<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Tech-Reviews UK &#187; Mouse Pads</title>
	<atom:link href="http://tech-reviews.co.uk/category/reviews/mousepads/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk</link>
	<description>Latest Technology News and Consumer Reviews</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 08:45:46 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1</generator>
<xhtml:meta xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" name="robots" content="noindex" />
		<item>
		<title>Belkin Washable Mouse and Mouse Pad Travel Pouch Review</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/belkin-washable-mouse-and-mouse-pad-travel-pouch-review/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/belkin-washable-mouse-and-mouse-pad-travel-pouch-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:10:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matt</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Peripherals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[belkin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mouse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mouse pad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pouch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tech-reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[washable mouse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=3721</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today we have a rather interesting product that confused me a little when I found out about it. The Belkin Washable Mouse is a mouse that is water-resistant, so it can endure spills and it also stays clean. Along with a versatile scroll pad, the Washable mouse from Belkin sounds like something that sounds too good to be true. Let's take a look and see if the ride is as smooth as Belkin suggests.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>Today we have a rather interesting product that confused me a little when I found out about it. The Belkin Washable Mouse is a mouse that is water-resistant, so it can endure spills and it also stays clean.  Along with a versatile scroll pad, the Washable mouse from Belkin sounds like something that sounds too good to be true. Let&#8217;s take a look and see if the ride is as smooth as Belkin suggests.</p>
<h3>About Belkin</h3>
<p>Belkin International, Inc. offers an extensive range of innovations designed to give computer and consumer electronics users seamless integration in their homes, cars, and on the go. Belkin, a privately held company founded in California in 1983, is the recognised global leader in connectivity solutions. Since our inception in 1983, Belkin has experienced an amazing 25 consecutive years of dramatic growth.</p>
<p>Belkin has come a long way to become the market leader across its product lines in just over two decades. From a garage in Hawthorne, California, with two employees and sales of $100,000 for the year, Belkin has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the world, expanding to over 1,000 employees and sales topping $1 billion. In addition to earning Inc. magazine’s 2003 “Hall of Fame” award, Belkin has been listed twice in its list of “500 Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies in the U.S.,” the “Inner City Top 100” list for six consecutive years, and the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Fastest Growing Private Companies” list for five years.</p>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Can be washed  in water to clean</li>
<li>Touch Sensitive scroll pad can move horizontally and vertically</li>
<li>Travel pouch can be converted into mouse pad</li>
</ul>
<h3>Specifications</h3>
<p><strong>Interface</strong> &#8211; USB 2.0<br />
<strong>Device Type (Keyboard/Mouse/Trackball)</strong> &#8211; Mouse<br />
<strong>DPI</strong> &#8211; 1200<br />
<strong>Scroll Wheel </strong>- Yes<br />
<strong>Wired/Wireless</strong> &#8211; Wired</p>
<p><!--pagetitle:Introduction--></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/belkin-washable-mouse-and-mouse-pad-travel-pouch-review/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>SteelSeries QcK Mass Pro Gaming Mouse Pad Review</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/steelseries-qck-mass-pro-gaming-mouse-pad-review/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/steelseries-qck-mass-pro-gaming-mouse-pad-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:01:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matt</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gaming pad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mouse pad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[qck mas pro]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steelseries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tech-reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=3586</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With all of the expensive hardware that we buy for our gaming computers to make them "awesome", we always seem to forget one of the cheapest and most needed parts of all; the mouse pad. Today we're reviewing the SteelSeries QcK Mass Pro Gaming Mouse Pad; which is a medium sized, cloth coated gaming pad to provide a high quality gaming surface. Let's take a look and see how well it performs.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>With all of the expensive hardware that we buy for our gaming computers to make them &#8220;awesome&#8221;, we always seem to forget one of the cheapest and most needed parts of all; the mouse pad. Today we&#8217;re reviewing the SteelSeries QcK Mass Pro Gaming Mouse Pad; which is a medium sized, cloth coated gaming pad to provide a high quality gaming surface. Let&#8217;s take a look and see how well it performs.</p>
