Many would have you believe that to achieve this it costs at least £1000, probably. In reality, you can have it for far less.

In this article, I will show you components that you can install to seriously speed up your computer, for a few hundred pounds. Granted this could still be quite a bit too much for many people, so I’ll also be posting some cheaper alternatives, in case you don’t have quite as much cash as you would like.

The components

Motherboard (ASUS PSN-E SLI) =£56

This motherboard is one of the cheapest SLI motherboards available. This is important as it means that you can attach two or more graphics cards to it, which will mean you can buy one graphics card now and a second at a later date to boost the power, and to delay the time before your computer needs another upgrade. It can also take up to 8gb of ram, has support for up to a quad core, and has onboard audio which supports 5.1, meaning you won’t have to purchase a sound card, at extra cost.
If you don’t need two graphic card slots, and you aren’t planning on getting a quad core any time soon, then a motherboard that can handle a core 2 duo can be bought for around £30.

Processor (Intel Core 2 Quad, Q6600 2.4ghz) =£116

This is probably the cheapest quad core processor going, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks quality. It has four processors working together, at a decent 2.4ghz, meaning that games that are very processor dependant (such as real time strategies), will work perfectly, and documents and pictures will open very quickly. For the tech geeks, this is also a great model for over clocking, and can be over clocked to between 3ghz and 3.2ghz with a decent amount of cooling).

If you can’t afford this, or you just reckon that a quad core is a bit over the top, then a decent core 2 duo running at 2.4ghz can be picked up for about £75 and would be fine for gaming.

Corsair 2gb DDR2 667mhz PC2-5400 Memory =£29

2gb of ram isn’t a huge amount, but is more than sufficient for most games, and meets the recommended spec even for Windows Vista Ultimate. More can always be purchased at a later date, to increase the machine’s gaming power further.
If you can’t afford this a good alternative would be to buy just 1gb of ram, then add an extra 1gb at a later date, but just remember that 2gb will increase the speed of your computer by quite a considerable amount. 1gb of ram can be picked up for under £15 if you shop around.

Maxtor Stm3250310As 250gb Hard Drive =£28

 

This is a standard 250gb hard drive. It spins at a decent 7200rpm, which is a standard for most desktop hard drives. 250gb of space should be more than enough for the average gamer, and short of downloading blue-ray discs onto it you will have a hard time filling it. If you feel you can fill it though, then you could always get an extra to give you a total of half a terabyte.

Once again, if this is going to cost too much then you can pick up an 80gb or 160gb hard drive for slightly cheaper, but the savings are minimal, and the extra memory really helps with future proofing.

Nvidia 8800gt 512mb DDR3 =£95

This is by far not the best graphics card on the market, but by no means is it the worst. At just under £100 it’s pretty cheap (compared to many), but the power it packs is great. It has 512mb of DDR3 memory, which is considerably faster than its DDR2 equivalent. For maximum power you can get two of these cards, and use them in SLI to have enough graphics power to run the latest, graphics intense games such as Crysis on high detail. But by itself its more than enough to run HD movies, and do any other picture and video work you need it to do, as well as play most games recent games at a decent resolution with decent graphics, and any older games you should be able to max out with ease.

If you don’t have a £100, but still want to play older games, or newer games on low detail, then cards such as the 7600gt can be picked up for as little as £40, even cheaper if you shop around or buy them second hand.

FINAL NOTES

The total cost for the more expensive components listed is £324.
The total cost for the less expensive components listed is approximately £180.

I hope this article gives you a better idea of how you can upgrade an old computer, and turn it into a gaming pc that can run games with decent settings, for a few hundred pounds; and even less if you use cheaper alternatives.

Please remember that the components listed here are only the internal components.  A monitor, mouse, keyboard, case, speakers and power supply are not included in this: using ones from your original PC are a great way to save a lot of money, and can easily be upgraded at a later date.

Image source: Michael Tan

At the first glance, I mistakenly took it as the sound card, network interface card, TV tuner card or any sort of cards. I could hardly guess what this thing was, and finally someone told me that this is a masterpiece of a Japanese company. It is known as PCI Disk Card which is inserted into the PCI slot of a computer or a laptop. It is indeed a magical imagination. Such invention really makes me wondering the unique as well as the creativity of the Japanese imagination.

Isn't it strange from its aluminum appearance? It looks like mosquito spray.

