The naming of the Adesso bluetooth enabled mouse, iMouse S100, is rather dubious but cool given that Adesso isn’t the famous company named after the fruit and has a CEO with the first name of “Steve” - I think it’s awesome. But it looks to be a rather capable bluetooth enabled mouse that doesn’t seem to cramp up your hand like the Magic Mouse does since that mouse is just so low-profile. I like my mice to fit into my hand, slightly cupped.

The Adesso Bluetooth mini optical scroll mouse allows you break away from your notebook’s touch pad and experience reliable, receiver-free wireless connection with a range distance of 30 feet.

• Transceiver-free wireless connection to a Bluetooth-enabled PC
• On/Off button to extend battery life
• Auto-sleep function
• Optical technology
• 1000DPI for dynamic resolution

Ideal for the laptop user that wants to carry only a mouse, a laptop and no dongle. Just make sure your laptop or PC is bluetooth enabled first. Retails for about $30.

[ Links: Adesso, Adesso iMouse S100 ]

Either I’m getting old or my mouse is just that darn uncomfortable at times; however at times I’d rather avoid wrist strain and have found comfort in the past with trackball mice. They can take a few moments to get used to but they’re comfortable in my book.

Adesso has released their trackball entry, the iMouse T1:

Practical for use in various business, recreational or design applications, the iMouse T1 is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in a user’s palm. In addition, the mouse features a large optical trackball, eliminating the need for a mouse, clearing up valuable desk space. With its 800 DPI resolution, the optical trackball provides accuracy and smooth motion, requiring minimal hand movement and maintenance.

The iMouse T1 comes with a comfortably contoured ergonomic design – 1.8” ergonomically designed trackball eliminates the need for a mouse and saves valuable desk space

Ergonomically designed, this optical trackball mouse features a scrolling wheel and a large detachable ball, and is available with an MSRP of $29.99.

Goodbye hurt wrists!

[ Links: Adesso iMouse T1 ]

I’ve been a tablet user since Adobe Photoshop 3.0.4, Painter 2.0 and the days of Wacom and CalComp used to connect to your computer via the serial connector (read: way back before USB, mid-1990′s or so) and I’m always looking for what’s new in regards to the tablet scene. Adesso, a brand I’ve talked about here quite a few times also makes graphic tablets too.

I got my hands on their CyberTablet Z7, a 5.5 inch by 4 inch graphics tablet. Time to see if their offerings are as well put together as their keyboards.

Made out of shiny, silver but quality plastic, the design of the Z7 reminded me a lot of my older Wacom Graphire 2, a 4 inch by 5 inch tablet that I’ve kept for travel since it’s rather small and doesn’t get in the way. As does the Z7… it’s a smaller tablet that I could easily see throwing into my laptop bag and carrying around with me. The base of the plastic Z7 does have metal with some rubber feet, so it’ll stay put on the table without moving around. I’d say that the build quality easily compares to what I’ve come to expect from Adesso.

The best part about the Adesso CyberTablet Z7 is that it was immediately recognized in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard. The drivers that come with it do install a few other applications to assist you in other applications, namely Microsoft Office for Windows XP users and the ability to add real signatures into e-mails and other documents. The only problem though is that I found the software to be a bit more crude than I’d rather allow to stay on my machine. So almost out of the box, you could actually use the tablet with your existing programs and not include more than just the necessary drivers.

The CyberTablet Z7 does include 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, something I got a chance to fully test out in the newly released Adobe Illustrator CS5. While playing around, I couldn’t tell a difference between my Wacom Graphire and the Adesso CyberTablet Z7 to be honest. The $69 Z7 actually compared well against my way more expensive Wacom Intuos 3 and did even better than my Wacom Bamboo Touch – which, I’m honestly still coming to grips with while using graphic apps.

The Z7 does come with a bigger – almost grip pen size in regards to the Wacom line – pen than the Graphire and Intuos 3 (out of the box) and fits into my larger sized hands rather well. It fits just like an oversized Cross pen that I carry around with me in my briefcase. However, I won’t say that it is a good size for everybody, if you have bigger hands or like the pen to have a bit of heft to it… go for the Z7. Unlike the Wacom pen offerings, there’s one AAA battery that goes into the pen, giving it that aforesaid heft. To the average geek, or the mobile geek, that will sooner than later become just another battery to possibly replace at the worst times. This part, I disagree with how Adesso designed their pen. I love the heft, the replaceable pen tips, the activity light(s) and the even the almost too-flush but not as easily breakable eraser. About the eraser though, I didn’t find it as easy to use as the Wacom offerings – it was too flush to get any idea of how hard I was pressing down and in some cases where I was trying to erase in Corel Painter IX just a small section, I pressed down too hard and removed a much bigger section than intended.