<h3>About SteelSeries</h3>
<p>SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, mouse pads and software. SteelSeries have been on the forefront of professional gaming gear since its inception in 2001, thanks to continued innovation and product development in co-operation with leading professional games. All SteelSeries products are developed in co-operation with professional games to ensure optimal performance and durability. SteelSeries supports the growth of competitive gaming and electronic sports through aggressive sponsoring of teams and support of communities, tournaments and LAN-events all over the world.</p>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Compatible with all mice</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Dense mass eliminates uneven surfaces</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Dimensions: 285 mm x 320 mm x 6 mm (11,2 in x  12,6 in x 0,2 in)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p><!--pagetitle:Introduction--></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/steelseries-qck-mass-pro-gaming-mouse-pad-review/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ozone Ground Level XT Gaming Pad Review</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/ozone-ground-level-xt-gaming-pad-review/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/ozone-ground-level-xt-gaming-pad-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:14:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rhys</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=3502</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having a good gaming mat can make a lot of difference. Smooth motion, accurate response and comfort all greatly affect your level of gaming performance. Today we have been sent a gaming pad for review from Ozone, named the Ground Level XT, it boasts to 'delight the most demanding players' . Let's find out if this is true, meet the Ozone Ground Level XT...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>Having a good gaming mat can make a lot of difference.  Smooth motion, accurate response and comfort all greatly affect your level of  gaming performance. Today we have been sent a gaming pad for review from Ozone,  named the Ground Level XT, it boasts to &#8216;delight the most demanding players&#8217; .  Let&#8217;s find out if this is true, meet the Ozone Ground Level XT&#8230;</p>
<h2>Features</h2>
<h4>Material</h4>
<ul>
<li>Rubberized base material for the best grip </li>
<li>Soft cloth surface for perfect glide</li>
</ul>
<h4>Dimensions</h4>
<ul>
<li>320x285x6mm</li>
</ul>
<h4>Blurb</h4>
<blockquote><p><em>&#8220;Ground  Level has been our bet for a high quality mats series. Blending themselves  seamlessly with the surface where they are placed on. Also, microfiber texture  ensures a smooth, fast and precise mouse sliding. However, we have wanted to go  one step further, and bring together the best of GL Series advantages and the  incredible feeling of comfort that 6mm of non-slip micro-perforated rubber can  provide.</em></p>
<p><em>It  is very important to note the difference between GL XT and any other mat in the  series, because even though it keeps similar dimensions to GL medium-sized, and  exactly the same materials as the rest of the series, the thickness of the base  has increased 4mm.</em></p>
<p><em>Ground Level XT, completes a full range of rugs which  will delight the most demanding players.&#8221;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><!--pagetitle:Introduction--> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/ozone-ground-level-xt-gaming-pad-review/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>XTracPads Hybrid</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-hybrid/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-hybrid/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 14:03:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rhys</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=754</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here at Tech-Reviews, we are very familiar with XTracPads’ products after reviewing a variety of their mouse pads. Previously we have rated pads such as the Fat Mat and Micro very highly and are therefore expecting great things from XTracPad’s new products. Let’s see if the newly available Hybrid lives up to our expectations.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/images/reviews/hybrid/main.jpg" alt="main XTracPads Hybrid"  title="XTracPads Hybrid" /></p>
<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>Here at Tech-Reviews, we are very familiar with XTracPads’  products after reviewing a variety of their mouse pads.  Previously we have rated pads such as the Fat  Mat and Micro very highly and are therefore expecting great things from XTracPad’s  new products.  Let’s see if the newly  available Hybrid lives up to our expectations.</p>
<h3>About XTracPads</h3>
<blockquote><p><em>“Started in March of 2002 by a group of hard-core pc gamers,  our mousing surfaces and accessories have won countless awards.</em></p>
<p><em>We offer an expanding variety of surfaces and optical mouse  pad sizes. Not only are our products used in computer gaming, they are equally  efficient for many other applications such as digital animation, desktop  publishing and more.”</em></p></blockquote>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Cloth       and plastic surface</li>
<li>Comfortable       and fast</li>
