Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Mouse Review

<!-- Generated by XStandard version 1.7.1.0 on 2006-12-20T11:43:02 -->

by Niki Breese

The Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Mouse is an optical mouse with a retractable cord similar to the Kensington Ci25m I recently reviewed. This mini mouse however comes with a twist. It lights up and shifts through 7 different colors. When I first saw the Targus Mini Kaleidoscope connected to a display model at Best Buy I decided I couldn’t live without a colorful, flashing mouse so I picked it up for $24.60.

(view large image)

Technical Specifications

• Appearance: Silver with 7 radiating colors
• System Requirements: Windows® 2000, Me, XP or Mac OS X, USB Port
• Warranty: Limited One Year Warranty
• Exterior Dimensions: 3.63&quot; x 2&quot; x 1.25&quot;
• Weight: 2.5 oz

Design

The Mini Kaleidoscope is a typically shaped all silver mouse with a classic shape and a clear window that wraps the leading edge from which the LED light emits. A clear, rubberized scroll wheel sits in the middle of seamless buttons that each click nicely. The trendy look of the mouse helps it seem slightly less cheap. To the hand using the mouse, the plastic is very smooth and easy to grip although it may become slippery to sweaty hands.

Notice how the Targus Mini Kaleidoscope mouse matches the Dell Inspiron making a cameo in the pictures:

(view large image)

(view large image)

 

Ergonomics

The Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Mouse compared with the Kensington Ci25m Notebook Mouse (view large image)

Physically, the Mini Kaleidoscope seems to be the same size as the Kensington Ci25m I previously reviewed. However, it somehow manages to feel smaller. It's no matter to my small hands that easily and comfortably fit on the mouse. On the flip side, a small mouse like this one may annoy those with large hands and long fingers.

Performance:

On the palm rest of a Dell Inspiron 6000 15.4&quot; screen notebook (view large image)

The Mini Kaleidoscope is an optical mouse. It tracks well enough for precision Photoshoping while on my bedspread. I tried it on a variety of surfaces including paper, a wooden desk, plastic lab tables, jeans, my cat’s back, and the palm rests of my Dell Inspiron. The scroll wheel also gets the job done. When you roll the scroll wheel a notch it responds instantly and slightly scrolls down the page. I have yet to see a run away scroll occur with this mouse.

The Colors

 

<object height='350' width='425'><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/faYGEQGCVh4" /><embed height='350' src="http://www.youtube.com/v/faYGEQGCVh4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width='600' /></object>

 

Colors:

• Red
• Blue
• Purple
• Green
• Yellow-Green
• Light Blue
• White

The feature that sets the Mini Kaleidoscope apart from other mini mouse devices is the color changing lights. The Mini Kaleidoscope produces seven colors. The colors cycle in the specific order of the above bullet points. Each of the colors lasts five seconds, then the kaleidoscope flashes to the next. The light shining through the clear window and scroll wheel is vivid and bright. Even in a well lit room, the color changing is hard to miss. The optical light on the mouse does bleed into the clear scroll wheel. I know many of you who are reading this are wondering about the effects this mouse has on battery life. While running on battery, I don’t notice any difference in my battery’s stamina.

Other Features

Comparison of the cords on the Kensington Ci25m and Targus Mini Kaleidoscope mouse (view large image)

The Kaleidoscope mouse features a retractable cord. The cord is a bit restrictive, but is fine for use on a desk. Unlike the cord of the Kensington Ci25m, the cord stays straight and doesn’t curl when it's out. To retract the cord, you just give it a tug and the cord winds back into the mouse. Unfortunately, I have found that after just a short while of use, the cord no longer retracts completely, but rather ninety eight percent of the way. This Mini Kaleidoscope is a true plug and play device and does not come with a driver CD or any software. Drivers are available however on the mouse’s product page at Targus.com.

Conclusion

Over all, this mouse gets a seal of approval from me. It is well worth the $24.60 I paid for it. It puts on an awesome light show and, more importantly, handles well. The retractable cord reassures me that this mouse will be operational for a long time in coming, unlike the broken wireless mouses in my closet, and won’t cost me a fortune in batteries.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Stylish, cool light-up colors
• Tracks well, scrolls well, good feedback from buttons
• No batteries required

Cons:

• Short cord
• Feels kind of cheap
• Drivers not included in case of problems

 

I've used this mouse for about a year, and so far it's held up pretty well despite feeling cheap. It's made two great presents as well!

I'm also fairly certain that the mouse uses the generic XP drivers...nothing extra is required for the lights to operate. However, I really would like to see a utility to control these lights...this mouse is not good for presentations and note-taking in darker rooms .

All-in-all...great review Niki!

 

one of my friends used to have that -- it's a prety nifty li'l mouse. could use some side buttons though.

 

This mouse would actually make a fun present. If Targus could work out an agreement with Skittles candy I think a bundle of mouse + pack of Skittles would be a perfect Christmas gift. Taste the rainbow, see the rainbow.

 

I would imagine that it's a cool mouse - although it might get annoying while doing work.

 

It is quite distracting I'll admit. I have brought it to class with me several times and I've noticed during the most boring parts (Particularly during the power point presentation part when the room is darker). My class mates around me have a tendancy to stare at the mouse. I've even had a friend ask me for my notes with the excuse he was to distracted by the mouse and fell behind. Really helps me to like it more because the mouse is starting to seem like a thing of evil. =P

 

Wonder if there's a way to change the lights on prompt to music/audio being played on your notebook.... like the changing lights thingy on the XPS LEDs. Imagine playing games or music with the lights changing on cue! Haha!

 

There may be a program out there, or eventually one will be available. More likely that will be the Kaleidoscope II or something like that. As of now the lights only change one way.

 

Cool mouse. When I saw kaleidoscope in the title I just had to check it out. Great review, Niki! That seems like a great little accessory and a wonderful small gift idea.

I like that green light in the picture. Too bad you can't just choose one color and stick with it.

Ha! Perfect way to sway the curve in your favor >p.

 

Yea, I've been hunting for a light control program for a year and haven't found one...

I like the suggestion to sway a curve though...great idea .

 

My roommate had this mouse. He left it plugged in at night. Pointed at my bed. Every night. If you get this mouse, please be more considerate than he was.

On a side note, his mouse held up all year, so I guess that speaks to the quality...