aaronrkelly

Item Reviewed:
Powmax PS/2 mouse – model MUACR03


Costs:
$10.00 from Newegg


Manufacture Specifications:
Interface: PS/2
Number Of Buttons: 3x Buttons + 1x Wheel
Optical/Ball: Optical
Wireless Technology: N/A
Features: BLUE/RED LED


Packaging:

I received this item unscathed as usual from Newegg. It comes in a nice box with clear front that allows you to see the mouse in all it glory. Notice that they clearly label this as “Quality Goods” in the left-bottom corner of the box.


Components:

Nothing is included but the mouse. Its fairly normal practice to receive a USB adapter with most mice, this one is the exception – there are no adapters. You get a mouse, that’s it. I really didn’t expect an adapter with a $10 mouse but extras are always nice. I personally will be using this with my KVM switch so I do not need the adapter.


Installation:

I plugged this mouse into the PS/2 port on my PC specified for the mouse. Its detected in Windows XP as a “PS/2 Compatible mouse”. Installation was easy, as it should be. I will note that I believe the cord on this mouse is a little on the short side. My PC (and KVM switch) set on the floor, if yours is on your desk this will not be a problem for you.


Use/Testing:

The mouse feels comfortable in your hand. Compared to my MX700 itÂ’s a little on the small side. The buttons have a very noticeable click and tactile feel to them. The scroll wheel is also very tactile. The wheel itself is easily manipulated and has a very rubbery feel to it.

This is where it goes downhill. The tracking on this mouse is simply horrible. I have used this mouse on many different surfaces; paper, fabric mousepad and my Everglide optical mouse pad – all with the same result. In normal use of this mouse it will lose its tracking. Its not even necessary to move the mouse quickly to cause this. Moving the pointer through ever day activity will cause “skips” and “pauses” fairly randomly. Not to say its unusable, but its definitely not what I would want to use on a daily basis. This occurred when connected directly to my PC and with the KVM switch.


Asthetics:

This mouse is very clear, no haze or tint. Powmax also offers this mouse in smoke and black if you so desire. The blue LED in the scroll wheel is very bright and well placed. The scroll wheel is evenly lit and there is a nice blue light cast around the top portion of the mouse. The red LED mounted in the bottom of the mouse for the optical sensor is also very bright. Upon moving the mouse (when the light brightens) it will fill your desk with a red glow.


Follow-up:

If your looking for a cheap, clear mouse that looks great this mouse will fit the bill. If your looking for a good mouse then look elsewhere – this was not one of my better purchases. There are several mice out there that will perform far better for the same or less money. This mouse proves one of lifes more well known sayings – looks aren’t everything.


Pimp

Clear, very clear
LEDs are bright and look cool
Cheap

Gimp

Very poor performace
No adapter
Short cable

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