<li>Frey       resistant edges</li>
<li>Sure       Grip rubber backing</li>
<li>HUGE       mousing surface</li>
</ul>
<h3>Specifications</h3>
<ul>
<li>10&#8243;       x 16&#8243; x 3/16&#8243; (254mm x 406mm x 4mm)</li>
<li>Sure       Grip rubber backing</li>
<li>Cloth       and plastic mousing surface</li>
<li>Tested       and 100% compatible with the following mice:Logitech:MX300/500/510/518/700/1000/G5/G7/G9Microsoft:
<p>Intellimouse Explorer 3.0/4.0 Laser Mouse 6000</p>
<p>Razer:</p>
<p>DeathAdder/Mamba</p>
<p>Apple:</p>
<p>Mighty Mouse</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-hybrid/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>QPAD CT – KODE5 Collectors Edition</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/qpad-ct-kode5-dotacollectors-edition/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/qpad-ct-kode5-dotacollectors-edition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:50:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rhys</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=720</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For many general computer users, mouse pads are a thing of the past. But are they? Ask any gamer and they’ll instantly say no. A good quality mouse pad aids in supreme gaming accuracy and unbelievable comfort. On paper the QPAD CT boasts to do all of this. But does it? Well read on and you’ll find out…]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/images/reviews/qpad-ct/main.jpg" alt="main QPAD CT – KODE5 Collectors Edition"  title="QPAD CT – KODE5 Collectors Edition" /></p>
<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>For many general computer users, mouse pads are a thing of  the past. But are they? Ask any gamer and they’ll instantly say no. A good  quality mouse pad aids in supreme gaming accuracy and unbelievable comfort. On  paper the QPAD CT  boasts to do all of this. But does it? Well read on and you’ll find out…</p>
<h3>About QPAD</h3>
<blockquote><p><em>QPAD built its success on a grassroots commitment to the  gaming community. Like you, we thrive in the madness of competition and embrace  the free spirit of gaming. Our sponsorship of the Q Tour, communities, cups,  tournaments, teams and LAN parties reflects this commitment. The knowledge  we’ve gained has fed into our development of high quality products that have a  great performance and given many a winning edge.</em></p></blockquote>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>PAD®|CT™       Large, 4mm</li>
<li>KODE5       kunkka Limited edition</li>
<li>Pro       gaming surface with Hybratek™ coating</li>
<li>QPAD       Glidz included for ultimate control</li>
</ul>
<h3>Specifications</h3>
<ul>
<li>Size:       Large [40.5x28.5cm 15.95x11.23 inch]</li>
<li>Thickness:       4 mm</li>
<li>Colour:       kunkka design</li>
<li>Surface:       Hybratek™ Coated soft top</li>
<li>Other:       Including Glidz</li>
<li>Art.Nr.       3825</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/qpad-ct-kode5-dotacollectors-edition/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Roccat Sense</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/roccat-sense/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/roccat-sense/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:21:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rhys</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The mouse mat – a long forgotten utility of the general computer user – is still very much alive for the gamer. The precision offered by a mouse mat is revered by gamers because it offers much more control; the Roccat Sense is a new pad which offers high precision and a large surface area for your mouse to move in. Endorsed by professional gamers, lets see if this pad can live up to its reputation.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img title="Roccat Sense Gaming Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/roccatsense/main.jpg" alt="main Roccat Sense"  /></p>
<h3>Introduction</h3>
<p>The mouse mat – a long  forgotten utility of the general computer user – is still very much alive for  the gamer. The precision offered by a mouse mat is revered by gamers because it  offers much more control; the Roccat Sense is a new pad which offers high  precision and a large surface area for your mouse to move in. Endorsed by  professional gamers, lets see if this pad can live up to its reputation.</p>
<h4>About Roccat</h4>
<p>Roccat are a  relatively new company based in Finland  that has a team of professional gamers working with them to produce high end  gaming products. Their first product is the Roccat sense.</p>
<h4>Specifications</h4>
<ul>
<li>Minimized  friction thanks to the microcrystalline coating bonded to a particularly soft cloth base</li>
<li> Optimum gliding  area and pointer positioning</li>
<li>Rubberized backing featuring a nano-sized pattern for the perfect amount of grip  on any surface</li>
<li>Optimized  for gaming and professional design  applications</li>
<li>Dimensions: 400 x 280mm</li>
<li>Ultra low  height: 1.35mm</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Package</h3>
<p>The Roccat sense comes  rolled up in a tube which is slightly bigger than a Pringles tub. On the  “front” of the tube is a picture of the Roccat sense adrenaline blue version –  there is also a style that comes with a Roccat logo.</p>
<p><img title="Roccat Sense Gaming Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/roccatsense/roccatsense1.JPG" alt=" Roccat Sense"  /></p>