(Image source: Michael Tan)

What's this? Can you guess? Perhaps you will think that it's a mosquito spray as what I've thought of while looking at this bizarre stuff. I'm sure that you haven't seen something like this so-called USB anti-mosquito spray elsewhere. Now, something makes you doubt about this. Where got USB anti-mosquito spray, never heard of it before. If not, is this an USB exploding device? No, impossible, its line is too short to have even burnt your hand when you light it up. Then, what on earth is this crazy thing?

(Image source: Michael Tan)

Well, this is actually called USB sound card with its external appearance fully coated in aluminum. It was a product of Hercules Audio which is named as USB External Soundcard. This is cool, right?

Is this a blue hoop or a life buoy? What's its connection to IT?

(Image source: Michael Tan)

Crazy! What's this? Is this a blue hoop or a life buoy? Impossible, a hoop or a life buoy will not have two-legs attached at its bottom. Instead of saying it's a two-leg appliance; it seems more like two wooden rods. You will never know what this thing is by just judging from its external appearance. I'm certain that you'll have problem to guess for this thing if I decide not to tell you the answer. Well, this is a stereo headphones launched by a company called Tube. Though it may look small, it has 5.1-channel audio capability to enhance its performance. It's indeed shocking to know that it has 6 built-in speakers. Due to its extraordinary audio capability, it will cause you about 150 Euros.

Is this a product from an alien planet?

(Image source: Michael Tan)

I'm sure that every one of you may have watched science fiction movie of Minority Report 2002 directed by Steven Spielberg and starring by Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max von Sydow, and Lois Smith. You would come across with numerous technologically advanced gadgets in this movie, but this gadget with a blue semi-translucent cap attached on its top is somewhat looks like the film projector in the science fiction films. Now, you will be amazed to learn that this is a high-tech product of a Caller Display invented by Olympia InfoGlobe, and it is a model of OL 3000 caller display device. Whenever there is an incoming call, the caller ID (or calling number identification) will be automatically displayed on its screen.

What're you saying? A golden ladybird is used for a computer?

(Image source: Michael Tan)

This golden ladybird gives me a good feel to look at it. Though it's not made of the pure gold, it's manufactured with an excellent artwork to give you a delicate and sophisticated sensation.

(Image source: Michael Tan)

It's not for MP3 as you couldn't find a headphone slot to fit its plug into your laptop or computer. If not, what's this? Please guess, dear friend! Hmm, this is a U-beetle or in a simple word, U-dish. It's attractive and yet strange, right?

What's this stuff then? Its transparent body is packed with many “top secrets.”

(Image source: Michael Tan)

A first touch on this stuff made me thinking that it's a USB hub. However, this couldn't be a USB hub as its circuit is designed to be more complicated than the USB hub. As this gadget has a D-Sub interface, then it must be a graphic card. However, this guess is not true. The graphic card is an important part of the computer, it couldn't be connected externally. Even for a modern computer nowadays, there isn't any standard I/O interface that could meet the data transmission speed in this manner. The next possibility guess is that it's a screen. Again, it's incorrect as the screen will require more than one D-Sub interface but this device only has one. In fact, this is an external graphic card designed by the Japanese. A bit incredible …….Well, this stuff is not manufactured for you to play games; rather it's a dual mode, enabling multiple displays with different contents via a computer or a laptop. I don't think it could meet the requirement for 3D data processing speed, as it uses USB 2.0 interface so its speed is far behind the former mentioned earlier.

Besides showing time, what can this stuff do?

(Image source: Michael Tan)

You need no my answer and you'll tell me that this is a watch. You're right! This is a simple designed watch judging from its external appearance. Of course, its function is to show time. But, wait, my friend; don't make this as your final conclusion. Let me telling you that this is not just a watch, it's a product resulted from a micro-electronic technology. Not only it's a watch, but it has a close link to a computer. Now, at this point, you may challenge me for talking rubbish here.

(Image source: Michael Tan)

This thing is not hard to guess instead. If you keep yourself abreast with the IT news, I'm certain that you'll know that this is a U-watch. Again, this is a U-disk which is cleverly made convenient and portable for you to bring along elsewhere but it has a limited capacity for data storage.

Is this an insect of Y2K?

Image source

I can't imagine that this gigantic insect got to do with a computer. It's amazing to find that it's a computer's mouse. When you lift up its wings, it doesn't show you that it's a mouse. Instead, it looks like a housefly or any types of insects with a typically known six legs.

