Image Courtesy: Microsoft

Microsoft is a close competitor to Logitech when it comes to appreciable keyboards and mice. Similar to the products from Logitech, Microsoft’s keyboards and mice are usually comfortable in terms of ergonomically friendliness and style. One of Microsoft’s latest optical mice is based on a design by world famous designer Philippe Starck, and we must say the mouse is quite delightful from the outside.

The Optical Mouse by Starck has a hemisphere design, which according to the designer is more comfortable and a natural fit in hands. Furthermore, the mouse has a lighted blue (or orange, depending on the color you choose) stripe that goes across the middle to give the mouse a more techno appeal. It’s also based on the optical technology and includes a standard scroll wheel. Although much of the design is nothing but simple, the left and right buttons are fairly unique. Instead of placing them in their regular positions, the designer has embedded the buttons where your palm would usually go, so technically you are pressing the buttons with your palm than with fingers. The idea behind this is to make it simple for users with both preferences (left or right-handed) a device they can use without configuring buttons; the Optical Mouse by Starck costs $19.99 on average.

Initial Thoughts: We aren’t doubting the designer, but quite honestly there’s nothing special about the mouse. Sure, the lighted blue (or orange) stripe is a nice touch that only a few, if any, manufacturers have attempted, but this doesn’t exactly justify why someone would want to purchase it. Moreover, the idea of placing the buttons in place of the palm is interesting, and it could mean that some of you might not prefer it over standard mice. That said, the exterior of the mouse certainly has a very Apple-like appeal to it, meaning it’s rather stylish and appeals to the senses fairly quickly. In our initial thoughts, we doubt the mouse would be poor ergonomically and from a performance standpoint, since its based on Microsoft’s Optical technology, but unfortunately we clearly fail to see the point behind this product. Thankfully, the price isn’t too terrible, so if you are plainly interested in the looks, you wouldn’t have to fork over too much to get one.