<p>The back of the tube  has the features of the mat written in 9 languages plus a bigger column of  features written in English. At the top of the tube there is a picture of the  mouse mat split into its three layers and lines coming off it describing the  Sense.</p>
<p><img title="Roccat Sense Gaming Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/roccatsense/roccatsense2.JPG" alt=" Roccat Sense"  /></p>
<p>The packaging also  entails a few endorsements by professional gamers and Roccat scientists. The  gamer featured on this version also happens to be Finnish and probably works  for Roccat so you may want to take his claim of excellence with a pinch of  salt.</p>
<h3>Roccat Sense</h3>
<p>When taken out of the  packet you can see just how thin the Roccat is; at 1.35mm its one of the  thinnest pads around. This slim line design means that the mat can be rolled up  incredibly easily – for taking to LAN parties and such – and when unrolled it  doesn’t try to roll back up.</p>
<p><img title="Roccat Sense Gaming Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/roccatsense/roccatsense3.JPG" alt=" Roccat Sense"  /></p>
<p>First impressions of  the pad’s looks are very good, the adrenaline blue looks like veins pulsing  blue or a close up blue-died leaf. This pattern also helps with precision as it  allows the mouse to pick up what its scanning over – a very plain desk or  single colour surface might be hard to detect changes in.</p>
<p><img title="Roccat Sense Gaming Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/roccatsense/roccatsense4.JPG" alt=" Roccat Sense"  /></p>
<p>When taken out of the  packaging you also notice how grippy the backing is. It has a very small  chevron pattern on it which provides ultimate grip.</p>
<p>In the corner of the  Roccat is their logo. This logo looks very similar to the one found on  BeastComputers.</p>
<p><img title="Roccat Sense Gaming Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/roccatsense/roccatsense5.JPG" alt=" Roccat Sense"  /></p>
<h3>Testing</h3>
<p>To test this mouse mat  I played a game that frustrated me so much I gave up and haven’t played it in  about 6 months, ‘Ghost Recon Advanced War Fighter’. I’m not sure how much this  pad can really help my performance in this game – my aggressive playing style  of running head on into enemies and hoping they die first usually fails – but  I’ll give it a go. The mouse I am going to use is the Speed link Styx gaming mouse.</p>
<p>I decided to start  again and was doing ok until the 3rd level – VIP2 is down. This  level involves getting inserted by helicopters and making your way through  Mexican militia infested streets until you reach some anti-aircraft artillery  which you have to order air strikes on. You then make your way up a very  crowded street with lots of Mexicans again, until you reach the US embassy  which promptly explodes throwing you into a defensive fight in which you have  to fend off 2 armoured personnel carriers, 3 tanks and countless Mexicans  before extracting the VIP and yourself – your team might be with you if you’re  lucky.</p>
<p><img title="Roccat Sense Gaming Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/roccatsense/screenshot.jpg" alt="screenshot Roccat Sense"  /></p>
<p>This level is so  incredibly hard I gave up on it 6 months ago and haven’t been back however with  the Sense I managed to complete this level to get stuck on the next one. The  added accuracy meant that I could respond quickly to ambushes and get headshots  consistently. It also helped when calling air strikes and apache barrages on distant  vehicles. The large surface area means that I could game uninhibited by the  boundaries of my mouse pad. I am very used to using the Nova Winner 3 which is  also a fantastic pad but is fairly small, this usually means I am using my  mouse on a very high dpi which impairs my accuracy a lot. With the sense, no  such problem, and no wiggling cursor that comes with using the winner 3  sometimes.</p>
<p>The test showed an  increased performance from just a desk or no mouse mat; however it showed  little improvement from the nova winner 3 or other high end gaming pads. The  added size is a blessing or a curse depending on the space you have really, the  big area is useful to give an uninterrupted scanning surface but I choose to  use the winner 3 because of its high performance and small size – I just don’t  have enough room on my desk.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Roccat Sense is an  exceptional pad with a slim line profile and good tracking, its looks are  fantastic and it can be easily transported. It’s a little expensive at £13.99  but the performance just about makes up for it.</p>
<p>The only fault for me  is the size and that’s because of my desk set up not the pad.</p>
<p>So I am going to award  the Roccat Sence the hardcore award &#8211; a good start for Roccat.</p>
<h4>Pros</h4>
<ul>
<li>Large scanning area</li>
<li>Looks pretty cool</li>
<li>Rolls up well</li>
</ul>
<h4>Cons</h4>
<ul>
<li>Expensive</li>
<li>Too big for some desks</li>
</ul>
<p><img title="Hardcore Award" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/awards/hardcore.png" alt="hardcore Roccat Sense"  /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/roccat-sense/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>XTracPads Micro</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-micro/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-micro/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:07:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rhys</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=124</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[XTracPads are known for their extremely good quality mouse surfaces such as the Ripper and FatPad. Today we have another pad to join the family in the form of the XTracPads Micro – a mat designed for notebook users. Does this pad live up to the standards of other mats from XTracPads? Read on to find out…]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img title="XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/main.jpg" alt="main XTracPads Micro" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<h3>Introduction</h3>