(Image source: InTozgc.com)

It's regarded as an insect of Y2K. Because of this invention, I've to accept the fact that human thinking is complicated and beyond the imagination. Needless to say about this Y2K's insect, could you imagine that your computer hardware is invented as the smelly toilet ball as listed in Desmonrock21's article entitled Gizmo: Cool Computer Case Mods 2. Gosh, stink, it gets me vomiting to look at those disgustingly designed computer products!

Oops, something totally unknown!

(Image source: InTozgc.com)

Now, my brain is poor enough to guess what this device is. It's not appearing to me as a computer's mouse. If I was not told that it's a mouse, probably I'll mad at guessing at it. And, I may never be guessed it right, I believe.

(Image source: InTozgc.com)

As shown in the above picture, its usage is very easy.

Is this a UFO?

Image source

This pumpkin-like computer product is designed to make it looks attractive as well as delicate to indirectly show the beauty in the art of the modern computer technology. The wooden treasure box which is attached with the pumpkin part looks very antique indeed! This product was on display in the exhibition of the Pentium 4 E3 in 2002.

Run, run! It's going to explode!

(Image source: InTozgc.com)

Wow, this explosive looks grand and elegant! Is this going to explore, I doubt of it. It's so beautiful. Incredibly, you couldn't imagine that it's a computer's mouse. I couldn't figure it out what's the feel when touching on it to move the cursor around the computer's screen.

Yuck, a strange human hand!

(Image source: InTozgc.com)

Yuck, a strange human hand to be your computer's mouse?! I hope this is just a nightmare but it happened to be a real fact that I've to accept while sitting in front of the computer. This hand looks so disgusting and I'm not going to touch on it. I believe that it'll bring a bad luck for me. Could you examine it closely? This strange human hand even comes with a look-real fingernail and some hair on top of its surface. Now, what do you feel? It's hilarious and bizarre though!

Yuck, another scary human body part!

(Image source: InTozgc.com)

The scary story about the designs on the mouse not only stops on a human's hand, but it also extends to the human's mouth. Look, the mouth is attached with two rows of teeth; one is located on the upper jaw, while the other one is located on its lower jaw. Whoever will want this to become his or her mouse? It's so disgusting to look at!

This is a computer and not a Christmas house. Can you believe your eyes?

Image source

Oh, I'm confusing with this device. I couldn't believe my eyes that this is a computer. Its design looks very attractive, but you can't eat the butter spreading over its top roof. While looking at this computer, it reminds me that the Christmas is around the corner.

Hey, are you kidding with me? This is a computer, you said?

Image source

This is a WMD computer, an abbreviation of its name: Weapon of Mass Destruction. From its name, you might judge that its killing power must be very scary and destructive. Why the inventor wanted to design the computer in this manner? Perhaps, the inventor just wants to show its greatest ability in terms of speed, capacity, and its operating systems. Anyway, this design is indeed hilarious!

Wow, what an odd-looking computer!

Image source

Hey, is this really a computer? Where's its CPU (processors)? Its main MOD systems are all attached to the surface of the wall, can't you see? Its motherboard, drivers, hard drives, graphic cards, and even its power cords are all hung to the side wall of the cupboard. I guess this inventor do this to avoid removing out parts of the components too often from his computer. Or else, he must be the weirdest person who feels comfortable to look at the computer in this crazy and illogical manner. See, the label pasted onto the side wall “Intel Outside!” Such a cool and ridiculous bastard!

Wow, what a good idea to have a microwave oven bake your programmes.

Image source

Do you want a microwave oven to bake your “programs?” Interesting stuff indeed! You'll get interested with this cool stuff, I'm sure. It's completely a perfect microwave oven ever designed to become a computer. This computer was displayed in CES Exhibition in 2003. This microwave oven is equipped with a liquid crystal display door. To operate this computer, you just press either its button located from the right side of this image. Its main operating system is “grilling” inside once the power button is pressed. Cool stuff though!

Do you want some cute animals running around your computer?

(Image source: Michael Tan)

Pets such as dogs, cats, hamsters, and etc. no longer will they sit on your lap, palm, or sleep beside or under your table. They are now active enough to run around parts of your computer.

(Image source: Michael Tan)

It must be enjoyable watching these cute animals or pets crawling along the cables, USB flash drive, power cords, external disks, U-disks and other computer's components. The addition of these computer by-products will definitely refresh your feeling while sitting in front of a computer or a laptop.