I do have dual screens, but tend to only draw on one at a time. I also have wide screen LCD’s and the almost 4:3 aspect ratio of the Adesso Z7 does mean that on some up to bottom type of strokes, I might have to be careful not stroke too long because there is (in ratio) more room on the tablet than on the screen. It’s slight, but most of my tests in Adobe Illustrator CS5 and in Corel Painter IX went swimmingly.

Pros:

• Cheaper priced
• Works just as well in professional design apps as more expensive tablets
• Manufactured out of quality plastic with a solid metal base
• See-through flap to place smaller drawings under and trace
• Really responsive, up to Wacom Bamboo level

Cons:

• Some flex when pressed down on hard
• Single AAA battery in pen adds more heft than other offerings and would have to be replaced
• Pen base is non-replaceable, unlike the Wacom offerings
• Software (beyond drivers) does not support Windows Vista or Windows 7

All in all, I give the Adesso CyberTablet Z7 3.5 out of 5 (Pretty Darn Good) where it was a great performer inside of professional level apps like the entire Adobe Creative Suite 5 as well as my natural media favorite Corel Painter but the inclusion of the battery, the lack of software that integrated well with systems above Windows XP being the biggest cons. If you’re in the market and cannot afford the Wacom offerings, you might want to keep the Adesso offerings in mind.

[ Links: Adesso, Adesso CyberTablet Z7 ]

Adesso has more keyboards in their lineup than you can perhaps count. But the company keeps churning out such quality stuff that I have to keep covering their newest endeavors. Freshly out is their slim-line, wireless keyboard, the WKB-4200UB.

Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer of computer input peripherals, has announced the availability of the latest addition to the companies’ extensive line of keyboards, the WKB-4200UB. Encased in a compact design, this wireless touchpad keyboard compliments various desktop PC systems, flat LCD monitors and tablet PCs in modern office environments. The WKB-4200UB also fits comfortably in tight spaces, including living rooms, kiosks, conference rooms, mobile and workgroup project environments. Available at various retailers, the WKB-4200UB has an MSRP of $119.99.

Adesso’s WKB-4200UB allows users to work freely, without the interference of limited space, angles or distance. With 6500 IDs on 12 channels, users can enjoy 30 feet of wireless freedom. Featuring a Sleep mode and On/Off switch, this wireless keyboard offers users the option of saving battery life when not in use for extended use over time. In addition, the Quick Connect button enables users to synchronize their PC with the click of a button.

With a price of $119.99, this Adesso is a bit more expensive than the other Adesso offerings; however the typical Adesso build and quality still applies. The addition of Adesso’s no-fuss wireless setup is a definite plus as well.

[ Links: Adesso, Adesso WKB-4200UB ]

Adesso, one of my favorite keyboard makers has released their newest multimedia keyboard the AKB-520. The AKB-520 incorporates an USB hub, a memory card reader alongside some multimedia keys to ensure easy control of your Windows Media Player or Apple iTunes and stuffs all of that into a stylish case.

Equipped with 104 keys, the AKB-520 is a sleek, cost-effective and ergonomic keyboard that provides essential functions for various types of users. In addition to the built-in data card reader and two USB ports, this innovative keyboard compliments users of digital cameras, multimedia players and other portable devices.

The AKB-520 features the following:

• Built-in data card reader/writer for SD/MMC/MS Pro, so users can easily upload files and pictures to PCs
• Two additional USB ports, which conveniently add bus powered devices, such as a USB flash drive, Web cam and mouse
• Embedded multimedia and internet hotkeys, allowing users to control home entertainment functions directly on the keyboard
• Newly designed slim and stylish keyboard, offering improved tactile feel and accurate key response
• 12 hotkeys to boost productivity with direct access to the internet, home, favorites and multimedia controls

Despite not saying that the keyboard is Apple OS X compatible, I’ve personally found that they are indeed fully compatible and the Windows Key becomes the Apple/Option Key in OS X.

The Adesso AKB-520 can be purchased at your normal eRetailers like Amazon, Tigerdirect or PC Mall for instance, and retails normally for $34.99.

[ Links: Adesso, Adesso AKB-520 ] [ Related: Adesso WKB-4000BB, Adesso WKB-3100 Review ]

After reviewing the Adesso WKB-3100 mini-keyboard [ review here ] with the integrated trackball, Adesso [ site here ] sent word they were upping the ante a bit with their forthcoming keyboard, the Adesso WKB-4000BB. Instead of the trackball and RF USB dongle that the WKB-3100, the WKB-4000BB brings in Bluetooth connectivity and a trackpad for a more laptop experience.

Selling for a little bit more than the WKB-3100, the WKB-4000BB costs about $109.99 USD and if you’re in need free up an USB slot, much like I’m starting to find myself on my mini-computer that’s in the living room that’s using the aforementioned Adesso model with the RF USB dongle, the few extra bucks are definitely worth it.

