Latest news with #Elecom
Tom's Guide
03-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
This $50 trackball mouse is the most comfy I've ever used — here's why
Roughly a decade ago my career as a journalist took a turn when I started noticing sharp, shooting pains in my hands and wrists after a day at the computer. Thus began my quest for a pain-free workspace, and in the years since I've switched out basically every element of my PC for a more ergonomic option. I bought an Uplift V2 standing desk to replace my old particle board shell, for example, got my hands on a more ergonomic Mavix M9 chair and invested in a decent laptop stand for working more comfortably on the road. These were easy switches to make, and they've paid off in terms of productivity and pain relief. But one of the harder decisions to make was how to replace my trusty ol' Microsoft IntelliMouse. I loved that thing, but when my hand started cramping after a few hours of resting on its flat, rounded shell I knew I had to try something else. So I started buying and testing all sorts of mouse replacements: ergonomic vertical mice, trackball mice, trackpads and even a Wacom tablet. Many have been great, but recently the folks at Elecom sent us the most comfortable trackball I've ever used and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to give it up. I'm talking about the Elecom Huge Trackball Mouse, which I'm just going to call the Elecom Huge from here on out because it's a great name. This beast of a trackball mouse comes in either wireless or wired varieties, and Elecom was nice enough to send us a wireless model to test out. After using it for weeks of work, I have to say the extra-large trackball and wide, sloped chassis are the most comfortable of any mouse I've ever used. This is a wireless version of the Elecom Huge trackball mouse that comes with a USB-A dongle you can plug into a PC. The mouse comes with an extra-large 52mm trackball, eight buttons and a scroll wheel, all of which are customizable and programmable via Elecom's Mouse Assistant app. If you'd rather avoid Amazon, it's currently $5 cheaper when purchased directly from Elecom. Price check: $49 @ Elecom Of course, a big reason for that might be that my hands seem to be a bit on the larger side compared to most folks. That became acutely clear to me when I started reviewing laptops and peripherals here at Tom's Guide, because I quickly realized my hands feel a little too cramped on most tech gear. The extra-large trackball and wide chassis don't force me to contort my hand to use them, and the rubber padding where the wrist rests helps support my wrist during marathon mousing sessions. Lots of folks love 13-inch laptops like the MacBook Air M4, for example, and I'm fond of it too, but the keyboard on a 13-inch laptop is just too small for me to comfortably type on. A comfy keyboard is one of the top things I look for when buying a laptop, so I tend to buy larger notebooks like the MacBook Air 15-inch M4. So while most trackball mice are good enough for me, they cause my hand to cramp up the same way any normal-sized mouse would because my paw is too big to comfortably to grip the device. But with the Elecom Huge, I feel like I've finally found a trackball mouse built for my massive mitts. The number one thing I love about this mouse is how comfortable it feels to use for hours at a time. The extra-large trackball and wide chassis don't force me to contort my hand to use them, and the rubber padding where the wrist rests helps support my wrist during marathon mousing sessions. The Elecom Huge is highly useful, too thanks to its eight programmable buttons and scroll wheel. You can customize its functions to your liking using the free (and good) Elecom Mouse Assistant software, and you can flip between three DPI settings (500, 1,000 and 1,500) to fine-tune how it feels to whip the mouse cursor around. Admittedly, the contoured buttons took me a little getting used to, especially the small thin ones that rest beneath your ring and pinky fingers. Even after a few weeks of use I still sometimes mix them up or hit one by accident, though that probably has more to do with user error than poor design. If it's not clear yet, I really like the Elecom Huge and think it might be the best trackball mouse I've ever used. But again, I bet a big reason for that is that my hands typically feel too large to comfortably use most PC peripherals, so this extra-large input device probably isn't a great choice for everyone. While researching it, for example, I stumbled across reviews from some users that criticized the Elecom Huge for not providing enough support to their hands or wrists. So if you're on the fence about whether to get one yourself, I recommend doing what you can to try it out before you buy. But for $50 (or $55 if you buy through Amazon) I think it's not the worst product to take a flier on, especially if (like me) you've been suffering from hand and wrist pain due to feeling uncomfortably cramped by your current mouse.
