Wow-Pen: The Mouse That Acts Like A Pen
January 16, 2008
This past week and a half has been very busy for me, which is why I haven’t had much time blogging. One of the things that has kept me busy is the laptop I purchased. I’ve been spending time configuring it and getting it “just so”. 
Since I plan on using this laptop a lot, I wanted to get a good mouse because I don’t like the track pad — as neat as they are, they’ll never replace the mouse for me. I finally decided on buying the Wow-Pen ECO.
Actually, I didn’t have any idea this the Wow-Pen existed until I saw it on the shelf. Its unique shape caught my eye. As I looked over this optically driven mouse I thought I’d give it a try. I was, after all, looking for something different like a vertical mouse anyway.
As you can see, it’s meant to be held like a pen. If you were to lay it on its back, it would be about the same length as a regular mouse.
It has left- and right-click buttons that are placed vertically. To the right of these buttons is the scroll wheel. Of all its other features, if it didn’t have this, I would not have bought it. I gotta have my scroll wheel!
What I like about it:
- It keeps me from having to rest my wrist on the table like I would if I were to use a mouse.
- It feels pretty comfortable in my hand (more on this later).
- The scroll wheel.
- Stores easily.
- It’s optical.
What I dislike about it:
- It’s too light. It takes some getting used to, but I think adding some weight to it while keeping its size would definitely improve the overall user experience. For the first few days I used it, I kept having to focus controlling with my hands what could have been controlled by weight, if that makes sense. In other words, if you’ve ever driven a car with very sensitive power-steering, you’d know you have to compensate with smaller movements. It’s the same with this thing except without the power-steering.
- I mentioned the comfort above. It doesn’t fit my hand exactly the way I’d like it to, but it’s something I’ve worked around.
- I wish it were wireless.
- The buttons are just a little shy of giving you that solid “click” feel.
It comes in four different colors and can be used on Mac and PC. At a cost of $40, it averages out to what most other mice cost. After you train your hand that this is just a different type of mouse, you’ll get the hang of it.
They have another model that’s wireless and rechargeable. Plus, its RF receiver doubles as a flash drive. That’s a pretty neat combination.
| 2.8 |
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Mark · Filed Under Reviews
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17 Responses to “Wow-Pen: The Mouse That Acts Like A Pen”
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Looks good. Good to see ya over at the blog about crowd.
digitalnomad’s last blog post..MagicJack VoIP and International Calling
Interesting looking device. Still wouldn’t use it though.
Leon’s last blog post..My thoughts on…Britney Spears’ meltdown
@digitalnomad
Thanks! Good to see you too. It has been a while for sure.
@Leon
I would think it’s not for everybody. I still have to “think” about it, reminding myself that it’s not a regular mouse. But something I’m getting used to. But, I do still have the receipt and just under 30 days to return it.
If I was going to switch to a mouse like this, I would also have to purchase enough of these for each computer I own and my work computer. That would be like $200.00!
That is why I’ve never switched to a carpel tunnel easing keyboard. They do look nice though.
Kyle Eslick’s last blog post..Find Domains For Sale With DomainsBot
@Kyle
Whew - that’s a lot of computers there, Kyle.
I am impressed by it looks. But i might have some difficulty playing FPS games with it.
Madhur Kapoor’s last blog post..Reveal Hidden asterisks password using Revelation
@Madhur
LOL That’s so true. It’s definitely not a gaming device.
[…] MeAndMyDrum: Wow-Pen: The Mouse That Acts Like A Pen […]
Odd looking device ;P I probably wouldn’t have much trouble getting used to one though after using a tablet for so long. I kinda like my Intellimouse though…it clicks well enough for me
Mike’s last blog post..Free music on the internet? Imagine that.
@Mike
Hehe, yeah, it’s definitely different. I used a Wacom table many moons ago and loved it. Made it so much easier to edit photos and such. But that’s when I had a corporate budget to work with.
LOL, they do practically require a corporate budget. Expensive little buggers ;P
Mike’s last blog post..Free music on the internet? Imagine that.
Wow.Thats a little over budhet lol
You know, when someone finally does something about the laptop trackpad, that person is going to make a lot of money.
I’m def with you, I can’ stand using a trackpad. Which is probably why I’m here at a desk vs snug in my bed.
Bush Mackel’s last blog post..Cloverfield Review - I LIKE!
@Motivator
Thanks for commenting!
@Bush
My office laptop has the vertical and horizontal scroll included on the trackpad which makes them a little more friendly. But alas, my used laptop does not have such a nicety. Oh well, it’s a starter.
I think it’ll be something we implant into the back of our heads.
Can you tell me where you purchased? I am actually looking for a pen mouse so I can sign documents without printing them. I am having a difficult time finding them in a store. I dont like to purchase those new type of things online. Gotta see it, feel it!
@Patty
Hi there. Welcome to MeAndMyDrum.
I bought this at a store called MicroCenter. While I believe it’s good as a mouse alternative, I’m not entirely certain how it would perform as a tool allowing you to sign something on your computer. You could do it, but it may feel awkward. My suggestion would be to get a pen and tablet device.
@Patty: There’s a new tablet by Wacom called Bamboo that would probably work nicely for signing documents. I think they start at around 80 bucks. Slightly pricey, but Wacom makes good stuff =)
Mike’s last blog post..Time to catch up on some awards