Archive for the 'Gadgets & Tech' Category

Microsoft Arc Mouse + IntelliPoint software finally disabled Mac OSX Mouse Acceleration

Since the day when I started using Mac back in 2004, I have been struggling with the mouse acceleration problem. It’s not exactly a problem, but more like a feature included in Mac OSX to allow the mouse pointer to change speed over time while you are moving the mouse across the screen, the reason why I still cannot get used to it, is that I find it very difficult to control the mouse, especially when highlighting texts, placing cursor in between texts or trying to click on an icon or button. One thing I don’t agree with Apple is that, they should allow people to enable or disable mouse acceleration.

According to many people, its a matter of getting use to it, but I do not agree. I have tried for many years, but still prefer the constant curve on the mouse. For the past few years, I have been researching online, and even asked my Mac user friend, but to no solution. Some of the software I tried, including iMouseFix, SteerMouse, USB Overdrive, ControllerMate are of no help at all, if yes probably just improve a bit only, but still not good enough for me.

Yesterday, while I was doing my usual shopping and looking for a desktop+notebook mouse, and by chance, I saw this new Microsoft Arc Mouse. It’s a mouse designed for both desktop computers and notebook, one unique feature about this mouse is that it can be folded to 60% of its fully expanded size while you’re on the go, so its pretty convenient and save space. And when its folded, the mouse will be in off mode, which can help to conserve battery, so its pretty eco-friendly. According to Microsoft specs, the battery can even last for more than 6+ months.

So in the end, I decided to give it a try and purchase it on the spot, it’s a little pricey, costing SGD 70, but I really like the design and hope that it can at least help to ease the pain on my hands while using the laptop for a long period of time. And to my surprised, after plugging in and installing the Microsoft IntelliPoint 7.1 software for Mac, I realized that the mouse acceleration on my Mac is completely gone too!, it’s not something that I expect at all (especially after so many years), because I have tried the IntelliPoint software (older version) last time with another Microsoft Optical Mouse, but with no help. I really think that its worth the time and money for me, and one thing for sure, I love my Mac even more now, and will certainly be more productive while using a Mac than ever before. This time round, Microsoft has done something helpful, and hopefully one day, Apple can consider adding in the Mouse Acceleration setting for its users.

More Information:
Microsoft Arc Mouse
Mac OSX Mouse Acceleration Petition

Magic Mouse Drivers for Windows Now Available

It’s kind of strange that Apple did not include any support for Magic Mouse in Windows. It’s only available exclusively for Mac users via Bluetooth. However, as expected some random guys from Uneasysilence have come out with a simple solution, and more information can be found here. The hack will allow the mouse gestures to work in Windows XP, all the way to 7. If you really love the Magic Mouse alot, and hope to use it on your PC, you can do it now.

StarHub to bring iPhone to customers in Singapore

It’s finally here. Not long ago, Mobile One announces that it will sell iPhone later this year, and now its StarHub’s turn. The telecommunications company said on Monday it looks forward to offering the iPhone and a range of tailored service plans to its customers. It added that more information on pricing and availability dates will be released in due course.

SingTel began offering Apple’s third generation network iPhones late last year. Since then, with the exclusive agreement, SingTel has sold more than 100,000 iPhones.

Source: StarHub Official Press

Updated on 7th of Dec 2009:
Starhub has posted more details on the iPhone

Zune HD’s User Interface – a class of its own

Frankly speaking, since Apple debuted the iPod in 2001 and iPhone in 2007, I have not really seen any other portable device designed with a UI, with a look and feel of its kind, and most importantly it must be easy to navigate. And I used to think that Microsoft cannot come out with any nice UI (because of its plain boring Windows), and this time round, after looking at the brand new Zune HD’s UI, I’m pretty impressed by its simplicity, with a artistic touch to it. The UI, together with the industrial, luxurious, angular and slim design look of Zune HD, really makes the device unique to its kind. Just watch the video demo below, and you will know what I mean. (Note: Zune HD is available in US market only)

Upgrading and downgrading of firmware for Airport Extreme and Time Capsule

Check out the first screencast I have done with QuickTime X, about how you can upgrade and downgrade the firmware on your Airport Extreme. It’s being uploaded to YouTube for faster access to more users, therefore the quality might not be that good. However, I have found that the ‘Annotation’ tool provided in YouTube, kinda useful and easy to use. Hopefully, it can aid in understanding the whole video.

InterfaceLIFT Backdrops for iPhone – It’s very convenient to use

Looking out for the best quality wallpapers to decorate your iPhone? InterLIFT is now providing an iPhone app called Backdrops to download the latest wallpapers directly to your iPhone. Its selling at a price of USD$1.99, and looking at the amount of quality wallpapers provided by the site, and its updated regularly, plus the convenient of downloading the wallpapers directly to your iPhone without syncing with your iTunes.

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