Tom's Guide
28-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I review outdoor gear for a living — these are the 6 portable power banks I'd spend my money on
If you're heading off on an outdoor adventure — be it wild camping, a multi-day hike, or just spending more time away from plug sockets — having a one of the best portable power banks is a bit of a must. Smartphones, sports watches, bike lights, and even headlamps often rely on a quick juice, especially when you're using power-hungry features like GPS. And the last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery. But not all power banks are made equal. Some are built for serious off-grid adventures, boasting huge capacity and extra features like built-in lights and SOS modes. Then others are more lightweight and portable, suited to weekend trips or chucking in your day pack 'just in case'. So, which power bank is best for what type of trip? I've rounded up a few of the best outdoor-ready portable chargers below — from massive capacity beasts to jack-of-all-trades with built-in solar charging or rugged, waterproof casings. So, whatever kind of adventure you've got planned, there should be one here to suit your needs. If you just want a small, rugged power bank for short walks or emergency top-ups, the NESTOUT Portable Charger by Elecom is a great option. It's compact and lightweight but built tough enough to withstand water, dust, and drops on a hard surface up to 7 feet, so it'll handle rough conditions without tapping out and leaving you powerless. With 10,000mAh, you'll get about two full phone charges out of it — ideal for day hikes or topping up your GPS watch during longer trail runs or walks. There's a water-tight USB-C port for input and output, a handy loop for clipping to your bag, and it works with the company's modular accessories, like attachable lights. While this power bank isn't cheap for the size, if you want something weatherproof and built for the outdoors, it ticks the right boxes. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. If you're planning a big trip away from civilization — like a multi-day hiking adventure or a weekend camping off-grid — then you'll need something with a bit of stamina, something like the Anker 548 Power Bank. With 60,000mAh of capacity, it's designed to keep all your gadgets going for days. The built-in emergency light makes it ideal for use as a makeshift flashlight when you're rummaging in the tent or need to find the bathroom in the dark. And while it might not be lightweight (you're definitely not going to be chucking this in a trail running vest), that's not the point. This is more the type of device you have at base camp, providing reliable power. Priced at $149.99, it certainly isn't cheap — but if you need a beast of a power bank that you can fully rely on when plug sockets are a distant memory, this is the one. If you want something smaller and a bit more versatile that'll still keep your essentials topped up over a weekend away, the NEBO Rambler 20K is a top pick. With 20,000mAh to play with, you're getting around 4-5 full phone charges in one compact brick. And because it's TSA/FAA approved, you can chuck it in a backpack or take it traveling without getting stopped at security. The really handy thing about this power bank is the built-in floodlight. It's surprisingly powerful considering the device's size. The digital display is a welcome touch, too, as it shows you exactly how much power you've got left — handy if you're juggling devices. It also comes with two kickstands, which act as little cable tidies or let you prop it up or hang it with a carabiner. For $59.99, it's a great value, do-it-all power bank for anyone doing short outdoor trips or just wanting a solid backup they can rely on. If you like the idea of juicing up your adventure gadgets using nature's best gift — sunlight — then this budget-friendly solar power bank from Mregb is for you. With a sizable 42800mAh capacity, it's more than enough to charge your phone or tablet several times — and the solar panel means you've always got a way to trickle charge in an emergency. Let's be clear — the solar aspect isn't fast. You're not going to recharge this from empty in a day unless you're sitting in blazing sunshine. But as a backup, it does the job. The power bank itself is also of a decent size and feels more rugged than you'd expect for something so cheap. It's got a grippy casing, built-in torch, and multiple USB outputs, so you can charge more than one device at once. At around $30, depending on where you buy it, it's an absolute steal for the amount of capacity you get. I mean, don't expect premium finishes or fancy features, but for the money, it's a great addition to your adventure backpack. For anyone who regularly finds themselves hiking in awful weather, scrambling across rough terrain, or even wading through lakes, the Goal Zero Venture 35 is worth a look. It's built like a tank — waterproof, dustproof, and drop-resistant — and while it doesn't have the biggest capacity on this list, it's easily the most durable. The 9,600mAh battery