<p>XTracPads are known for their extremely  good quality mouse surfaces such as the Ripper and FatPad. Today we have  another pad to join the family in the form of the XTracPads Micro – a mat  designed for notebook users. Does this pad live up to the standards of other  mats from XTracPads? Read on to find out…</p>
<h4>About <a title="XTracPads" rel="external" href="http://www.xtracpads.com/">XTracPads</a></h4>
<p>XTracPads is a company that was started by a group of  hardcore gamers in 2002 and specializes in designing high-end mouse surfaces  and accessories for mainly gamers.</p>
<h4>Features</h4>
<ul>
<li>Super slick plastic surface</li>
<li>Hexagon pattern for enhanced tracking</li>
<li>Sure Grip III rubber backing</li>
<li>Easy to clean</li>
<li>Small size</li>
</ul>
<h4>Specifications</h4>
<ul>
<li>7&#8243; x 8.75&#8243; x Credit card thin (178mm x 222.25mm)</li>
<li>Sure Grip II rubber backing</li>
<li>Plastic mousing surface</li>
<li>Designed in the USA</li>
<li>Made in USA</li>
<li>Tested and 100% compatible with the following mice:Logitech:
<p>MX300/500/510/518/700/1000/G5/G7/G9</p>
<p>Microsoft:</p>
<p>Intellimouse Explorer 3.0/4.0 Laser Mouse 6000</p>
<p>Razer:</p>
<p>DeathAdder</p>
<p>Apple:</p>
<p>Mighty Mouse</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Package</h3>
<p>The XTracPads Micro arrived in a polythene  wrap which was backed with a piece of cardboard. This helps to protect the pad  from being bent or damaged by ruthless delivery men during the shipping process.</p>
<p><a href="javascript:popImage('http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/large/micro1.jpg','XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review')"><img title="XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/small/micro1.jpg" alt="micro1 XTracPads Micro" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<div class="imgtxt">Click to enlarge</div>
<p>The back of the package simply has an  XTracPads logo, barcode and the pad dimensions listed. You’d think we’d  criticize this boring packaging more, however as this pad isn’t sold on shop  shelves, the packaging doesn’t need to stand out from the rest.</p>
<p><a href="javascript:popImage('http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/large/micro2.jpg','XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review')"><img title="XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/small/micro2.jpg" alt="micro2 XTracPads Micro" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<div class="imgtxt">Click to enlarge</div>
<h3>The XtracPads Micro</h3>
<p>As we’ve reviewed a number of mats from  XtracPads already, our expectations are somewhat high as all the pads we’ve  reviewed for them have all been good.</p>
<p>Just from glancing at the Micro, it looks  very similar to the Pro HS with its unique ‘untuned television’ appearance. Low  and behold, this look is either a love or hate relationship. Luckily enough,  I’m quite a fan of it.</p>
<p><a href="javascript:popImage('http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/large/micro3.jpg','XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review')"><img title="XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/small/micro3.jpg" alt="micro3 XTracPads Micro" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<div class="imgtxt">Click to enlarge</div>
<p>The back of the Micro is pure white and has  a rubbery texture to it. This is the “Sure Grip II rubber backing”.</p>
<p>When XtracPads call a mouse mat ‘Micro’,  they really mean it. This pad is wafer thin (thin as a credit card) and  measures a mere 7”x 8.75”. Therefore, it’s certain this product is designed for  notebook users specifically.</p>
<p>The Micro is a hard surface pad so it’s not  intended for comfort in mind, purely performance. With it being a very smooth  flat surface, my mouse should glide across it with ease. A glidey mat is a  great advantage in games.</p>
<h3>Testing/Usage</h3>
<p>One of the main areas where many hard  surface mouse pads fail is in the flexibility test – for obvious reasons.  However, we have had hard mats in the past which have performed well in this  test. This pad – the XtracPads Micro – seemed to fold quite well, however it  was clearly noticeable that this product isn’t designed to be folded as it took  a while to reform back into shape.</p>
<p><a href="javascript:popImage('http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/large/micro4.jpg','XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review')"><img title="XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/small/micro4.jpg" alt="micro4 XTracPads Micro" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<div class="imgtxt">Click to enlarge</div>
<p>We tested the Micro with a Targus Laptop  mouse – this is a notebook mat after all.</p>
<p><a href="javascript:popImage('http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/large/micro5.jpg','XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review')"><img title="XTracPads Micro Mouse Pad Review" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/micro/small/micro5.jpg" alt="micro5 XTracPads Micro" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<div class="imgtxt">Click to enlarge</div>
