Computer Graphics World

Numbers Game Every input device is virtually as unique as the person using it, but all deliver the promise of increased productivity, comfort, and creativity. e fi rst place to start when shopping for the optimal input device is the spec sheet. "Creative teams deal a lot with pixels, fi ne lines, and other aspects of work need- ing very concise precision, and their input device needs to keep up with that," says Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff , president of Razer, a manufacturer of cutting-edge pe- ripherals for the computer gaming indus- try. "We have built our input devices to be precise and responsive, which are the exact qualities any DCC person looks for in an input device, given the nature of the job." Precision is an all-important characteris- tic, as is responsiveness. If an input device is lacking in one or both traits, frustration will most certainly ensue and the device soon relieved of its duty. Precision, or accuracy, is measured in either dots per inch (dpi) or inches per second (ips). Responsiveness, or how quickly the device responds to user input, is relayed in milliseconds (ms); for example, many popular mice off er a 1ms response time. Razer's new DeathAdder for the Mac, re- portedly the world's fi rst 3 infrared-sensor gaming mouse, boasts impressive numbers. "It tracks at up to 120 ips, has Ultrapolling at 1000z/1ms, and maxes out at 6400 fps, which equates to 5.8 megapixels per second, on top of ergonomic consider- ations we have vested in the mouse," says Krakoff . Razer's 3G Laser Sen- sor, which powers the Razer Lachesis gaming mouse, achieves a maximum of 4000 dpi, whereas its 3G Infrared Sensor off ers a maximum 1800 dpi and drives the Razer DeathAdder. "Dpi is overrated," cautions Krakoff . "Dpi has been incorrectly perceived as the defi ning metric of mouse performance, which has led to both a simplistic view of mouse performance and an attempt by some manufacturers to take advantage of the popular perception by artifi cially infl at- ing the dpi specifi cations of their mice." While dpi is still a factor to be considered, a more accurate measurement of a mouse's capabilities lies in its ips, explains Krakoff . Ips is the maximum speed at which the mouse can move over the surface and still retain accurate tracking without resulting in random cursor movements. "Ips is key for DCC practitioners, since they need very ac- curate input devices to enhance their pro- ductivity and workfl ow," he says. Ips performance is vari- able, however, and de- pends on the uniformi- ty of the surface being tracked, Krakoff notes. In general, laser sensors achieve superior ips on smooth surfaces, whereas optical sensors attain high ips fi gures on less- uniform surfaces. As a result, he explains, sensor manufacturers typically provide conservative ips estimates that take into account the most com- mon dedicated mouse surfaces. Specs can be important, says Tan Yng Jich, Razer's assistant marketing manager (creative) with global design responsibili- ties pertaining to the company's marketing and retail collateral. "You can save and buy a cheap mouse, but at the end of the day, it might waste you more time because it's not precise or responsive enough, and you end up not being effi cient." All these specifi cations considered, opti- mal mouse selection doesn't come down to just numbers. Beyond Specs With just a glance around a creative studio, department, or work group, it quickly be- comes evident that no single, perfect input solution exists for everyone. One's choice in an input tool is likely as unique, individual, and personal as the hand that controls it. A growing number of creative profes- sionals are abandoning the one-style-fi ts-all approach and shunning the standard (and, in some cases, sub-standard) mouse off ered with their workstation. e choice of input device is a personal one, and yet a number of characteristics should be considered be- fore making a fi nal purchasing decision. DCC professionals rely on their in- put device day in and day out. It is the tool with which they interface with their workstation, their programs, their projects, and their own designs. It is important to con- sider the way they work, the tools they use, and the types of projects with which they are involved SpaceNavigator from 3Dconnexion delivers 3D navigation to architects, artists, students, and other 3D enthusiasts, as well as supports for more than 100 powerful 3D applications. Razer unveiled its Death- Adder gaming mouse with a 3G infrared sensor and ergonomic, right-handed design for maximum gameplay and extended use. October 2008 27 Hardware ■ ■ ■ ■

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