These are very creative designs!

(Image source: InTozgc.com)

This luxurious car designed mouse will definitely add in a sense of fashion while contributing a constructive design to the IT world. It's so nice and beautiful that I'm going to have one as my new computer's mouse. It can move just as smooth as the sport car could move along its track.

Is anyone hungry here? Would you like some fast food or Japanese delicacies?

In the past, a USB flash drive was shaped into either a rectangular or a square shape. Its shape was limited to a fundamental pattern and design. But, nowadays, the USB flash drive has shaped into a strange, wield and extraordinary pattern to increase its sale in the market. The design of USB flash drive has appeared as a fast food menu that will definitely capture the computer user's attentions worldwide.

Hamburger, Pizza, and Hotdog Menu

(Image source: Korean Monthly Technology Magazine, March 2007)

These USB flash drives take a theme of a fast food menu. They can be ranged from hamburgers, pizzas and hotdogs that you are familiar at any fast food outlets. As their appearance are manufactured in a framework resembles to hamburger, pizza, hotdog and sandwich, and thus they sometimes tempt people to eat them. Presently, these types of USB flash drives have a capacity up to one gigabyte.

A strange Menu of KFC

(Image source: Korean Monthly Technology Magazine, September 2007)

This is not a real set of KFC menu, it is a strange design of USB flash drive. If you examine it closely, you will find that the rice is actually a USB 2.0 Hub with four openings. Each opening is connected to a chicken, pudding and prawns. They are furnished with a ready boost facility with their capacities up to one gigabyte.

Octopus Sushi Menu

(Image source: Japanese Monthly Technology Magazine, January 2006)

The main design of these USB flash drives is an octopus (or tako in Japanese). If you do not examine them closely, probably you will be perceived to believe that they are real octopus. The manufacturer made them so real to give people a convenience feel of their completeness. When you pull out the head of the octopus, you can see the body of the USB flash drive. Of course, the other part of its body is a protective casing for the USB flash drive. When you insert this USB flash drive into the slot of the computer, the body of the octopus will shine or glister in blue light. It is fun and interesting to look at, isn't it?

Sushi Menu

(Image source: Japanese Monthly Technology Magazine, January 2006)

These USB flash drives are shaped into a Japanese cuisine or Sushi menu. Sometimes, you may come across a variety type of Sushi found in a Japanese restaurant which includes kappa(cucumber), California Roll, makizushi (rolls), inarizushi(toppings stuffed into a small pouch of fried tofu), Chirashizushi(scattered sushi), temarizushi (ball-shaped sushi with a filling of fish) and omelette. These USB flash drives have a capacity as big as one gigabyte.

Hmmm, this one looks rather odd!

(Image source: Jackson)

Not everyone will prefer to have their computer designed in a conventional manner, some computer enthusiasts may prefer to have their computers looking weirder than others to show that theirs stand out to be more striking and extraordinary. Despite of this perception, they started modifying their computers in this weird manner as what you see in the above picture is one of the examples. What's your opinion? Do you like this skeleton's computer? Tell me your idea, perhaps someone is going to modify his or her computer in a rather odd manner than all the stuffs I've managed to list here.

Causes of Mouse Problems

When your mouse starts misbehaving, the problem is from only one part of the hardware, "the wheel" which would be the troubleshooting center. Its either the roller of the wheel is dirty, damaged or misplaced.

The mouse could have dropped on the floor or you've been using it without a pad thereby packing dirt into the wheel house and its rollers.

Solution

Capsize your mouse so that the wheel is exposed and use you fingers to twist to the direction of the arrow around the wheel, when done look inside you will see 1 projected wheel with a rim and 2 other flat rollers on the right and the top, just check that they are in proper position.

See diagram below to know how it's supposed to be:

When in position.

What you will do is to simply look for a sharp object like a key or screw driver, after this you will see some dirt around the wheel rollers; so remove all the dirt properly from the 3 rollers and blow the dirt away. After this your mouse will work perfectly.

It always happen like this, see the diagram above then try to put it in place and also make sure its free of dirt.

When you have trouble-shooted the mouse wheel rollers close it back by turning the cover around the wheel in the opposite direction. Check the connector of the mouse behind the computer and remove it and blow it with your mouth and connect it back to its position. Look for a good mouse pad and put it under the mouse, start using it immediately!