<p>The Targus mouse proved to be a success with  the Micro as it glided across the pad with ease in general usage. In game play where  quick short movements are needed, the mat also performed well without much  friction being produced between the pad and mouse. Even though I’m not the best  gamer in the world, when testing the XTracPad in Battlefield 2, my points  seemed to be a bit higher at the end of each round when switching between no  mouse surface and then to the Micro.</p>
<p>One small problem I noticed when using the  Micro is that its ‘Sure Grip III rubber backing’ doesn’t actually keep the pad  in place very well and I found myself re-positioning the mat every 10 minutes  or so. This is okay when you’re using the XTracPad for short periods of time,  but when you’re on the computer for more than 3 hours or so, it gets really  annoying.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The main aspect of this product that I  liked was the fact that it’s fairly small but still manages to perform reasonably  well.  One feature which plays a role in  this is the super slick plastic surface which happily allowed my Targus to  glide freely. As with the styling, like I’ve said you’ll either love it or hate  it. Fortunately I quite like it.</p>
<p>There are only two real problems with the  Micro, which is – like I’ve said already – the sure grip backing. This backing  really is quite bad with it causing the pad to move every 10 minutes or so. The  other problem is that it’s quite uncomfortable to use, but for notebook usage –  where you wouldn’t normally use a mat – the Micro is better than nothing.</p>
<p>For only £5, I would say that it is very  good value for money and would recommend it to anyone who’s on a budget and  looking for a great performing notebook mouse pad.</p>
<h4>Pros</h4>
<ul>
<li>Price</li>
<li>Performs well</li>
<li>Notebook style size</li>
</ul>
<h4>Cons</h4>
<ul>
<li>Comfort</li>
<li>Doesn’t adhere to work surface very well</li>
</ul>
<p><img title="3 Star Award Image" src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/awards/3star.png" alt="3star XTracPads Micro"  /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-micro/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-pro-mouse-pad/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-pro-mouse-pad/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2008 08:47:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rhys</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=36</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The quest has been on in recent times to find the ultimate gaming surface. The criterion is clear: a smooth surface, high tracking, comfortable, grippy, and large enough for frantic movements. Here at Tech-Reviews we’ve been privileged enough to review most of XTracPads product range and they have so far all been superb products. With this in mind, Chris at XTracPads has crafted the Pro and sent it to us for review.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro6.jpg" alt="smallxtracpadspro6 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></p>
<h3>Introduction</h3>
<p>The quest has been on in recent times to find the ultimate gaming surface. The criterion is clear: a smooth surface, high tracking, comfortable, grippy, and large enough for frantic movements. Here at Tech-Reviews we’ve been privileged enough to review most of XTracPads product range and they have so far all been superb products. With this in mind, Chris at XTracPads has crafted the Pro and sent it to us for review.</p>
<p><span id="more-36"></span></p>
<h4>About XTracPads</h4>
<p>XTracPads is a company that was started by a group of hardcore gamers in 2002 and specializes in designing high-end mouse surfaces and accessories for mainly gamers.</p>
<h4>Product Specifications</h4>
<ul>
<li>Size: 8.5”x11”x1/8”thick</li>
<li>Super Soft cloth surface</li>
<li>Hexagon pattern for enhance tracking</li>
<li>Sure grip rubber backing</li>
<li>Easy to clean</li>
</ul>
<h3>Packaging</h3>
<p>The packaging in true XTracPads style; simple and clear.</p>
<p>The Pro comes delivered in a sturdy cardboard envelope style packaging with a photo of the pro rolled up on the front. Also on the front of the packaging is a hole so you can feel the pad within.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro1.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro1.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro1 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<p>The rear of the packaging is simple and states the product specifications and has a couple of comments made by other sites about the mouse mat.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro2.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro2.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro2 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<h3>The XtracPads Pro</h3>
<p>Upon removing the Pro from the packaging it was clear to me that this mat was about to win an extra star on its rating for flexibility.</p>
<p>It is relatively well sized but admittedly is vastly smaller than its siblings such as the fat mat or the hammer.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro3.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro3.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro3 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<p>The cloth surface is super smooth and the mouse glides silently and effortlessly over it.</p>
