AVB VMouse

VMouse**

Manufacture: AVB Technologies

Price: $35 (US)

Review date: 9/24/00

I just finished a very opinionated column for PC Games and PC Action Magazines concerning the new force mice. I criticized the fact that there is little support for these devices due to their need for software support. In order for the support to be present game designers, webmasters and application developers need to implement the coding for the effects to be present. Currently only a handful of programs are out there supporting force effects in programs appropriate for mouse control.

AVB took this into consideration. They also looked at the expanding use of alternative operating systems such as Linux, Win2K, BeOS, etc. The API's that drive most force devices are limited to Windows use. AVB's solution was to take the support for sound and adapt it to force effects. The VMouse connects to the USB or PS/2 port and your soundcard. By translating the sound frequencies into action you have a low cost force device that works with nearly all applications, games and operating systems.

Features:

• USB or PS/2 connection
• Scroll Wheel
• 3 buttons
• Vibration Feedback
• Cross OS function

Appropriate for:

• Gaming
• Web Browsing
• Graphics work

Warrantee:

1 year limited.

System Requirements:

• PS/2 or USB connection
• Soundcard with 1/8" sound out port

Setup:

Setup of the AVB VMouse is pretty easy. The mouse uses no external power source- deriving all of its needed power from the USB or PS/2 port. By using either the USB port (requires Windows 98 or higher) or the included adapter and the PS/2 port for the primary connection the basic mouse connection is set. The connection that delivers the force effects is pictured below. A 1/8" stereo plug connects to your soundcard while your speakers are then connected to the connected port. Setup only takes a minute or two at the back of your machine and is not complicated.

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