will give you around two full phone charges, which is decent for day hikes or as a backup power source if your main battery runs dry. There's also a built-in torch, and the rubber casing offers a good grip even when your hands are wet or gloved up. It's a bit of a premium buy for the capacity, but what you're really paying for here is the toughness, and that's exactly what makes it worth it if you're often out and about in all conditions. Okay, I'll admit — it's a bit of a weird one, this. But if you're heading off on a camping trip with an inflatable tent, airbed, or chair, and really need your electric pump to be a power bank as well, then the Vango AirBeam Tempest might just be your new bestie. Designed as a powerful rechargeable pump, this multi-use gadget doubles up as a mini power bank, which is ideal if you're packing light but want gear that can multitask. The built-in 2,000mAh battery isn't massive in terms of charging capacity — you'll get a small top-up for your phone, but don't expect multiple full charges. That said, it's there when you need it. The real selling point here is the dual-motor pump, which can inflate gear up to 10PSI with auto cut-off, and it works with a wide range of inflatable kits thanks to the included adaptors and 130cm hose. There's even a Bravo adaptor for compatible tents and a Cyclone valve for self-inflating mats. Other handy touches include an LED display that shows pressure levels, a USB-C input for quick charging (just 2-3 hours), and a runtime of around 30 minutes on a full charge. It's not cheap, but for campers who want to streamline their kit, it's a must-have.
Tom's Guide
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
This $65 mouse helped me take living room PC gaming to the next level - here's how
I've been playing PC games since I was a kid, but until recently I never felt great doing so on a TV. It's not that I don't love dragging a computer into the living room—my apartment is so small that ease of access could be considered a selling point of the floor plan. As part of my work here at Tom's Guide I get to review some of the best gaming laptops you can buy, too, so I often have a chance to plop one down on the coffee table and play a bit of Cyberpunk 2077 on the big screen. But even though I love my LG C1 OLED TV, I've never loved the experience of navigating Windows 11 on a big 65-inch screen that's ten feet away. Either I have to awkwardly lean forward to use a mouse and keyboard on the coffee table, or I have to balance a laptop or lap tray on my couch. It's doable, but enough of a hassle that I didn't take advantage of all that PC gaming on the big screen has to offer—until now. See, the folks at Elecom recently sent me a couple of trackballs to test and since I'm also reviewing the 2025 Corsair Vengeance i8300 desktop, I figured I'd give their handheld Relacom wireless trackball mouse a shot. It's a selfish mission, because Corsair make some of the best gaming PCs on the market and I wanted to do my hands-on testing from the comfort of the couch. So when Elecom sent over a Relacom with the 2.4 Ghz wireless dongle, I couldn't resist. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This simple handheld trackball mouse comes with 10 assignable buttons, 3 DPI settings, 2 AAA batteries and a scroll wheel. It communicates with your PC via the included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle. This little 4-ounce optical mouse looks like nothing so much as a TV remote, but there's a bright red trackball on top. It sits up near the front of the mouse in easy reach of your thumb, and below it two buttons stick out of the front of the device. In my hand it sort of feels like one half of an Xbox Series X controller, except the triggers are the left and right mouse buttons. The chassis is cheap plastic and the trackball rattles a bit in the frame, so it doesn't feel quite as sturdy as your average game console controller. But I've been using it for weeks now and the Relacon has yet to bend, flex or otherwise feel flimsy in my big mitts. I've come to really love using this thing over a cheaper wireless trackball mouse because it's a lot more comfortable and easy to use on the couch. Normally, I'd have to plop a trackball on the coffee table or couch arm to fiddle with Windows or play something like Civilization VII on my TV. But with the Relacon I can just plug the USB-A dongle into the PC, kick back and mouse around however I feel most comfortable. The ten buttons are reassignable via the free (and good) Elecom Mouse Assistant software, and the three DPI settings (500, 1,000 and 1,500) give me some latitude for customizing the speed of the mouse cursor to feel comfortable on the big screen. And while I haven't had a chance yet to really see how good the battery life is, I have to imagine this cheap handheld mouse can go for years on the included pair of AAA batteries. I'll update this article if I encounter any unwelcome surprises down the road, but after weeks of use I think the Relacon might be the best wireless mouse I've tried yet for PC gaming on the couch.
