Slashdot Mirror
Mice Designed by Famous Anime Artists
Roland writes "Japan Gadgets reports that eminent Japanese animators Masamune Shiro (Ghost in the Shell) and Hajime Katoki (Gundam) have decided to apply their creative design skills to a new line of limited edition optical mice. Due to be released in Japan in late November, each of the two mouse designs will be available in black, silver, and white and come with a special printed insert of an interview with the respective designer." Definitely thinking outside the box... not sure about the ergonomics, but points for aesthetic ;)
slashdotted before the first reply. This some kind of a record?
We ARE getting better and better...
Nobody writes jokes in base 13. - DNA
anyone?
Ghost in the Shell
Slashdotted all to Hell
Better mice than Dell
i know how much a lot of you people like their anime, but a /.'ing in less than 6mins? thats determination.
Was anyone able to view this page? there 3 comments posted and I could'nt get to it at all....
couldn't anyone of the first visitors to the new stories' sites make a mirror? isn't it possible to make a temp mirror on slashdot servers, let's say for an hour or two?? many interesting sites are just poorly hosted and won't withstand /.-ing..
Until someone hardwires a REAL mouse for user input.
/^[A-Z0-9._%+-]+@[A-Z0-9.-]+\.[A-Z]{2,4}$/i
But Masamune Shirow can draw some really nicely curved women, and sweet organic tech, if the link ever gets un-/.'d I'd like to see what he came up with.
He tried to kill me with a forklift!
Despite looking "hi-tech" (since when did that become a noteworthy style?) these things look like they'll be hell on your hands/wrists/arms. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very real problem, but unfortunately many people are under the false impression that it is caused by keyboards and not by mice. I'll stick with my old mouse and not leave my health up to the whim of fashion, thank you very much.
But why only the optical version? Optics in mice has yet to develop enough to become sufficient for higher end graphics work (hell, even Logitech is still making "old-fashioned" roller ball mice). Accuracy is important- why are mouse manufacturers neglecting pay attention to such a significant number of potential customers?
Have you been stalked by Seth today?
Oh well. I'll bookmark it and come back in a few days. When is Slashdot going to get a clue and develop an automatic cache of pages it links to before posting the story? That way we could actually see the sites, instead of having to grub around for ad-hoc mirror sites.
Have a look here(not /.ed yet!)
Now I just know there's got to be some Digi Charat fans out there that would love to see a Gema-gema mouse... ^_^
"I hate Cthulhu, Cthulhu hates me, I kill his cultists, He eats worlds for tea"
...appears to be mangaled...
Obviously you've never tried to handle a scared mouse, those little guys have some nasty sharp teeth..
He tried to kill me with a forklift!
They look pretty cool, but I will stick to my devilmouse pro.
This is the only link on google with some details half way down the page on what looks like this is about. Search for "mouse"
After having looked at cosmogames.com I'd have to say that I'm disapointed. They do look cool, but I imagined them to be covered in some sort of manga-style drawings, and from an ergonomic point of view I think that they are a true disaster (but I don't know, since I haven't tried any).
Are you kidding me? Talk about sell-out.
A simple rule: if it says collectible or limited edition on it, it's guaranteed to be overpriced, and usually crap. ("collector's edition McDonald's Scooby Doo Frosted Mugs"). Have you ever seen a "limited edition" item on HSN that you could turn around and sell for a penny more to anybody who is not an even bigger fool?
Those who pay for slashdot premium should demand their money back on the basis that this was, very clearly, an advertisement.
What's the legal status of the Google cache, then? Surely if they can do it, Slashdot can?
The mice (not /.ed but in Japanese) are very nice, but Y7500 that's circa 40 GBP or $60 US which is a bit steep even for a designer mouse, no?
does anyone know how many US or Canadian dollars 7500 yen is?
These mice were limited, after all!
Here I was, hoping the Shirow model would be a little plastic version of Colonol Usanagi... You can guess where the left and right buttons were located...
