI sensor tacking a 1.8-inch ball ergonomically jammed front and center for easy manipulation.

Adesso iMouseT1 Specification:

• Tracking Technology: Optical trackball sensor technology
• Buttons: 2 left and right click buttons
• Scrolling Wheel: 1 scroll wheel to navigate easily
• Resolution: 800 DPI
• Switch life cycles: 1,000,000 times
• Connection: USB
• Cable length: 5ft
• Dimensions: 6" x 3.4" x 2"
• Weight: 0.4 lbs
• Operating System Supported: Windows 7 / Vista / XP / 2000 and Mac OSx or OS 9

The iMouse T1 features dimensions of 6" x 3.4" x 2" making this a rather large device with a large oddly shaped body. Flanking the trackball are three standard buttons left and right and a side mounted scroll wheel, all three of which are quit large. The overall size and shape will make for easy use for some but will provide a rather uncomfortable feel for others.

Those with large hands or that have accessibility concerns such as carpal tunnel, arthritis or any other hand related issues should find the size ideal. Users with smaller hands will likely find the iMouse T1 a bit hard to use as hand positioning feels stretched and out of place.

Tracking is very smooth and with some adjustment to mouse settings very precise. Both the top buttons provide a nice tactile feel and show good responsiveness. The one issue we found was that they scroll wheel on our iMouse feels stiff making for jagged scrolling and the location makes using the third (usually middle click) button near impossible.

Conclusion:

Overall we had no major complaints about our iMouse T1. There were a few issues with the scroll wheel and I'm a bit disappointed in the overall size as well as the lack of a wireless option. I've become rather spoiled by using a wireless mouse and keyboard combo and would have preferred not being tethered to my desk. Being a geek with smaller hands the bulk and shape of the iMouse made for an uncomfortable feel until I made a few adjustments to my hand position. I actually found it easier to use left handed than I did right. This was likely due to being use to the feel a mouse has in my right hand. Size and shape aside we'd definitely give the iMouse a recommendation rating.

Pricing:

Buy.com - Adesso iMouse T1 Trackball - Optical Wired USB - 2 x Button 

Newegg.com - ADESSO iMouse T1 Wired TrackBall Mouse 

Amazon.com - Adesso iMouseT1 Trackball Mouse

Review: Adesso WKB-4200UB Wireless Keyboard

We've reviewed our share of Adesso products over the last several months and while we've thought they all were good enough products in their own right however we had yet to find one that stood out head and shoulders above anything else we've reviewed. Well that all changed when Adesso sent us the Adesso WKB-4200UB. A few weeks ago this little beauty showed up at our door and almost immediately took over as our every day keyboard.

For starters the new keyboard is sleek and stylish. It features a black and grey design, which fittingly reminded me right away of the Oakland Raiders (no I'm not a fan). Gone is the center placement of the trackpad, which was one of the issues we had with the WKB-4000UB we previously reviewed.

Keyboard dimensions are 16.5" x 8.0" x 0.75" making it roughly 2" shorter and 1.5" skinner than our everyday keyboard which is the Logitech MX3200. The micro usb receiver is also much shorter than that of our Logitech receiver, although we still had to use both considering the WKB-4200UB lacks a compatible mouse/ 

The full specifications are as follows:

• Connection: 2.4 GHz RF Smartlink with 12 Auto-Changeable channels (65000 IDs per channel)
• Wireless Range Distance: 30 ft
• 4 Internet Hotkeys: (Scroll Up/Down, Home, E-mail and Forward/Back
• 6 Multimedia Hotkeys:(Play/Pause, Stop, Previous Track, Next Track, Vol+/Vol- and Mute )
• 3 PC Hotkeys:(My Computer, Search and Sleep)
• Keyboard Dimensions: 16.5" x 8.0" x 0.75"
• Mini USB Receiver Dimensions: 1.65" x 0.75" x 0.25"
• Weight: 2.0 lbs
• Number of Keycaps: 87 Keys Mini Layout in an ultra-stylish design.
• Keyboard Technology: Membrane Switch
• Mouse Function: Touchpad with two Buttons
• Switch Life: 5 Million Cycles
• Switch Travel: 3.0+/- 0.3mm
• Includes 2 AAA Battery
• Power Consumption:

As you can see from the images the numeric keypad is gone, replaced by a very functional, very well placed trackpad. The trackpad along with the new hotkeys and media keys make this keyboard ideal for use in a media center, or office presentation type environment, yet the size and layout make it suitable for everyday use.

