New Genius Mouse Has a Windows 8 Mode

By Kevin Parrish
published

This mouse tries to make Windows 8 a bit more tolerable for those without a touchscreen.

Genius introduced this week the Ergo 8800, an ergonomic wireless infrared mouse that's ideal for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users. The peripheral has two modes: the traditional setup and one that caters to the design of the Start Screen. The Ergo 8800 is now available in the US and Canada for the suggested retail price of $49.99 USD.

To activate Windows 8 mode, users must hold down the left, right and scroll buttons simultaneously. Once activated, the user can switch between active apps and open up the Charms bar with a single click. Users can also toggle between the Start Screen and the last app used. Four additional hot keys provide access to Previous, Next Page, Flying Scroll, and to adjust the DPI between 800, 1200 and 1600.

"One set of AA batteries can power the Ergo 8800 for up to 36 months in part thanks to its advanced infrared sensor that is designed to consume less power," the PR states. "Moreover, the Ergo 8800 can also be operated on a single AA battery. This eco-friendly, power-saving design translates to a hassle-free mousing experience."

According to the PR, the peripheral's ergonomic design encourages a natural hand, wrist and forearm posture, thus helping to prevent possible strain that can lead to potential injuries and stress. Unfortunately, this mouse is only designed for right-headed customers; lefties will need to look elsewhere such as Microsoft, which provides Windows 8 devices for either hand.

"For easy portability, a two-in-one slot allows room for both placements of the pico receiver and Stick-N-Go mount," reads the PR. "The plastic Stick-N-Go piece can be secured onto any notebook or ultrabook, letting users effortlessly mount the Ergo 8800 for trouble-free storage while on-the-go."

For more information about the new Genius Ergo 8800, head here.

Kevin Parrish
14 Comments Comment from the forums
  • chill1221
    A special mouse for a special OS! does it come with a helmet? ;P
    Reply
  • Zepid
    Windows 8 (pre 8.1 and 8.1 update) worked perfectly fine without a touchscreen or special device. It still does. It takes a special kind of potato brain to not learn the minor GUI changes in under 20ms and a potato-grade brain at maximum 5 seconds to learn the new GUI with a mouse.

    Who then are these devices for? Vegetables who want to visit OK Cupid?
    Reply
  • Manolis T
    Of course you need a special mouse for windows 8.What a failed OS...
    Reply
  • vpoko
    Zepid, I agree, Windows 8 was mildly annoying; then I got used to it and that was that. It's still not optimum, but I have no problem getting everything done with it. It's amazing that so many people who consider themselves techies have a problem with it. Makes me worry about the future of techies.
    Reply
  • vpoko
    It uses an IR sensor? So you need line of sight? Not sure how common that is for mice, but the one wireless mouse I have is RF, which seems a lot more reliable than IR.
    Reply
  • classzero
    "One set of AA batteries can power the Ergo 8800 for up to 36 months in part thanks to its advanced infrared sensor that is designed to consume less power," the PR states. "
    I am not sure where you get the idea of an IR sensor. The website states "2.4Ghz technology anti-interference and power saving"
    http://www.geniusnet.com/Genius/wSite/ct?xItem=58727&ctNode=105
    Reply
  • vpoko
    13125159 said:
    "One set of AA batteries can power the Ergo 8800 for up to 36 months in part thanks to its advanced infrared sensor that is designed to consume less power," the PR states. "
    I am not sure where you get the idea of an IR sensor. The website states "2.4Ghz technology anti-interference and power saving"
    http://www.geniusnet.com/Genius/wSite/ct?xItem=58727&ctNode=105
    It's in the quote you posted, an infrared sensor is an IR sensor. But yeah, since it says 2.4 Ghz, that must mean RF.
    Reply
  • knowom
    It uses an IR sensor? So you need line of sight? Not sure how common that is for mice, but the one wireless mouse I have is RF, which seems a lot more reliable than IR.
    Not all IR requires line of sight there is a type of IR called diffused IR.
    Reply
  • Durandul
    Windows 8 (pre 8.1 and 8.1 update) worked perfectly fine without a touchscreen or special device. It still does. It takes a special kind of potato brain to not learn the minor GUI changes in under 20ms and a potato-grade brain at maximum 5 seconds to learn the new GUI with a mouse.

    Who then are these devices for? Vegetables who want to visit OK Cupid?
    The problem is not with using the new interface, the problem is that it's jarring as hell to be brought to a whole new screen when you hit the start button. That and why call it windows if the new feature that you are trying to implement try's to get rid of windows. At least give users the option of windowing the apps. And that's the main problem. The two biggest complaints with the OS could have been implemented in under a week by a team of developers, but Microsoft had to make an ass of itself. But, in usual Microsoft fashion, they're taking back those decisions at least in part, so have to give them credit for that.

    TL;DR: Give users a choice.
    Reply
  • danwat1234
    Start8, classicUI etc FTW to make win8 look like win7, then there's no need for this special mouse
    Reply