Just because you can mod me down, doesn't mean you're right. Shoes for industry!
They could prolly race right through my carpal tunnel
It sould be in anime section, so if I filter out anime (I do), I wouldn't see it. This is just a crappy advert, what is it doing on /. anyways?
Teg
Red Leader Standing By!
It would look so much more elegant with a square cord. :)
sig.
I'd prefer an internal bookmarking mechanism for users that have logged in. That way I could do my share of not /.ing the servers, by checking the links afterwards and not right away. Nowadays it's so hard to remember what I was going to read and on which computer I bookmarked it in my browser.
-agb
i'm intrigued by your comment on accuracy - i do a fair bit of precision work myself, and i specifically moved to optical mice because of their superior accuracy and response! well, that and the fact that my hand fits the intellimouse explorer perfectly, so less carpal tunnel potential ;)
i'd be genuinely interested in finding out exactly which optical mice you've tried, and which ball mice you believe offer greater accuracy.
Shirow's primarily a comics artist, not an animator. As far as I can tell, Black Magic M-66 is the only anime in which his involvement went much beyond allowing one of his manga to be adapted or providing character or concept designs. (See also this biography.) (Ghost in the Shell is Oshii Mamoru's adaptation of (part of) Shirow's manga of the same name.)
Just what I need. A mouse with a grotesquely pumpkin-shaped head with dinner plate eyes, and a tentacle stuffed in the mouse hole.
Cheers,
Bowie J. Poag
The Ghost in the Shell dude's mouse looks cool, but seems more suited to racing in the Wipeout series (if it were a ship) than using on a daily basis.
The Gundam dude's mouse is very boring and square, but then I think the Gundam mech's are pretty square and chunky- like Gundam vs. Eva is a Ford Cortina vs. a BMW Z8...
graspee
Pressure sensitive tablets provide more possibilities, although they are still quite simple. Then thers' the line of 3D gloves etc. which are only just emerging technologies.
Fact is that these are all devices one has to learn to work with. Only when the tools of creation become invisible, true creativity can emerge.
"It usualy starts with some screaming. Afterwards there is much running around."
Most of you aren't raving Manga fans. It said in the slashdot article that an interview with each of these two author's comes with the mouse. If it's DVD or has any type of pictures, it's worth the money to Manga fans. Shirow Masamune is the most reclusive "comics" artist in Japan. There is one known photo of him as "Shirow" and it was published something like ten years ago and is impossible to find. This guy is a hero to the "Otaku", Japanese kids with an obsession for printed manga and anime. "Shirow Masamune" is a pseudonym so getting anything like a live interview would be priceless to them (hell, me).
And here you guys are complaining about ergonomics.
[-)
What would Richard Feynman do, if he were here right now? He'd do some math and he'd follow through!
Then let /. point to the google cached version instead of the original one, scripting that should not be too hard.
That should reduce the /. effect by at least the amount of click-jerk reaction !
[Pruneau
I saw the mouse pointer designs and it appears they won't fit your hand very comfortably.
I prefer a real Microsoft or Logitech mouse pointer that does fit your hand comfortably, despite the fact the designers aren't as famous as these Japanese manga/anime artists. (smile)
In Chrono Trigger there was a sword called the Masamune as well as the two characters Masa and Mune. Interesting.
Some designs (and designers) are only fit for anime.
At least it's not a Hamtaro mouse...
Is it just me or does one of those look like the HB88? hmmm the Bonsai institute's coffers are running a bit low, copyright/patent infringment suit anyone?
~no matter where you go, there you are.
man thoose things are just not nice, at all. i apriciate theese guys can draw cartoons but hey, maybe they should stick at what they are good at, i'd rather have a 'i am bill gate's ho' mouse then one of thoose, i think the japanise can keep em
seriously mod this down. i mean ecchi is bad enough but bukkake, that's not even funny.
these mice should not exacerbate carpal tunnel onset. the shape of the mouse has very little to do with it. it's the repeated wrist motion that gets you.
in fact, i'd say these might create less damage if we assume that optical mice create less strain due to the lack of a ball, and therefore easier to move around (a stretch perhaps...).
if you want to avoid carpal tunnel, and you have problems with your mousing wrist, move to a trackball. cured a coworker's problems.