When used for everyday things like browsing, document writing, blog posting emails ect. the trackpad is very convenient. The right hand placement is aligned almost perfectly with the position held by a normal users mouse.  Touch sensitivity is very responsive and not overly assertive. For more advanced use such as gaming or apps that need a more precise faster mouse response you'll be disappointed. The response just isn't up to par in that area.

Tactile response on all the keys is fairly good. The keys are a bit noisier than I'd like and are a little firmer what I'm accustom to. Being a slim keyboard they keys are a bit smaller than normal and some are a bit cramped, but nothing that can't be overcome by a few weeks adjustment. Integrating the numeric keys into the right side of the keyboard adds a little more functionality for a kiosk environment but seems to serve little purpose for any daily needs. You'll find yourself either forgetting to switch off/on the num lock or not using then at all.

Conclusion

I'll admit the $100 price tag we found the WKB-4200UB listed for at Newegg seems a bit high, especially when you take into consideration the fact most people are going to want to add on a decent wireless mouse. I'd like to have seen Adesso packaged it with at the very least a generic three button wireless mouse for when I'm gaming or just plain get tired of using the trackpad. But when compared to other offerings out there in terms of size, functionality and features it's really hard to beat.

From what I've seen on the market you just can't find a 2.4ghz slim wireless keyboard out there with both a trackpad and full sets of both media and hot keys. For what I'd use it for, which would mainly be a media center PC, I think the Adesso WKB-4200UB might just be perfect. You get a size and shape that easily fits on your lap, or a sleek stylish keyboard that would show nicely on the coffee table.

Adesso Adds WKB-4200UB Wireless Keyboard

Readers know that we reviewed several Adesso products last year, some of which we loved, some not so much. This week the company added to an already packed line-up of wireless keyboards with the introduction of the new KB-4200UB model.

The full sized Adesso KB-4200UB packs many of the features we've loved in older models along with a newly more conveniently place trackpad (non-multitouch, it seems). The new location of the trackpad should make it slightly more convenient for most users, an issue we noted in our review of the Adesso WKB-4000UB.

Available at various retailers, the WKB-4200UB has an MSRP of $119.99 and should be available for purchase over the coming weeks.

Review: Adesso WKB-4000UB Mini Wireless Keyboard

When you need it to be small light weight and ultra portable

Our latest review comes courtesy of Adesso, the company was nice enough to send us out their new WKB-4000UB Mini Wireless Keyboard.

For starters let me say this review is going to be a bit contradictory. I know I know reviews should be clear and concise. Either you really like the product and how it performs or you don't. Reviews are supposed to be fully objective and not subjective. However when it comes to ultra compact devices I tend to be a bit subjective, thus leading to a bit of a contradictory tone in this review.



WKB-4000UB Features:

• 2.4GHz wireless RF technology with 12 channels (65000 IDs per channel)
• Wireless range distance up to 30 feet
• Compact layout featuring 87 keys in an ultra-stylish design
• Include power “ON/OFF” switch for increased energy saving
• Include “Connect” button for easy connection
• Include Battery Low LED indicator
• Include 2 AAA Battery
• Include Mini USB Receiver dongle (Dimensions: 1.65" x 0.75" x 0.25")
• Magnetic receiver holder on the back of keyboard
• Power Sleep Mode: 5 minutes (if not used)
• Keyboard Technology: Scissor Switch
• Switch Life: six million cycles
• Switch Travel: 3.0+/- 0.3mm
• Touchpad: 2 button Glidepoint Touchpad with scrolling feature
• Touchpad working area: 3” x 1.75”
• Dimensions: 11.75" x 8.25" x 0.8”
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.

Mini means small but maybe not small enough

The WKB-4000UB is by far one of the smallest stand alone keyboards I've ever used. Measuring 8.5"x11" this thing is literally as big as a sheet of paper. Netbook owners or owners of sub-compact notebooks would be more than comfortable typing away on this super compact keyboard but those of us that like full sized keyboards likely won't feel at home.

Now here is your first contradiction. One of the first problems I noticed is that its almost not small enough, and let me explain why.

The keyboard itself measures 11.75" x 8.25" x 0.8” with the addition of the 3” x 1.75” credit card sized touch pad and keys you get an overhang of about 3". The added touchpad might be a good feature for some but not for me. The placement and inability to change the sensitivity or turn it off altogether caused several issues with normal day to day use. The main issue was me accidentally brushing it with a thumb or palm thus moving my cursor to the mouse pointer. This was a major issue for me as a blogger and editing my blog posts.

