a review by Tom and Jason Piper
Like me, you probably remember Targus as a veteran producer of great laptop bags (I’ve owned a number of them). They have now made a major commitment to the laptop accessories market with the new “Targus for Mac” line which is Targus’ most recent step into creating Mac-geared products that tackle a range of different needs, from a cooling pad to a full-featured Bluetooth presentation controller. I have field-tested this full line of products (except the Privacy Screen), and am very impressed. Here is what I found:
Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac
The Bluetooth Laser Mouse is has an elegant design that is very Mac friendly. Sporting a white and gray color scheme it easily compliments any Mac. The white surfaces are very smooth and sleek, while the gray areas have a soft texture that makes it easy to hold mouse without having to “overgrip” the mouse.
The nicest part is that you only need to pair it with Bluetooth on your computer, and computer will sense its presence and control the cursor whenever you turn the mouse on (the switch is on the bottom). Getting the mouse setup was a quick and painless process that took less then 2 minutes. Once the mouse is turned on the first time, clicking one of the buttons within three seconds put it into discovery mode. Running the Bluetooth Setup Assistant showed the mouse as a “Targus Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac”, and after a couple “Next” button presses, the mouse was functional. It uses two AA batteries which should have an extensive operating life, and are easy to change when necessary.
After setup, my first task was to test out the sensitivity that Targus is promoting. Cranking up the built-in mouse sensitivity in the System Preferences led to a cursor that could move along my MacBook Pro screen with ease and quickly, but became too fast. After slowing it down, the mouse reacted naturally and without any degraded performance, even when its been sitting idle for quite some time.
This new delight uses laser technology with 1200 dpi providing high-precision cursor movement on most surfaces. It features a 4-way touch scroll for silky smooth navigation and dual programmable buttons which is really incredible to use. Instead of a ball or a wheel, this latest touch-sensitive technology allows my finger to glide across it easily and effectively. It cups into the hand nicely, and has a very nice glide surface on the bottom that minimumizes drag. The touch scroll “eye” looks very similar to a mobile phone camera that is pointed straight up. The touch scroll is very sensitive, but is very intuitive. I found that after a couple minutes of internet surfing, it became reacted exactly you would expect it too.
All in all, after using this mouse on both MacBook Pro and Mac Pro desktop work areas, I am very impressed and would recommend these without hesitation. The new touch scroll really sets this product apart. At full retail of $69.99, it is a good value (see discount offer at end of article).
Wireless Mouse for Mac
This unit is a variation on the Bluetooth Mouse. In an interview with Henry Watanabe, Senior Product Manager at Targus, Inc. (http://web.mac.com/ugab), he explained that they wanted to be responsive to the full market spectrum, including younger users who prefer high-tech solutions like Bluetooth, and older users who prefer the simple plug-and-play approach. 
This was accomplished by providing a micro USB receiver which can be left plugged in all of the time, or can be conveniently stored inside the battery compartment of the mouse. Other than a lighter color lower body, the Wireless Mouse has all of the performance and functionality of the Bluetooth Laser Mouse, including the touch scroll feature. It is an excellent value retailing for $49.99 (see discount offer at end of article).
Bluetooth Presenter for Mac
This Bluetooth Presenter appears to be the only wireless presenter dedicated to Mac computers. In my use, it was versatile and easy to use, even doing double-duty as a presenter or cursor controller (a surrogate mouse). It uses Bluetooth communication which is just as easy to setup as described above for the mouse. It also uses two AA batteries which are simple to replace.
I have used the Presenter remotely for both my Keynote or PowerPoint presentations in Presenter mode, then flipped the switch to Cursor mode to use for remote control of other projected applications and Internet displays. I became a veteran user in less than five minutes, found that it integrated into my presentation very effectively, complementing my topic, and enhancing my control. In using it in Cursor mode, the touch scroll enables me to scroll windows up/down and left/right.
This unit has a thoughtful, ergonomic design, with an intuitive button layout that doesn’t distract from what I’m doing -- in fact, its design felt very comfortable and easy to use. The cursor moved smoothly with a swipe of my finger, again using the innovative touch scroll technology described above. In addition, dual programmable buttons allow individual customization for one-click access to selected functions or applications. And, and the mere press of the touch scroll button, a red laser beam shines from the front of the Presenter!
I own several remote controllers, and have used a wide variety of additional ones. The Targus Bluetooth Presenter is far-and-away the best such unit yet. It is well worth the retail price of $79.99 (see discount offer at end of article).