<p>It has Xtrac pads trademark hexagonal styling for increased tracking and accuracy. On the right hand side there is a black strip with the company name and a link to their website.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro5.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro5.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro5 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<p>The pad is undoubtedly a very attractive product and is comfortable too, even if it is only 1/8” thick.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro6.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro6.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro6 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<p>The mouse mat also comes with an Xtrac pads sticker for those who want that little extra freebie with their purchase.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro4.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro4.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro4 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<p>The surface, I can only describe as perfect, it allows the mouse to glide in a way much like the Pro HS that we reviewed. This is a great lure for gamers as effortless glide means better game play.</p>
<p>The maker or breaker for many when it comes to buying a mouse mat is whether the mat can be rolled up. At Tech-Reviews we know that for easy transportation to LAN parties the mat must roll up. The Pro does this perfectly so another great plus for games on that front then.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro8.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro8.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro8 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<p>The cloth used to coat the top of the mat appears to be fray resistant and doesn’t lift at all from the rubber base. The cloth also wipes clean easily which is another good point on an ever-growing list.</p>
<p>The base is sure-grip rubber meaning it will not slide when being used like many poor quality mats do. The base does however pick up dirt quickly and easily but it simply falls off when that mat is shaken.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro7.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro7.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro7 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<h3>Testing</h3>
<p>The Pro has so far been flawless so let’s see if it can perform as well in-game as it does before use.</p>
<p>To test the mat I am using the Cyber Snipa Stinger, which I’ll have a review for in a few days time.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/xtracpadspro9.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/hardware/xtracpadspro/smallxtracpadspro9.jpg" border="0" alt="smallxtracpadspro9 XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="450" height="300" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></a></p>
<p>I will be playing on our favourite games here at Tech-Reviews: Battlefield 2 and Serious Sam to try and get a gauge of the mats tracking and performance in game.</p>
<p>In game on Battlefield 2 I found the pad to provide greater accuracy that the Evo-G did and have no over movements of inaccuracies, perhaps the greatest plus of all?</p>
<p>In Serious Sam I found the enemies to pose less of a threat in intense situations as that Pro’s superior tracking allows for greater accuracy and more response to the mouse.</p>
<p>For standard windows use such as web-browsing I found the XTracPad to be great as it provides comfort with functionality. The fact that this pad is a great all rounder is a definite advantage.</p>
<h4>Cost</h4>
<p>The Pro retails at around $8.95, which unless I’m mistaken, is equal to about £4.50 so it’s definitely not expensive for such a great performer.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Pro has constantly delivered accuracy and comfort throughout its use; XTracPads have done it again and created another super mousing surface.</p>
<p>If you are in the market for a new pad I would definitely recommend this pad to anyone gamers or otherwise.</p>
<h4>Pros</h4>
<ul>
<li>Good Price</li>
<li>Performance</li>
<li>Can be rolled easily</li>
<li>Uber tracking</li>
<li>Accurate</li>
<li>Suitable to all uses</li>
</ul>
<h4>Cons</h4>
<ul>
<li>None</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/awards/editors.png" alt="editors XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" width="400" height="136" title="XTracPads Pro Mouse Pad" /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-pro-mouse-pad/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Nova Winner 3</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/nova-winner-3/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/nova-winner-3/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 19:25:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rhys</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=24</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With games becoming more hectic, and requiring faster reflexes, arises the need for outstanding mouse pad surfaces to provide the level of accuracy needed to successfully dismember any enemy stupid enough to come into your line of fire. Nova was established in 1993 and has succeeded in producing outstanding mouse surfaces ever since. One such mouse mat is the Microptic Winner 3. Designed as a successor for the killer 2, offering the same quality surface in a smaller size, it is said to offer “various new innovations, developed especially for gamers”. I plan to put this to the test and see how good it can really be.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner3small.jpg" border="0" alt="winner3small Nova Winner 3" width="450" height="300" title="Nova Winner 3" /></p>
