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Logitech's "Mouse that Feels"

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the interesting-ideas dept.

Jayvz writes "There is short article on CNN saying that Logitech is to release the iFell MouseMan this fall. It vibrates (or rather feed-back) as you move your cursor over "texturized" pictures. " I saw a variation on this way bacj that was quite practical, but wasn't "texture" it was more "magnetic" (resize a window and have it feel like you're stretching a rubber band... drag a window to a border a feel resistance). Awesome stuff, but I'll believe it when its happening on my desk.

5 of 135 comments (clear)

  1. This I'd like to see. by dietcrack · · Score: 4

    Reuters:

    Computer security experts warn of a new virus running rampant around the web, specifically targeted at users of the iFeel Mouseman force-feedback mouse. The virus, once it infects the user's computer, causes the mouse to zip off the desktop and repeatedly attack the user's genital area.

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  2. TO DO List by NoahPhex · · Score: 4

    1) Purchase a iFell MouseMan
    2) Install the mouse
    3) Search for texturized porn

  3. New use for an old joke by FascDot+Killed+My+Pr · · Score: 5

    ...the iFell MouseMan...

    I'll get one of these when I can also buy the iCan'tGetUp Keyboards and imHavingTroubleBreathing Joystick.
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  4. Yes but... by JCCyC · · Score: 5

    - Will you feel the cold in your hand if your app freezes?
    - Will it bite you and pass bubonic plague?
    - Will it run away in terror if you type cat > /dev/mouse?
    - Will it sense lame jokes like these and automatically close the window before you click "Submit"?

  5. This is almost exactly what is needed. by TheDullBlade · · Score: 5

    The problem with mice is that you've always had to execute fine motor control with no tactile feedback. It takes too much concentration and slows everything down. When you can feel a button, it will be much easier.

    But vibration is not the ideal way to do it. What would be perfect is instead of the buttons, have a small pin-grid array (like those toys you can press your hand or face onto and they'll retain the contours on the other side) connected to electromagnetic actuators to create a small textured area so you can really feel fine details (especially edges) with your fingertips.

    Of course, that would be much more expensive, but would greatly improve the usability of GUIs.

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    Despite rumors to the contrary, I am not a turnip.

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