Introduction:

A4 Tech was founded in 1987, with Corporate Head Quarter in Taipei, Taiwan and Operating Head Quarter in California, U.S. A. Product categories include; Keyboard, Mice, Headphones, Speakers, Game Pad and PC Camera.

A4Tech Wireless Battery Free Optical Mouse (NB-30)

Today, we are looking into two mice device that A4 Tech sent to us. The Wireless Optical Mouse with no battery required; and the Easy Go for people on the move. First, let's look at the No Battery required Wireless Optical Mouse.

I have been using wireless mice for over two years, with which I enjoy not having the cord hindering the movement at the “critical moment” – last 30 seconds to place my bid on eBay for example. But, it also gives me a “warning” of “Battery is critically low” on the eleventh moment. I’ve found myself rushing to the cabinet for fresh batteries, only to discover I did the same thing two weeks ago with the last two AA cells I had without replenishing the inventory.





Special features:

• Wireless Freedom
• Latest RFID Technology
• High Optical Precision Resolutions
• Ultra light weight and smooth
• No battery required
• No battery cost
• No RF interference
• Saves you money

System Requirements:

• Windows Me, 2000, XP, 2003
• USB Port
• IBM or Compatible

Contents

• Wireless Optical Mouse
• Mouse Pad
• Manual


No Battery is because the Wireless mouse is working in tandem with a mouse pad supplied which is power by USB connection. Using Cross Induction Power and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) the mouse is energized, and communicates at 121-128 KHz. Induction associates with magnetic field. it is recommended that the mouse pad to be kept a distance of 20 cm or about 8" from any CRT; the same reason it is advised not to use the pad on steel surface or an inch (20-50mm) thick book of some sort placed beneath the pad.

Before we go on to the next page, my editor "advised" me to get to know more about Optical Mouse Inductive Charging Theory which I am glad to share with you.

Wireless Optical Mouse Battery Free

Setting up the Battery Free Optical Mouse is easy. Plug in the USB connector, place the mouse on the pad and you are greeted by the red power light together with the LED light glowing in the mouse. Window O/S shows new hardware found. Pressing the “TUNE” button on the mouse pad will automatically select the correct frequency for the wireless mouse.



Window XP recognizes the new device immediately, and I began browsing the Internet to get the feel of mouse. The information shown on the package indicated the Wireless Optical mouse works with Win Me; 2000; XP; 2003 and Mac 8.5 - 10X, further check on A4TEch website I found driver 7.64 would work with Win 9x. Bear in mind, there is no driver diskette included in the package. An hour later, I proceeded to a few chapters of Far Cry. Don’t worry, I get killed in no time and this is no fault from A4 Tech. My time to stay alive is the same with the Logitech Cordless Mouse.



The mouse pad measures approximately 9.5" x 6.25" or 24.5 x 16 cm. The wireless optical mouse is shaped by a ring of red LED light from the semi-transparent body; looks neat. In comparison, the A4Tech wireless is a bit smaller than Logitech Navigator Cordless. Despite the smaller size, it only took me a few minutes to getting use to the size.



Closer look, you would find the right and left clicks micro switches are covered by a single piece of plastic cover in black color showing a "smooth flow" appearance. Both the click buttons (unseen) have positive feel. The wheel action is firmed, and provides a sense of control to the users. The wheel is wider than Logitech and has deep groves to provide the "feel" on the index finger. The curser movement is smooth; the mouse works in concert with the "magic" pad that provides energy for the mouse. The ergonomic fit is acceptable, however I favor the Logitech.

I couldn't find anything that I dislike about this product insofar. At times, I might wish the pad could be just an inch wider or perhaps the cord from the pad could be a few inches longer. As it stands, the cord is pretty long about 60 inches; it comes in a bit short for me as all my systems are placed to my left and I'm right handed.

The Easy Go Mouse is next ->

Hold On for a few seconds!

Just as I turned the page, I couldn’t help but to look at my “Wrist Rest Mouse Pad” Birthday present from my daughter a few months ago. I was wondering how nice it would be if A4Tech pad has the wrist pad too. More importantly, I thought I shouldn’t abandon my birthday present. And so …



Another point I made on previous page regarding the ingenious pad be an inch or two wider …such as this…



Well, remember the warning or advise that if used on steel surface 20-50 mm book beneath the mouse pad is required. I figure the magnetic field might be enough to pass through the wrist rest pad. Why not giving it a try? The mouse works flawlessly with the wrist rest pad on top. The curser reacts normally even at the edge of the mouse pad atop. Because of this new finding, I think it is worthy to stop turning the page, don’t you?