In my opinion that is 3 inches of wasted space. I'd like to see the touchpad removed and either have the space used for media keys, a trackball or not used at all. Cut the keyboard dimensions down in size.

The touchpad is a great addition for some users

Here is contradiction number two. Personally I didn't find much use for the touchpad, actually I loathe the things and never use them, even using a laptop I use a mouse. In our previous review of the Adesso Wireless Media Center Keyboard we actually liked and used the scroll wheel. The scroll wheel had a much better placement and overall a much better feel.

Not being totally subjective I will admit that the touchpad on the WKB-4000UB does have potential. When used as an HTPC keyboard or in conjunction with a POS machine or in a kiosk environment they touchpad could be very beneficial.

I did find it very response and very receptive to input. Tracking was smooth and accurate with nearly no lag. Pressure sensitivity was a bit overly sensitive but not dramatically so. The buttons were decent but they were a bit noisy. The scrolling feature was a nice touch as it makes web page browsing a snap.

Superior range gives you room to roam

Testing the range of keyboards is always a challenge The range of today's wireless keyboards often extends further than a users range of use. This is one area all of the Adesso products I've tested have excelled in, they all have shown excellent range and the WKB-4000UB is no different.

In testing I often exceeded the range of 20 ft line of sight and had little to no issues with 10-15 ft through interior walls and even found it would work adequately at 8-10 ft through exterior walls. This extended range was a great feature and very unexpected considering adapter in tiny compared to others I've used. The range we achieved was wide enough to make it usable in just about any room in an office or small house coupled with its small size the keyboard proved to be excellent for typing on the move. Something I personally do often.

Overall conclusion

While its clear my review is a bit mixed the Adesso WKB-4000UB is a fairly nice keyboard. The range is great, the keys are nice and responsive yet fairly quiet. The overall look and feel isn't as bad as my review might sounds. The size certainly isn't going to appeal to everyone, as I mentioned I found some issues with it but that shouldn't prevent anyone that is looking for a keyboard that is portable enough to be stuck in backpack or briefcase from taking a look at it.

At $89.99 @ Newegg the price tag is a bit higher than I'd expect for what you get, after all other than being small it is pretty much a no frills keyboard. Nevertheless when comparing it to other mini-keyboards with similar features the price is pretty much inline with what you'd expect to pay.

ADESSO Black 2.4 GHz RF Wireless Keyboard $89.99 @ Newegg.com

The New Adesso WKB-4000UB Mini Wireless Keyboard

Looking for a new compact wireless keyboard? Then you might want to consider Adesso's new WKB-4000UB model, which packs some nice features into a keyboard no larger than a sheet of paper.



With a tiny 11.75 x 8.25-inch package that weighs just over a pound the sleek new design of the WKB-4000UB is built for space saving applications. The small foot print is fitting for mobile, point of sale, kiosks, living rooms and business environments. Essentially anywhere space and weight would be a factor.

The WKB-4000UB features an ultra-slim and stylish design. It has clean lines with a minimalistic design to keep space at a premium. Featuring an integrated touchpad and two built-in buttons this mini keyboard will help cut down on the need for added accessories. Add to that an embedded set of numeric keys,meant for ten key application, and 12 function keys for one-touch commands. You get a keyboard that would be perfect for a kiosk or POS terminal.

The WKB-4000UB features the following:

• 2.4GHz wireless RF technology with 12 channels (65000 IDs per channel)
• Wireless range distance up to 30 feet
• Compact layout featuring 87 keys in an ultra-stylish design
• Include power “ON/OFF” switch for increased energy saving
• Include “Connect” button for easy connection
• Include Battery Low LED indicator
• Include 2 AAA Battery
• Include Mini USB Receiver dongle (Dimensions: 1.65" x 0.75" x 0.25")
• Magnetic receiver holder on the back of keyboard
• Power Sleep Mode: 5 minutes (if not used)
• Keyboard Technology: Scissor Switch
• Switch Life: six million cycles
• Switch Travel: 3.0+/- 0.3mm
• Touchpad: 2 button Glidepoint Touchpad with scrolling feature
• Touchpad working area: 3” x 1.75”
• Dimensions: 11.75" x 8.25" x 0.8”
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.

The Adesso Wireless SlimTouch Mini carries a list price of $109.99, placing it on the higher end in terms of pricing for most compact keyboards. But if space is a factor this little keyboard might fill the bill.

The fine folks over at Adesso were nice enough to send us out one for review. So I'll be testing it out over the next few weeks and will have a full write up of the new keyboard then. Please be sure to check back to see how the WKB-4000UB fairs.