|
|
 |
|
Product:
|
Vantec Spectrum Mouse Pad |
|
Price:
|
$29 (CAN) / $21 (U.S)
|
|
Supplied By:
|
Vantec
|
|
Author:
|
Shennon
|
|
Date:
|
March 23rd, 2004
|
|
Rating:
|
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
By peeling back the foam pad, we can see the cathode tube wrapped around the center disk. This arrangement
allows the lamp to give off an even glow through the clear bottom. Once the mouse pad is plugged in, all
that is required to do is to turn it on. Once powered the glow effect is good but not as bright as I had originally
expected. I'm under the assumption that the level of illumination is due to the cold cathode tubes receiving
only 5 volts compared to the standard 12 volts.
Testing:
As with any mouse pad, the best way to test performance is to game. I will be comparing performance in
a few games against Compad’s Speed-Pad. Before testing
on the two surfaces with my Microsoft USB IntelliMouse Explorer, I cleaned off the bottom feet using
some lighter fluid. The important part of the test is to feel of the surface and gauge the accuracy of
the mouse pad.
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
Playing the Half-life mod, Counterstrike, the surface proved accurate enough to snipe and shoot in a
controlled manner in the map de_inferno. I had no problem maneuvering around the map to strategic
locations.
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
When I played Serious Sam: The Second Encounter the size of the surface is more apparent. One of the
features in Serious Sam: The Second Encounter is the ability to have a large amount of enemies on the
screen at once. This game requires quick reflexes to use the assortment of weapons as well as includes
a good amount of running and turning. I found myself accidentally moving my mouse off the small surface
area of the Vantec Spectrum Mouse Pad which made game play very difficult.
|
|
Conclusion:
The Vantec Spectrum Mouse Pad is a unique product that will definitely appeal to the gaming community.
The thick construction is similar to rivals mouse pad surfaces as seen with the Compad SpeedPad, Ratpadz
and Everglide Giganta Mouse Pad. The Vantec Spectrum Mouse Pad provides good illumination considering
that it uses only 5 volts supplied through the USB port. If Vantec plans to market this product, I would
have liked to see a bigger colour selection other than blue. As previously mentioned, a few consumers
might be turned off by the thickness of the product but this depends on your own personal preference.
For my own gaming experience, I prefer thin mouse pads which keep your wrist level when placed on a flat
desk surface. The overall mousing surface is very small and may provide issues during gaming where
re-positioning your mouse is required. Consumers should keep in mind that this product does include cold
cathode tubes which are fragile, so extra caution should be used when transporting this product. While
the Spectrum Mouse Pad makes a great desk addition, gamers might not take to the product until Vantec
decides to increase the surface area to avoid moving off at the most inopportune time. Overall, I'm rating
the Vantec Spectrum Mouse Pad a 7 out of 10.
If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the Vantec
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
|
Pros:
- Excellent mouse tracking capabilities with optical mice
- Lights up blue
- Rubber foam keep the mouse pad stationary on your desk
- USB cable acts as a pass through
|
Cons:
- Mousing surface too small for frantic gaming
- May be too thick for some (personal preference)
- Limited colour selection
|
|
|
|
|
|
