PERIPHERALS - No keyboard for this mouse
A ‘Super Mouse’ with built-in numeric keypad has reached these shores, courtesy of London-based importer Interworld Computing.
Developed by RLD Enterprises of Mesa, Arizona, the #70 Super Mouse should make spreadsheet and numeric data-entry work easier by allowing figures and commands to be typed in without using a keyboard. It is currently available with software drivers for Windows 3.1 and Windows 95, and a version for Windows NT is due shortly.
The Super Mouse is larger than an ordinary pointer and incorporates number keys at the top with Shift, Alt and Return keys controlling extra functions.
Although the keys appear small for sustained use, Interworld Computing’s Janie Moore claimed that the Super Mouse keypad compared favourably to a pocket calculator and would be adequate for data entry.
‘It would be great for laptop users who would other wise lose the number pad. Super Mouse gives them a mouse and keypad in one,’ said Moore.
In its first fortnight in the UK, sample products were sent to the English ICA’s IT department and to KPMG.