And per usual, Adesso brings to the table years of experience and a fine fit and finish. And take it from me, they don’t advertise their mini-keyboards as such, but my Adesso keyboard has survived the rigors of a seven year old’s tantrum as well as my own tantrum when my football team lost a game. They’re built mighty tough indeed.

[ Adesso ] [ Adesso WKB-4000BB ] [ Related: Adesso WKB-3100 Review ]

When I first wrote about the Adesso WKB-3100 Mini Keyboard [ article here ], Adesso had just announced it and I was on the lookout for a keyboard that wouldn’t exactly crush my lap or be used as a weapon since it was going to be used in the living room. Nothing like watching football, forgetting that you have a keyboard in your lap, jump for joy and have a keyboard flung through a window, the television or across the skull of the nearest person or thing.

Well, the kind folks from Adesso sent along their mini keyboard with the trackball for me to destroy review and honestly… I really liked it. Let me tell you why.

The placement of the trackball is perfect. My right thumb instinctively went to a resting place on it while my left hand could click on the two supplied buttons for the right and left click.

The USB dongle that is used with the keyboard is a magnetic little affair that just pops in, stays there. Even stayed in while I swung it about like a mad man. That in itself is a cool addition to this little mini keyboard that will now reside in the living room. I can just slot it in, hear that little “click” that it’s in place, leave it and forget it. And unlike other systems where plastic might get worn down or some tab might come up missing after wear and tear, this system works – I still have magnetic snaps on jackets that I’ve had for years still work.

Effective range on the keyboard is 30 feet. I was in clear sight of the USB dongle and the PC and I walked down one hall in my house and that’s about 45 feet at the very end and it still worked. So if you have a McMansion and can still see your TV from that far… you’re good.

This keyboard is a rather light. I mean, in a “mid-celebration of the Bills-Patriot game, I almost forgot that it was there and almost threw it at my friends sitting across from me” kind of light. However, any heavier I would feel like it would have been a bother. It is made out of quality plastic that doesn’t bend and flex easily.

The installation bit is quite easy too. Plug in the USB dongle, Microsoft Windows notices that new hardware has been installed, an USB HID device pops up as being “installed” and it’s ready to use in mere moments. The trackball, I had to dial down the sensitivity a bit though. It would fly across the screen at the slightest touch; however once adjusted it was a blast to use.

If there’s any bad part to the Adesso Mini Trackball Keyboard, it would have to be that it did disconnect once. To be fully honest, I don’t know what set it off, but it did it once. All of my phones in my house are DECT 6.0 compliant and not 2.4ghz like the USB dongle – as not to disrupt my wireless network – and my machines all use 802.11g if not 802.11n. It was a brief hiccup but it reconnected without any input or adjustment from me. I didn’t have to get up and bang on stuff Fred G. Sanford style.

I’ve been using this keyboard for the last month almost and it’s a keeper. I’ve yet to try this on my Mac, but despite explicit lack of support of Apple Mac OS X, I’m almost sure it will work. I will try that in a bit and report on that if its requested.

Priced at $79.99, it’s not exactly a bad piece of kit. Does what it says it will do and does it in a well thought out package that works well with two hands on the sides controlling the trackball and mouse buttons (right and left hand) and despite having a small form factor and I have big hands, I was able to use both hands during typing.

A good addition to any living room computer setup. I’d rank the Adesso WKB-3100 Mini Trackball Keyboard: 4 out of 5 (Recommended)

[ Adesso ] [ Adesso WKB-3100 ]

Having just recently built a multimedia PC for use with my television, I’ve been looking around at smaller keyboards so I don’t have to haul a Captain Caveman’s club full-sized keyboard into my living room and take up my entire coffee table and crush my lap.

Enter Adesso with their oddly named WKB-3100:

Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer of computer input peripherals, today announced the release of its latest addition to its extensive line of keyboards, the WKB-3100, a wireless, mini keyboard with integrated optical trackball. This compact keyboard offers the freedom of wireless computing in a wide array of environments, and is available for $79.99 at www.adesso.com.

The WKB-3100 lets users work freely, without any space, angles or distance constraints. The enclosed optical trackball delivers distinct precision and smooth motion, requiring virtually no maintenance or cleaning. The compact size of this keyboard allows for ease of use in tight spaces, including living rooms, kiosk stations, conference rooms and workgroup project environments.

The WKB-3100 features the following:

• Limitless connectivity angle with a wide range
• 6500 IDs on 12 channels, offering 30 feet of wireless freedom
• Optical trackball technology that provides precision and control
• Measures less than 12 inches in size

Nice size, nice features, long range, won’t crush a lap… all alphanumeric name though? I’ll call mine “Frankie”.

[ Adesso Inc. ]