The most common image I've seen is a "manga-style" self-portrait (him sitting in a chair with PS2 in background, and drawing board etc.). I'm not saying it isn't possible, but I'd be very surprised. If it is in there, it probably wasn't taken with Shirow's permission. The last interview I read involving him only included pictures of "buildings" in the area he lives and works in, in Kobe, Japan. That is how serious this guy is about personal privacy. [-)
What would Richard Feynman do, if he were here right now? He'd do some math and he'd follow through!
the text on this site is in japanese but there are some images of them herefor those who havn't seen them yet
Androids are spying, cyborgs are dying,
such pricey mice no one is buying.
According to cosmogames.com these things are supposed to sell for around 7500 yen. I think that's around $61 which is WAY too much of a simple optical mouse. These things are not only ugly, but they look like they're horribly designed. It's sad that people will take advantage of anime fanboys just by sticking some artists name on it.
there is some info on it here, but it's about half way down the page so i repeated the message below
ELECOM announced "M-MAPP1SM" according the "M.A.P.P." series which the creator under activity designs by October 15, the game, comics, animation, etc. to Mr. Masamune Shiroh's design, and two kinds of optical mice of "M-MAPP1KH" by Mr. Hajime Katoki's design as an announcement and its 1st cartridge product. By the schedule of sale on November 22, a price is 7,500 yen, respectively. On the whole, "M-MAPP1SM" according to Mr. Masamune Shiroh of a cartoonist also with the high evaluation from overseas with an individual style is round, and it is the design with which machine-likeness was taken out extensively. On the other hand, though "M-MAPP1KH" by Mr. Hajime Katoki who took charge of the mechanism design by TV animation "Mobile Suit Gundam", the video game "Dennou Senki Virtualon", etc. uses crossroads as a base, that the mouse button part has a cylinder form etc. is the individual design out of which two persons' special feature both came. As for a color variation, three colors of "black", "silver", and a "white" are prepared for both models. the performance as a mouse -- resolution -- 800 count and an optical mouse with a wheel -- it is -- an interface -- USB The conversion adapter to PS/2 is also appended. Cable length is 1.5m, M-MAPP1SM serves as 69(W) x104(D) x35(H) mm, and, as for the size, M-MAPP1KH serves as 50.2(W) x85(D) x36.4(H) mm. The original booklet which introduced two persons' besides Driver CD design process, a concept, manufacture episode, etc. is also appended. "M. A.P.P." is the abbreviated name of "THE MECHANICAL DESIGNERS ACCELERATE THE PERIPHERAL PRODUCTS." It will be planning for ELECOM to expand lineup not only to a mouse but to other peripheral equipment, and to go from now on.
What skills does an anime designer bring that are relevant to the design of a good mouse or pointing device of any kind?
This strikes me as more like the clumsy Mickey Mouse Telephone kind of thing. Or those awful mice shaped like a sports car or what-have-you.
I can't think of a single thing an anime designer would know about mouse design that any other joe off the street wouldn't be equally capable of.
I mean, come on. Look at the way they're dressed.
First, it's an optical mouse, second it just LOOKS really damn cool, and third the Shirow ones look atleast somewhat ergonomic.
*Drools on the picture of the black Shirow one...*
Friend: "The NIC is misconfigured..." Me: "No prob, I'll just telnet in and fix it." *Silence*
It's a mouse designed by an anime artist.
It's not an anime mouse unless it explodes powerfully with far-reaching streaks.
Couldn't they just have made a mouse pad with some anime crap on it?
When I first saw the title of the article, my first thought was that it had to do with genetic engineering.
Common sense is what tells you the world is flat.
