Mobile number crunchers whose laptop keyboard is lacking in a useful separate keypad will no doubt be interested to discover that Canon is about to release a new slim laser mouse which includes its own keypad. The new X Mark I Mouse could also please trackpad haters looking to reduce the number of peripherals housed within the laptop bag, as it also operates as a 10-digit calculator complete with LCD screen.
The X Mark I Mouse is a three-button (including the scroll wheel), 1200 dpi laser mouse that has a number pad where the palm of your hand would gently rest during use. You'll also notice a 10 character LCD screen just above the keypad which gives away the device's third useful function - it's also a calculator. Canon has also sweetened the deal by adding some green credentials to the pot.
The lower casing and battery cover are made from plastic recycled from old Canon copiers. Granted, it's probably not going to win any prizes for ergonomics but as a space- and time-saver, it looks like a winner to me.
The 4.72 x 2.36 x 1.06-inch (120 x 60 x 27 mm) mouse wirelessly connects to a laptop via Bluetooth 2.0 - so you don't even have to worry about blocking up a much-needed USB port with a nano receiver - and is Windows and Mac compatible. It weighs 3.74 ounces (106g) with two AAA-type batteries (included), and comes in either black or white.
Canon says that the X Mark I Mouse will be available from next month for an estimated retail of US$60.
