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Product:
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PCXMods X-Trac Zoom Optical Mouse Pad |
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Price:
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$21 (CAN) / $14.95 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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PCXMods
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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April 18th, 2003
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Christopher from PCXMods
for sending the X-Trac Zoom Optical Mouse Pad for review.
Introduction:
With more and more computer peripherals taking up valuable desktop space, it is becoming extremely
difficult to have a comfortable setup with keyboards and mouse pads vying for space. With this dilemma
in mind, PCXMods has gone back to the drawing board to develop a new product based on the success of
the popular X-Trac Pro and Pro HS Optical Mouse Pads. The result is a brand new mouse pad solution that
will accommodate tight areas without sacrificing accuracy. Today in the MTB labs, we’ll be looking at
the new X-Trac Zoom, PCXMods newest edition to their line of popular line consumer mouse pads.
Specifications:
The X-Trac Zoom Optical Mouse Pad is the latest product to be developed by PCXMods and has been
designed exactly like the HS and HS Pro versions. The X-Trac Zoom utilizes a hexagonal pattern
printed on the surface of the product at a resolution of 1200 dpi. Here are some specifications
taken from the PCXMods website:
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X-Trac Zoom Optical Mouse Pad - Key Specifications:
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| X-Trac Zoom Optical Mouse Pad: Manufactured by PCXMods |
| Dimensions: 8.5" X 11" |
| Hard Plastic, slightly textured to provide some feedback |
| Hexagonal with random dot configuration to ensure precise control (patent pending) |
| Sure Grip II Rubber like material |
| Extremely durable |
| 1200 dpi hexagonal pattern for better optical tracking |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The new X-Trac Zoom Optical Mouse Pad measures approximately 8.5" x 11", which should give most people
plenty of pad space for mouse movement. The dimensions of this design also means that this product will still
take up a fair amount of real estate on your desk. The pattern inside each of the hexagons has been
printed in a random dot pattern to eliminate cursor fade and jitter. The hexagons and the random dot
pattern on the Zoom are approximately 1/3 larger than the HS Pro.
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Click image for larger view
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X-Trac Zoom Sure Grip II surface
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Towards the lower right corner is the location of the X-Trac logo, this time with the pad name "Zoom"
is printed below. The important difference between the HS Pro and the Zoom is the obvious height of the
Zoom. Being slightly thicker than the average business card, the X-Trac Zoom can sit comfortably partially
under any keyboard without throwing off the canter or feel if space is an issue. On the backside of the
X-Trac Zoom is a specially formulated rubber backing called the Sure Grip II. It doesn’t feel like a
rubber or a foam surface, like other mouse pads, but more like a waxy feel. I noticed that once I
placed the X-Trac Zoom on a flat desk surface, it didn't move around while the mouse was in use.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to test new X-Trac Zoom, I will be comparing performance in a few games against
Compad’s Speed-Pad and Kyle Bennett’s
Ratpadz Mousing Surface. As with other mouse pad tests, I
cleaned off both bottom feet of my Microsoft USB IntelliMouse Explorer and Logitech OEM USB Pilot Wheel
Optical using some lighter fluid. The important part of the test is to feel of the surface and gauge
the accuracy of the mouse pad.
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