People will now start consulting you to help them work on their mouse and eventually you've become a mouse Techie.

The optical mouse was actually first introduced in 1999 by Agilent Technologies along with Logitech. And takes roughly 1,500 pictures per second using a tiny camera. This allows for faster and smoother response than the old style mouse, and can be used without problems on almost any regular table or desk surface, but glassy or shiny surfaces are not recommended. Actually today most people use a mouse pad not for the performance of their mouse, but for comfort of the wrist.

Having less access for dust and debris, we find ourselves spending much less time and annoyance cleaning them and especially for people who play video games the computing experience is much more enjoyable. Performance is definitely much better on optical mice in every sense and most actually use less power than ball mice, and prices have dropped enough so anyone can opt for these pleasurable devices.

There are about three things you need to do in order to allow Java to respond to mouse events. First you must implement MouseListener and MouseMotionListener. The code to do that would look something like this:

class MyProgram extends JFrame implements MouseListener, MouseMotionListener {
 
…
 
}
 
Once you've implemented the mouse listeners, you then need to “activate” them. Simply add the lines to your main program like this:
 
MyProgram() {
 
…
 
addMouseListener(this);
 
addMouseMotionListener(this);
 
…
 
}

By now, you've already told Java to use and listen for mouse events. The only thing left to do now is make Java respond to those events. The MouseListener allows us to detect when the mouse is pressed, released, clicked, or when the mouse enters or exits the program's window. The MouseMotionListener adds handlers for when the mouse is moved or dragged. We can handle each event by adding methods for each one. The code for that would be:

public void mousePressed(MouseEvent me) {}
 
public void mouseReleased(MouseEvent me) {}
 
public void mouseClicked(MouseEvent me) {}
 
public void mouseEntered(MouseEvent me) {}
 
public void mouseExited(MouseEvent me) {}
 
public void mouseMoved(MouseEvent me) {}
 
public void mouseDragged(MouseEvent me) {}

Notice that in each of the methods a MouseEvent is returned. With the MouseEvent, “me”, you can get the current coordinates of the mouse, relative to the program's window by using getX() and getY(). This piece of code, demonstrates how you can get the mouse's coordinates.

public void mouseMoved(MouseEvent me) {
 
..
 
mouseX = me.getX();
 
mouseY = me.getY();
 
…
 
}

That's about it! By now you should be able to detect mouse events with Java. If you don't quite feel comfortable with mouse events yet, or if you're interested in seeing the code in action, check out the sample program I wrote below.

Java Mouse Detector

This program, written in Java, demonstrates how you could detect and respond to mouse events. It monitors the mouse's movements and actions, and displays them on the screen.

Note: The lines proceeded by “//” are called comments. They aren't necessary for the program and are skipped by the compiler. I've separated the code into code blocks in order to explain them more easily.

//Code Block 1

import java.awt.*;
 
import java.awt.event.*;
 
import javax.swing.*;
 
//End of Code Block 1
 
class MouseDetecor extends JFrame implements MouseListener, MouseMotionListener{
 
int mouseX, mouseY;
 
String mouseStatus;
 
public static void main(String args[]) {
 
new MouseDetecor();
 
}

//Code Block 2

MouseDetecor() {
 
setTitle("Java Mouse Detector");
 
setSize(300, 100);
 
setVisible(true);
 
addMouseListener(this);
 
addMouseMotionListener(this);
 
addWindowListener(
 
new WindowAdapter() {
 
public void windowClosing(WindowEvent we) {
 
System.exit(0);
 
}
 
}
 
);
 
}

//Code Block 3

public void paint(Graphics g) {
 
g.setColor(new Color(255, 255, 255));
 
g.fillRect(0, 0, 300, 100);
 
g.setColor(new Color(0,0, 0));
 
g.drawString("Mouse status:" + mouseStatus, 10, 60);
 
g.drawString("Mouse X:" + mouseX + " Mouse Y: " + mouseY, 10, 70);
 
}

//Code Block 4

public void updateMouseInfo(int x, int y, String status){
 
mouseX = x;
 
mouseY = y;
 
mouseStatus = status;
 
repaint();
 
}

//Code Block 5

public void mousePressed(MouseEvent me){
 
updateMouseInfo(me.getX(), me.getY(), "Pressed");
 
}
 
public void mouseReleased(MouseEvent me){
 
updateMouseInfo(me.getX(), me.getY(), "Released");
 
