The Act-On AMD 0520 - MicMouse is a one of a kind mouse as it combines the everyday mouse and desktop microphone into one product. The MicMouse is great for Internet telephone conversations or everyday voice recording.
Act-On is a product/application development company specializing in human input devices for computers and consumer electronics. Act-On was founded in November 2004 in Santa Clara, California. Act-On is also representing ATLab, Inc. in the United States, which is a Korean semiconductor design company who has developed optical mouse sensor technologies.
Act-On AMD 0520 - MicMouse
HOW IT WORKS
The MicMouse is very simple to install and setup. Total installation time is less than five minutes. Simply hook the USB connector and microphone jack to your computer. If you have a plug and play operating system, like Windows XP, the "Found New Hardware Wizard" will start and install the device automatically.
Act-On AMD 0520 - MicMouse
FEATURES
Built-in microphone allows you to talk to your family or friends through various VoIP service providers
800 DPI resolution to further enhance mouse movement accuracy
Easy to use, plug-and-play USB connectivity
Optical technology that tracks every motion with digital accuracy
Can be used with or without a mouse pad
Scrolling wheel for easy navigation
Left and right hand compatible
SPECIFICATIONS
Mouse Size: 113mm x 60mm x 30mm
Colors: Silver/Black (Other colors will be available soon)
Interface
Option 1: Two connectors (USB and Microphone)
Option 2: One USB cable
Cable Length 1.5m
Resolution 800 dpi
OS requirements Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
Buttons 3
THE MOUSE
The MicMouse is a standard two button, clickable scroll wheel mouse with a microphone in the center. The buttons blend in with the body of the mouse creating a seamless contour. The action of the scroll wheel is very smooth and precise. The 800dpi optical sensor provides for a very smooth and free moving cursor.
The high resolution is great for gaming and other applications that require a great deal of mouse movement. I did find the weight of the mouse to be someone on the light side. Although after some adjustment the mouse performed very well.
Act-On AMD 0520 - MicMouse
The microphone on the mouse is centered directly behind the scroll wheel. I found this to be somewhat awkward at first, because my hand was always resting on the microphone. The microphone sensitivity is very good and will pick the most subtle of noises. This sometimes presented a problem because people on the other end could hear my hand moving, the wheel scrolling and the buttons clicking.
I found it best to use a push-to-talk button on the keyboard and remove my hand from the mouse. Overall the microphone is a nice feature and if traveling a lot this would be one less device you would have to carry.
Act-On AMD 0520 - MicMouse
One feature that stood out on the mouse was glowing red led scroll wheel. The glowing wheel provides a "BLING" factor to the mouse. My only suggestion is maybe have a variety of colors. The red did not match my all blue glowing computer very well. Another cool item was the free ear buds included in the packaging.
Act-On AMD 0520 - MicMouse
CONCLUSION
Overall the mouse is designed and constructed very well. I used the mouse for over two weeks gaming and everyday use. I did not find myself once throwing the mouse or banging it against the wall. The very responsive optical eye and smooth tracking makes the mouse very good.
I used the microphone portion of the mouse, but I found it easier to revert back to my headset while gaming. The weight of the mouse was an issue at first, but with some time and adjustment I found myself liking the light weight feel.
With a MSRP of $22, the mouse is a very good introductory optical mouse. I would recommend this mouse to anyone traveling or looking for one less device to have on their desk.
