The Scope Node M-SN1UL series incorporates a laser sensor which is capable of achieving a higher recognition rate in low-contrast situations than that of a conventional optical mouse. The sensor used in the Scope Node is able to pick up the subtle movement of the mouse and accurately translate that movement into the cursor movement. The position of the laser on the base of the mouse is designed to correspond to where your fingers sit above, so that the laser will sit almost directly underneath the tip of your index finger.
The Scope Node is also uniquely characterized by the position of the laser sensor, which is aligned to that of the pen tip. The position of the sensor allows high-resolution performance (1,600 dpi) accurately represented on the PC or laptop screen. Elecom reports that you will be able to “use a PC monitor and a mouse like a piece of paper and a pen, because you hold the mouse like you are holding a pen.” Placing the sensor almost directly under the users index finger does make the most functional sense, as this is the finger used most often to execute commands to the mouse, and is the main finger used to control accuracy and placement of a pen.
Other design initiatives of the Scope Node include an exposed scroll wheel that is a full 27mm in circumference for more precise control and ease in scrolling. Its weight of 123g has been balanced over the design of the mouse to enhance operator use and movements.
System requirements of the Scope Node include Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Mac OS. It connects via a USB interface and is compatible with most operating systems, eliminating the need of installing a dedicated driver. Furthermore, the laser sensor conforms to the safety level for the Class 1 Invisible Beam Standard.
In comparison with other mice, the Scope Node has a top rating of 1600 dpi. The Logitech G9X, for example, gives precise pixel targeting at 200 dpi, with adjustments up to 5000 dpi for maneuvering. There are other corded and wireless laser mice available on the market for approximately the same retail price, including the Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000, and the Iogear, with 1600dpi and 28x more tracking power than mice using an optical sensor. Elecom, however, indicates that their product is the most precise mouse due to the positioning of the laser sensor.
The Scope Node is already available in Japan for 6,300 yen (or about $64 U.S. dollars) and its. availability is currently limited to European and Asian markets.
TFOT has covered other stories on use of the laser in daily life, including the stories “Laser Hard Drives in the Making,” and “Laser Knife.” TFOT also covered a story on the SafeMouse, which can backup user files, encrypt and store them, and destroy memory upon forced entry.
For more information on the Scope Node, you can visit Elecom’s website.