}
 
public void mouseClicked(MouseEvent me){
 
updateMouseInfo(me.getX(), me.getY(), "Clicked");
 
}
 
public void mouseEntered(MouseEvent me){
 
updateMouseInfo(me.getX(), me.getY(), "Entered");
 
}
 
public void mouseExited(MouseEvent me){
 
updateMouseInfo(me.getX(), me.getY(), "Exited");
 
}
 
public void mouseMoved(MouseEvent me){
 
updateMouseInfo(me.getX(), me.getY(), "Moved");
 
}
 
public void mouseDragged(MouseEvent me){
 
updateMouseInfo(me.getX(), me.getY(), "Dragged");
 
}

}

Understanding the code

Code Block 1:

This code simply imports the packages we need to run our program. “Java.awt” contains the user interface toolkit. “Java.awt.event” allows Java to respond when the user closes the program. “Javax.swing” let's us use a JFrame.

Code Block 2:

First, we set the text in the program's title bar to “Java Mouse Detector.” Next, we set the size of the program's window to 300 by 100. Using “setVisible(true)” we make the program appear on the screen. After that we add the MouseListener and MouseMotionListeners so the program can detect mouse events. Finally, we add a WindowListener to detect when the program is closed.

Code Block 3:

This section of code is our paint method. In this example, we use it to display information about the mouse. First we set the drawing color to white, which in RGB format is: 255, 255, 255. Next we fill an area of 300 by 100 (the size of the program's window) with the color white. Then, we set the drawing color to black or 0, 0, 0 in RGB. Lastly, we draw two strings, one containing the current action of the mouse (stored in “mouseStatus”), and the second containing the mouse's x and y coordinates (stored in mouseX and mouseY respectively).

Code Block 4:

This is the function we use to, as the name says, update the information about the mouse on the screen. This function receives three variables: the x and y coordinates of the mouse, and the mouse's status. Once it has stored that information into the appropriate variables, it calls the paint method (using “repaint()”) to redraw the information on the screen.

Code Block 5:

All the mouse actions in this program do the same thing: get the mouse's x and y coordinates, change “mouseStatus” to the appropriate event, and repaint the screen. Instead of writing those same three instructions over and over for each handler, we wrote one function to do those three things, “updateMouseInfo”. When we call “updateMouseInfo”, we pass three variables to the method: the mouse's x coordinate, the mouse's y coordinate, and the appropriate status.

Uses for Detecting Mouse Events

Probably the biggest uses for mouse events are games. Many Java games, in some form or another, need information about the mouse. Drawing and photo manipulation programs often also need to detect mouse actions. Basically, whenever you plan on having some sort of Graphical User Interface, it's good to know how to detect mouse events.

Hopefully, you could grab a point or two out of this article that helped and I'm always open to suggestions. Thanks for checking this article out. Good luck coding in Java!

This mouse was first introduced at the Taitronics in Bangkok in 2007. It combines a mouse and a number pad, just flip the outer case open for a number pad, or close it for a mouse. It is pretty useful for laptops.

This mouse is controlled by an optical sensor, which allows it to be used in mid-air.

This mouse operates exactly like a normal mouse, except it was made from an old Nintendo controller. In other words, it looks cool.

This mouse isn't for your hands; it's for your feet. You put your feet on them, press down to click, and move around to move your cursor. By the way, the feet mouse are $316, which most people would call a rip-off.

The gun mouse is an alternative to the average mouse. I think it just is a gun on a computer mouse since the site didn't state exactly how it worked. It would be cool if it worked like a Wii Remote though.

1. The Combimouse

   
   
   The Combimouse keyboard was created to try to combine the mouse and keyboard. The right keyboard is used for the mouse, with a two keys doubling as a left or right click. The spin wheel is located at the bottom of the left keyboard. This keyboard wasn't created to help you type faster, rather to universalize the keyboard and mouse. This is the first of many attempts to come at a universal keyboard. At the time you cannot purchase one of these, but they should hit the market in 2008.

2. The Evolution Keyboard

   
   
   This is both separable and connectable. Here it is pictured on a track mount. The two halves can be positioned how you want them, as they can move ninety degrees in any direction. How much would it cost to get your hands on one of these? The model with the track mount can range from $400 to $700.