Chill Mat for Mac
The Targus Chill Mat for Mac is designed to keep your Mac notebook cool and comfortable in all the right places. They have optimally positioned dual fans to deliver a cool-down right where the most computer heat is generated. The soft, breathable mesh bottom providesd cool comfort on my lap. Equally at home under a laptop or on the desktop (we tested it in both locations), the Chill Mat’s powerful yet quiet fans efficiently disperse heat and protect work surfaces from heat damage. It is ergonomically angled and USB-powered for convenient, trouble-free use. With generous accommodations, it fits all Mac notebooks, including the 17” MacBook Pro that I am using to prepare this review.
Targus’ Chill Mat adds a new twist on a commonly used design. Most laptop cooling pads have a flat hard perforated bottom surface, one or two fans, and a perforated top surface. This rigid design works as long as it is setting on a flat surface since it is just too uncomfortable to use on the laptop. The Chill Mat is different because it has a rigid plastic frame for solid support that makes up most of the construction and a mesh cloth bottom for comfort. The top is a perforated surface with four groups of three rubber grips each to hold the laptop. When the Chill Mat is sitting on a flat surface, the laptop had no problem staying in place, although when sitting on my lap, my laptop did slid forward beyond the rear set of grips. (When I brought this to their attention, Targus was aware of it, and have now substituted much larger grips that successfully stop any slidding.)
The current design is wonderful and quickly dissipates heat from any laptop. Our tests were done on a 15” MacBook Pro under a full load which would typically run about 162°F, but was significantly lowered with the Mat. These fans do not vary in speed like the Apple laptop internal fans. When the laptop is sitting idle and the internal fans are spinning fairly slow, the Chill Mat’s fans will be running at full blast, with very little additional noise. At a retail price of $49.99, this is a great way to keep your cool (see discount offer at end of article).
USB Hub for Mac
Sometimes more USB ports are needed to accommodate many accessories at once like a flash drive, printer, camera, scanner, headset, card reader or others. The Targus USB 2.0 hub is stylistically designed expressly for Mac users. It is a compact hub that converts one port into four with pleasing functionality and form.
There is a nifty rubberized, wraparound cable which fits snugly around the hub. By protecting the USB ports when not in use, it makes a nice, neat package for travel and storage. With a retail price of $29.99, this would be a good addition to your bag (see discount offer at end of article).
File Share for Mac
Like me, have you found yourself in a situation where you need to immediately provide or receive files from another computer, either a Mac or PC? I’ve used flash drives for this in the past, but the often are not big enough for a large transfer. Targus has a solution that will share and share alike.
I found that it is amazingly easy. All we did between two MacBook Pros was plug in the Targus for Mac File Share Cable, and an icon automatically appeared on both desktops. By double-clicking on the desktop icon, we were both able to launch the dual file share windows. After that, either of us could just drag-and-drop any file or folder from one side of the split screen to the other. That’s all there was to it.
There is no extra software to install because the file sharing software is integral to the cable, making it easy to upgrade from PC to Mac or share files between two Macs. I can actually share as much as I want, without the irritating limitations of a CD, DVD, flash or USB drive, or other volume. The transfer is quick, portable and seamless, working at full USB2 speed. Sharing has never been simpler with a retail price of $49.99 (see discount offer at end of article).
Privacy Screens for Mac
I did not review the privacy screens, but believe confidentiality should be convenient. According to their website, you can keep curious eyes away from your screen with Targus for Mac Privacy Screens and block viewing beyond 45° from the center line. Double-sided adhesive allows for semi-permanent mounting, while the inconspicuous, transparent tabs let you swiftly slide the screen on and off to suit your mood and surroundings.
The anti-glare screen coating provides further protection by reducing eye strain and safeguarding screen from scratches and smudges. This is a lightweight solution which is ideal for travel or office use, and available in 13”, 15” and 17” sizes, and retail priced at $54.99, $59.99 and $79.99, respectively (see discount offer at end of article).
Conclusions
Conducting this review was very enjoyable and extremely informative. Targus has successfully launched a new set of portable solutions for the laptop or desktop user. They all are well-made consistent with the quality and satisfying functionality we expect of any Apple accessory. This is a major step forward beyond their foundation of excellent computer bags which started 25 years ago. With their responsive attitude which welcomes feedback and supports Apple user groups, I see a bright and productive future for their products.
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Targus for Mac: 20 Percent Off
Targus has announced a new family of products designed from the ground up to deliver a complete suite of Mac-exclusive solutions. These products include a Wireless Mouse, Bluetooth Laser Mouse, Bluetooth Presenter, USB Hub, Chill Mat, File Share Cable and Privacy Screens. This stuff is a cool way to complement any MacBook.
Targus is offering an exclusive discount of 20 percent to the Apple User Group community when you order from Targus for Mac. Prices range from $49.99 (US) to $79.99 (US).
Start the buzz at: http://targus.com/us/accessories_formac.asp
See your user group Ambassador for Coupon Codes
This U.S.-only offer is valid until February 28, 2009.
