A4 Tech NB-50 MouseWe start the round-up with the latest innovation from A4 Tech. After quite some time, we have the great pleasure to review some of the finest, and newest, products from A4 Tech.
 
The package contains everything you need to use the mouse. You get the mouse, a specially designed mouse pad for this particular mouse, and, last but not least, the software media.
 
What is so special about this mouse, you will ask. As you can see, it's got its own mouse pad, something that other computer mice cannot brag about it. But this takes us nowhere. So, what about the batteries, the charger? There isn't one. No, there is no trick about it.
 
A4 Tech boldly states this optical wireless mouse doesn't need any batteries to work. How can that be possible? Simple, physics. Hard to believe, isn't it?
The NB-50 works on physics principles. It makes use of something you may already heard about at physics classes, Cross Inductive Power or Electromagnetic Induction. Basically, the NB-50 receives its power from the electro-magnetically charged mouse pad, and you don't need any cables or batteries. It works on friction, by sliding the mouse on its specially designed pad.
Electric current is created by passing a small coil of wire through a magnetic field. Placing the mouse pad near a metal surface confirms the presence of a low-powered magnet. This is how the mouse pad works.
This makes it the first product of its kind, along with the previous model also from A4 Tech. Battery-free wireless and optical mouse. Sounds quite interesting as well as intriguing, isn't it? But it's possible with the NB-50.
The mouse pad is looks quite ordinary. It connects to the computer through a USB connection which is also the power source for the pad itself.
The mouse itself is quite similar to other models. Its design is little bit out of ordinary, but stylish. It's got five buttons, including the scroll wheel. When it's functioning, it lights up red on the sides (right on the black strip). The previous model, the NB-30, featured only two buttons and a scroll wheel.
The right and left buttons blend in with the body of the mouse. It gives a nice touch of style and a pleasant feeling when using it. It's great looking and stylish. Unlike many mice, the NB-50's scroll wheel has good resistance to movement. The NB-50 mouse is fairly large and fits quite well in the hand, even in larger hands. It doesn't weight much, actually it is very light.
The 620 DPI (dots-per-inch) optical sensor does quite well, if not great in some cases. It responds to movement quickly, and precisely.
Since it's using a proprietary mouse pad and there are no other mouse pads on which you can use this mouse, you will have to settle with the 'standard' mouse pad. Not to worry although. The mouse pad surface is smooth and very well made. No complains about it. Gaming with the NB-50 left me a good impression. It is fairly large, responsive, and it doesn't use any batteries that can dry out in any moment.
Overall, the NB-50 does not disappoint at all. It does everything it is supposed to do, and it does it just great. It's wireless, it's optical, and it runs without any batteries or any other power cells. No need to recharge, like similar products. The performance is quite good. Maybe a 800 DPI optical sensor would have been better, but you can't have it all.
No precise word on pricing, but I guess you can find it retailing for about $40. It's worth the money, considering the battery expenses you save with the NB-50. All in all, the NB-50 is an innovative product with lots to offer. It must be taken as a serious contender, comparing with other computer mice, as well as a valuable product.
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