3. The Wearable Keyboard

   
   
   A keyboard that you plug into the USB port on a computer and can type while it is attached to your arm. This is not exactly made for your general home office, and is more likely to be used at a work site where carrying a keyboard is not very practical. The price varies depending on the quantity. You can receive a quote from Terralogic.

4. The Optimus Maximus Keyboard

   
   
   This is one of the new fully customizable keyboards on the market. Each key is a tiny LCD screen. You can choose what each key is, and will show. If you want to reorganize the letters, you can do that. You can also set keys to perform other things, such as html codes, or special symbols if you like. You can buy one of these online for about $450.

5. The Virtual Keyboard

   
   
   The Virtual Keyboard is a laser keyboard. The unit is the size of a cigarette lighter, and uses Bluetooth technology to connect it with your pc. The keys are all illuminated onto a flat surface. You can simply type from there. Although the lack of feeling to the touch of the “keys” may not be same this is the ultimate space saver, and shows promise of many similar products, be it computer products or not, to come from this technology. You can get your hands on one of these for around $150.

6. The SafeType

   
   
   This keyboard is meant to put the keyboard in as comfortable of a position as possible. You can move the different sections to different angles, as well as take them apart and put them on your lab. However you choose it's all about putting it in such a way that makes typing more relaxed for you. You can purchase one of these for about $300.

7. The Tidy Tippist

   
   
   Here is a decorative keyboard with the keys disguised into the washable tablecloth. The keyboard and electrical components are sealed inside layers and layers of water resistant felt. It hasn't been put on the market yet, but you can expect its release in late 2008.

8. The AlphaGrip Keyboard

   
   
   A game controller style keyboard. It plugs into the USB and you can type while sitting back reclined in a chair, running on a treadmill, or lying in bed. It features a ten finger keyboard and mouse all in the shape of a controller. Once you get the hang of this you can successfully type at fifty to seventy words per minute. You can pick one of these up for $100.

9. The ElekTex Fabric Keyboard

   
   
   This is exactly as it sounds. It is a wireless keyboard place inside a piece of fabric. When you are done you can simply roll it up and put it away. If it gets dirty you can put it in the wash. Your best price would be on Amazon for $80 new.

10. The FingerWorks TouchStream LP

    
    
    The TouchStream is both a mouse and keyboard in one. The keyboard splits in half to try to provide extra comfort. The keys are all flat, which can make them feel strange to type on. It retails on the internet for about $350.

Most of you remember our old gray balled mouse. Most of them were good enough for office work, but a bit annoying for gaming. Then came optical mice which took the world by a storm.

Everyone wanted one and they quickly became the "de facto."

Today, you should hang the computer salesman with the mouse' cord if he gives you a balled mouse.

All is well until gamers (as always) start to want more and more.

The optical mouse has matured beyond its limits and now, it gives excellent precision. Logitech, together with a couple of others such as Microsoft, were on the front of this epic war. They released some of the most successful mice out there. Hell, I own a Logitech MX900, and I used to love Microsoft hardware!

This year, we should congratulate Logitech.

Again, they have evolved our rodent from the optical world to the laser world, giving an absolute precision increase over its predecessors.

Right now, it is said to be the most precise mouse in existance, and that can only mean more frags! At a decent price too!

Kiwi ingenuity wins Gold with an exceptional keyboard designed to help people with disabilities to overcome frustrating circumstances by enabling them to use a computer and get online with much greater ease. LOMAK (light operated mouse and keyboard) took out the gold in the Computer Equipment category of the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) and is the brainchild of Peter Haythornthwaite.

"This award recognizes the skills, passion and vision of a talented team of people" says design principal Peter Haythornthwaite. "Our designers worked with inventor Mike Watling and engineers to create a system that has a profound effect on the lives of people with disabilities." The CEO, Chris Mulcare, says the LOMAK is transforming customers' lives. Sam Morgan has joined the Board of Directors and has also invested in Opdo. He is a former director/co-owner of Trade Me, one of New Zealand's recent business success stories.

So far the users of LOMAK have ranged in age from 7 years old to 78 years and have had different disabilities. There were people with RSI (repetitive strain injury), MS (multiple sclerosis), cerebral palsy, spinal muscular dystrophy, quadriplegia, arthritis and motor neurone disease who have found that this mouse and keyboard have helped them to take advantage of opportunities that other people have access too. LOMAK users have been able to join MySpace, email friends, sell things on Trade Me and access additional educational opportunities through the internet and have some normality returned to their lives through these computer technologies being accessible and available.