Not yet, what came to my mind suddenly when I spotted one of the spare Smart media card not far from the INDUCTIVE mouse pad. Are you thinking what I am thinking? Would the data kept in the Smart media card be erased; vanished; corrupted; GONE if it gets close or placed on top of the magic pad???

There is only one way to find out. I proceeded to backing up the data;; placed the Smart media card on the mouse pad and pushing it around like a mouse.



Insert the Smart media to the card-reader, guess what? I did not lose anything.

I hope the Wrist Rest will provide A4Tech an “idea” to make this product even better and the no worry in placing flash memory media on the pad could be explained further in providing users the peace of mind.

Okay, let’s really go to the next product ->

Easy Go (AK-5)- The Note Book Partner:

There are three types of mouse devices found in notebooks. The roller ball type that came out at the very beginning followed by the small "eraser" type and in recent years the touch pad. I found none of them work well enough. Granted, anyone could get used to anything bad until they find something better. Frankly, it depends on the type of work one does with notebook; checking emails; using word-process might well be no sweat for most. Neither is hauling a mouse with tangled wiring is not everyone's favorite.

A4tech is introducing another product that may suit the on the go users - The Notebook Partner, Easy Go Mouse.



Features:

• New cable Reel Design for easy roll up and portable
• Precision Optical Sensor
• The Best Notebook Partner
• High Resolution 800 CPI


System Requirements

• Window 98, Me, 2000 and XP
• Mac OS 8.5 ~ 9.X
• USB Port



It measures about 10cm x 5.3cm; with thin wiring and the USB could be tucked away underneath the body.



I noticed the package mentions PS2/USB, I did not find PS2 adaptor in the package. The "feel" is definitely different after using the "larger" Wireless Battery Free mouse a few minutes before. The photo below shows what I've just gone thru using in a matter of few hours. Size does matter.;), pardon the expression.





Instead of red LED with Battery Free Mouse, the Easy Go glows in green.

I was about to plug the Notebook partner to the Mid-Tower front USB port to give it a test drive when I sensed it wasn’t “right”. I shouldn’t try to hide my old Toshiba Satellite from the readers just because it is an old machine. It has served me well over 7 years. I’m sure my readers won’t mind.



By the time I took this photo, it was two hours later. I misplaced the Win98se diskette which is required to install the USB driver. I went on to use the notebook with Easy Go in writing the last page of this article. Somehow I couldn't find myself to feel good about the shape and size of this mouse, although the curser moves smoothly and the feels on the clicks and wheel are the same with its bigger brother.

Onto my thoughts and conclusion ->

Thoughts :

In the past, I only used Microsoft and Logitech pointing devices because I spent over 10-hour day at work with most of the hours in front of a tube. I felt the higher price was worthy the exchange for higher office work output.

When I opted for the Logitech Navigator Duo a little over two years ago, I had the same thinking in mind. I guess I should have been more open minded in trying other products, hence I now work for [M] with plenty new products coming through my desk. In some ways, A4Tech has changed me a little in my old school of thought.

Conclusion :

I find the Battery Free Wireless Optical Mouse (NB-30) an innovative product with highly acceptable performance. It can be better or improved upon; the addition of Wrist Rest and a bit wider in size will certainly be welcome. While I couldn’t find any resolution specs from A4Tech website, a couple emails exchange I was informed a resolutions rate of 620 CPI. The main features, of course, are the Battery Free; No Recharging necessary and money saving that the product offers. With a street price of below $40, I find it just a bit on the high side, understandably so for a brand new; innovative product that has no competition. I'd say a good item to be found under the X'Mas tree.

Easy Go (AK-5) also has a unique feature. The USB connector tuck away. It meets the same pointing performance as the Battery Free Optical Mouse. However, the shape of the unit is just not right for me; the placement of the click buttons and wheel are somehow out of position for my taste. A4Tech offers one year warranty on all products.

Both units do not come with software and drivers. I know some of the top U.S. Corporations are still running Win98 with thousands of users moving around the country carrying their notebooks daily. The installation driver diskette wil come in handy for them.


Wireless Optical Mouse – Battery Free

PRO
Innovative Design
No need to look for batteries
No recharging time
Highly acceptable curser performance
Environmental friendly


CON
A bit high priced
The mouse pad is a bit narrow
No Wrist Rest (personal preference)
No driver and software included


Easy Go

PRO
Tuck away USB connector
Cable reels easily
Highly acceptable curser performance
Small package

CON
Ergonomic fit in question
No driver and software included


I like to thank A4 Tech to send us the samples to make this duo review possible.

If you are living in the U.S. , you could order on line from A4 Tech Shop.

Happy Holidays to all.

Questions/Comments: forum thread