I don't know about that. The first has no sense of symmetry at all. It looks like it was designed after some of those anime starships with all the projecting rods and growths out the front. And the second is all boxy and strange looking.
:)
And the price is just.. nasty. I could see someone who is into these two artists getting them for collectors items, but for normal usage? Aesthetics aside the odd shapes would be a killer on the hand.
I'd wager those two should stick with Anime, cause they're much better at that.
Kalen D'arrie
...would inevitably end up looking like Hamtaro.
Which is why my first impulse upon reading this headline was "Who the hell cares!?"
They're weird alright, but I have to say the first one (by M. Shirow) ain't half bad. It is consistent with his usual design theme and looks like a cool conversation piece to have sitting on your desk. Is it usable though ? That's hard to say from the pictures. I've been quite accustomed to my comfy oversized M$ Optical Intellimouse for the past year or so, I don't know how my tall slender fingers would adapt to this gadget.
-Billco, Fnarg.com
At least they both have scroll wheels. I bought a Logitech scroll mouse for my Mac at work out of my own pocket because the buttonless mouse sucked so bad.
Jon Acheson
All opinions expressed herein are my own, and not those of my employers, who are appalled.
Here here. Using a mouse for graphics is like oil painting with a bar of soap. I'm a firm evangelist of the trackball/tablet combo.
The trackball lets you get all your "macro" work done fast, doesn't eat up desk space and doesnt't need to be picked up and put back down every 30 seconds.You can then use you stylus, or other tablet device (wacom makes an airbrush ) for fine, expresssive, and pressure sensitive needs. No way I coulda colored this using a mouse.
Shade http://www.kickintheeye.com
awww... I know you like the one hour cumshot..
Anyway the mice are cool, too bad you can't get them in Europe...
Have you not heard of RoboRats? http://www.techtv.com/news/scitech/story/0,24195,3 397528,00.html
A simple rule: if it says collectible or limited edition
on it, it's guaranteed to be overpriced, and usually crap... IN AMERICA
You overlook that other countries do not need to abuse those terms
like we do in the US. Much of the time (in the Japanese Anime
merchandise market) buyers are used to a character or product brand
being used all over the place. The "Scooby-Doo" mugs would not be
considered collectible, precisely because nobody would conceive of
not having mugs, pens, posterboards, lunchboxes, T-shirts, etc...
without the characters plastered all over the place as standard promotion.
In that environment, an extra effort is often made for higher quality
or some form of intrinsic value to be added to a "limited edition" product
to insure that it is set apart from the standard deluge of promotional
items. This becomes even more applicable in an area where the promotion
is taken outside the normal area of expertise of the company, character, or
creator.
Often the most important part of a slashdotted article are its pictures. (Pictures of homemade roller coasters, case mods, explosions, et hoc genus omne.) Google doesn't cache pictures.
-- Nerds on toast in the new millenium
most lefties are equally as good with their right hand for typing. Why? because we have trained ourselves.
But it feels odd to use the right hand for the mouse (would you want to use your non-dominant hand for an FPS?)
The stupid thing is that to make a left handed version all they need to do is mirror the mold. Which is easy to do on computer.
I would pay more for an ergonomic mouse if it was left-handed. I hate all the nice mice being right hand only.
RoundTop
Bukkake. Fun for the whole family.
Note that the link does not have any affiliation attached to it...mouse over it and see. I just grabbed the first link to this pointing device I saw on Google. Yeah these buggers cost more than the Fry's $5 Special but I'm cool with that. Worth every penny.
Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.
That's one other thing, he's somewhat of a weapons collector (mainly replica's because of Japan's gun laws). I know there is a cast resin model of a "Seburo" (based on designs from Ghost in the Shell) sold by a Japanese company, thought I don't remember who and what off hand. [-)
What would Richard Feynman do, if he were here right now? He'd do some math and he'd follow through!
You are quite right, I forgot to mention the picture inconvenient (when something could go well without saiyng, it always go better when you say it anyway).
