Review: MiniPro Ti

Reviewed By: Kirk Hiner

Review Date: September 30, 2001

Know what I don't understand? Those robot dogs. I just don't get 'em. I have a co-worker who asked her parents for a robot dog that cost somewhere around $2,000, and she honestly expected to get it.

"Why in Sam Hill would you want a $2,000 robot dog?" I asked her at least a dozen times.

Her response was the same each time, and it never adequately answered my question; "Because it's so cute!"

$2,000 worth of cute? Whatever. Not surprisingly, she did not get the robot dog she wanted. Instead, she got a robot dog that cost $35.00...still far too much to pay for a hunk of plastic and diodes that does nothing more than flash its eyes, walk and bark. I mean, if you want something cute for $35.00 get the MiniPro Ti mouse from Contour Design.

The first thing that struck me about the MiniPro Ti is that it's the first mouse that actually looks like a mouse. Well, like an armless, legless, tailless, metallic, cycloptic mouse; the kind of unfortunate mouse brought about by years of genetic tampering at the hands of a misguided government funded scientists, but a mouse nonetheless. So, before we talk function, let's talk appearance.

The MiniPro Ti, as one would guess from its name, is aimed mainly at Titanium Powerbook users. This is not to say it doesn't look good sitting next to the new iBooks (or my G4 tower, for that matter). Rather, I just wouldn't be surprised to overhear people justifying the purchsase of a Titanium Powerbook because it would go sell with their MiniPro Ti.

Also like the new Apple portables, The MiniPro Ti is exceptionally light. I'd even wager that most of its weight comes from the 32" USB chord. This is a hidden benefit of optical technology, I'm now realizing. Those balls were heavy.

Optical mouse devices are a natural fit with portable computers. The mouse can be used on practically any solid surface outside of mirrors, and there's no longer a need to lug around a mouse pad. The optical tracking on the MiniPro Ti is practically flawless. I tried it on my desk, a note pad, a paperback book, even my Levi's jeans, and the little guy remained responsive and accurate on them all. In fact, its smaller size made it comparatively easier to use in tight spaces; a tremendous benefit for those working on airplanes, trains, and the like.

In this tiny little mouse (3 1/2"L x 1"H x 1 7/8"W), Contour Design somehow managed to squeeze two buttons. The secondary button sits at the base of the primary, and it's darker color allows for easy location through peripheral vision. It's also slightly raised, so a simple slide of the finger will easily find and click it. Contour's version of the powerful USB Overdrive, called Contour Overdrive, is available for download to customize the features of these buttons. Until an OS X version of the driver is released, the secondary button defaults to contextual menu in OS X.

Then there's the "Pack n' Go" carrying case, which is included for free. This case provides a convenient way to store and transport the MiniPro Ti; it's not a lot larger than Apple's optical Pro Mouse, so it manages to protect MiniPro Ti and its cable from damage without taking up too much space in your Powerbook carrying case.

The pads on the bottom of the MiniPro Ti are large enough to provide a smooth glide for a long of period of time (much better than those on the full size Logitech optical mouse I normally use), but not so large that they produce drag like those on Apple's pro mouse. However, the main button on the MiniPro Ti feels flimsy. Also, the design seems to promote premature clicking. Quite often I'd just reach for the mouse and find myself accidentally clicking the primary button.

Although desktop users will probably want to stick with a larger, more ergonomic mouse, there's no question that Powerbook and iBook users will find the MiniPro Ti to be an exceptional alternative to the trackpad. It's small size may seem uncomfortable to some, but its usefulness will quickly become apparent. With a precise optical tracking system, two customizable buttons (in classic, anyway), and the pack n' go carrying case, no portable portable computer should be purchased without it.

After all, on what else are you going to spend your money? One of those robot dogs? The MiniPro Ti is cuter, anyway. Cuter, quieter, more functional, and about $2,000 less expensive, and there's a lot to be said for that.

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