But again, it will deter the lazy click-jerk in search of an easy picture.
Now that leaves a few open questions:- Is that technically possible (most probably yes).
- How will the gOOgle people/web infrastructure react ? Are they willing to handle the load ?
- After all, it's up to the site admin/responsible to consider if beeing
I really do think the /. community have to do something about it !!!
[Pruneau
The people who will buy these don't give a flying rat's ass about ergonomics. Are you people on crack? Or are you just so anal and geek-absorbed you can't think outside the practical? Do you own art? Hello? Is this thing on? Testing... testing...
- I am made of meat.
You overlook that other countries do not need to abuse those terms like we do in the US
I think the UK has decided to follow the US. I mean limited edition packaging for breakfast cereal and fizzy drinks. And then basing a whole marketing campaign around the fact.
I don't know what's worse. The blatant cynicism of the manufacturers, or the stupidity of the people who fall for it.
Do you mind, your karma has just run over my dogma.
If something says 5000 yen, you remove the last two 0s and you get $50, 500 is $5 etc. A yen is pretty much like a penny. This is how I figured it out when I went to school in Japan. We called them yennies.
Yes, 1 yen coins are tin and they will float on water:)
catgirls and fairies
I won't purchase an anime mouse until they come out with one that resembles a helpless maiden that I can violate with my penis tentables...err I mean right hand fingers.
If you're going to be patronizing, you might as well get your facts straight.
First of all, "Shirow" is how his name is romanized on every Japanese product I've ever seen. While it would be more technically correct to spell it, "Shiro" to avoid confusing people into believing his name is a 3-mora word instead of a 2-mora word, it is the spelling that he himself gives for his pseudonym.
Second, "otaku" was in fact coined to refer to obsessed fanboys in Japan. It refers to obsessed fanboys regardless of obsession, but most Americans who use the term are familiar with anime and manga fans. The tongue-in-cheek expose known as "Otaku no Video" also charts gun otaku, porn otaku, and model-building otaku as well as containing a semi-racist overdubbing of an American anime fan in Japan to be nutcase who claimed God told him to come to Japan and obsess over anime. In Japan and to a much greater extent in America, the insulting word is worn like a badge of pride, much like the words "geek" or "fundamentalist."
Third, your etymology of the word is completely wrong. "Otaku," is a word which literally means a household -- specifically someone else's household. You never refer to you're own house/family unit with that word. As such, it is a polite and neutral though slightly archaic term to greet a stranger with. Since fanboys are lacking in social graces usually, they didn't make much of a point of remember other people's names and had a bad habit of referring to everyone as "otaku." This earned them the name "otaku-zoku", or "otaku-people(/race/tribe)." It has since then been shortened to just "otaku," and use of the word "otaku" as a polite greeting has fallen out of common parlance, much like the word "gay" is rarely used in English to refer to a happy person or event. This was exacerbated by a series of child murders in the 80s by an otaku which gave adult obsession with manga and anime the kind of bad stigma that has continued to this day.
Fourth, those ergonomics do in fact suck. <g>
If it's for-profit but free, you're not the customer -- you're the product (e.g., the Slashdot Beta's "audience").
Also, haveing a really kewl mouse ain't going to make much of a difference if you haven't got really cool keyboard + LCD Screen + case mod to go with it, in fact it will make those things look worse,
Maybe they should make a limited edition pc.
try $1 = 122.928 yen
um... what are you using your mouse for?
But the mice made Earth!
My life's goal is to get a score of +3!
... we must be wary of granting too much power to natural selection
by viewing all basic capacities of our brain as direct adaptations.
I do not doubt that natural selection acted in building our oversized
brains -- and I am equally confident that our brains became large as
an adaptation for definite roles (probably a complex set of interacting
functions). But these assumptions do not lead to the notion, often
uncritically embraced by strict Darwinians, that all major capacities
of the brain must arise as direct products of natural selection.
-- S.J. Gould, "The Mismeasure of Man"
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