<h3>Introduction</h3>
<p>With games becoming more hectic, and requiring faster reflexes, the need arises for outstanding mouse pad surfaces to provide the level of accuracy needed to successfully dismember any enemy stupid enough to come into your line of fire. Nova was established in 1993 and has succeeded in producing outstanding mouse surfaces ever since. One such mouse mat is the Microptic Winner 3. Designed as a successor for the Winner 2, offering the same quality surface in a smaller size. It is said to offer “various new innovations, developed especially for gamers”. I plan to put this to the test and see how good it can really be.<br />
<span id="more-24"></span></p>
<h4>Features and Specifications</h4>
<ul>
<li>Size 268X233mm</li>
<li>Thickness: 3mm</li>
<li>Bi-material: The new pads keep Nova’s unique material</li>
<li>Inner material is now available in two colors, Black or White</li>
<li>Outer material available in three colors, Red, Black or Silver</li>
<li>8000 DPI, 0 Latency</li>
<li>Non-skid base</li>
</ul>
<h3>Packaging</h3>
<p>The Nova Winner 3 arrived to me in a clear plastic wallet with two holes in, one so you can feel the top of the pad and one so you can feel the bottom of it. This was a very good indicator that the product would be good even before I’d taken it out of the packaging.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner1.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner1small.jpg" border="0" alt="winner1small Nova Winner 3" width="450" height="300" title="Nova Winner 3" /></a></p>
<p>The back of the piece of paper that the mouse mat came stuck to shows NOVA’s current range of mouse mats with lists of specs under each one, the winner 3 is highlighted. Under this are some technical specifications written in words, and six different languages, specifically for the winner 3. Just to show off NOVA have decided to put all the awards they have won with this range of mats on as well, useful if you didn’t already know what you are getting is a quality product.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner2.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner2small.jpg" border="0" alt="winner2small Nova Winner 3" width="450" height="300" title="Nova Winner 3" /></a></p>
<p>This packaging was very good as the Nova arrived to me with no damage whatsoever and showed off the product in a suitable fashion.</p>
<h3>The Nova Winner 3</h3>
<p>One of the first things you notice after peeling this product satisfyingly off its paper</p>
<p>backing is that it’s a very good looking pad which certainly boasts “Gamer”. With its slick shape and rounded edges the Winner 3 certainly is onto a winner with its looks.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner6.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner6small.jpg" border="0" alt="winner6small Nova Winner 3" width="450" height="300" title="Nova Winner 3" /></a></p>
<p>Aside from the shape the main surface is sparkly; presumably this is Nova’s micro mirror technology. This looks very nice on the Winner 3, being neither garish nor girly.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner5.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner5small.jpg" border="0" alt="winner5small Nova Winner 3" width="450" height="300" title="Nova Winner 3" /></a></p>
<h3>Testing</h3>
<p>With a simple placement of the mat on my desk the product was installed and ready to go – as expected – the first thing i noticed was that the mat doesn’t move an inch. Throughout the test the mat never moved once without me wanting it to.</p>
<p>This is credited by Nova to the micro cellular foam layer on the bottom of the pad. This was incredibly useful in my favourite first person shooters, Half Life 2, as it meant that my efforts to kill a lone head crab whilst I was on the verge of death were not thwarted by a slippery mouse mat.</p>
<p>The precision offered by the tiny mirrors placed throughout the mat’s inner layer proved invaluable in helping to kill the Combine as well. If you’ve ever played Half-Life 2 you’ll know that very near the end your gravity gun will be upgraded and as a result you can pick up the combine and kill them in any manner of ways. Whilst this sounds fun it is also damn near impossible, elite enemy forces start running at you from every direction with varying degrees of number and firepower. If you’ve ever needed precision and speed in a game now is the time. The mouse mat offered total precision every time a new horde of combine came towards me, in a part of the game where I would usually die many times from picking up the wrong thing I didn’t die at all. I can credit this all to the Nova’s ability to offer precision.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner8.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner8small.jpg" border="0" alt="winner8small Nova Winner 3" width="450" height="300" title="Nova Winner 3" /></a></p>
<p>One of our favourite tests here at Tech Reviews is a mouse pads ability to be rolled up so that it can be taken to a LAN party. The Winner 3 performs very well here. As its underside is so sticky there is no need for anything to keep it rolled up, it merely sticks to itself and off you go. When unrolling it, the pad retains some of its curves, however – again due to its stickiness – the mat simply sticks to whatever surface it’s on and won’t roll up again.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner7.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/winner3/winner7small.jpg" border="0" alt="winner7small Nova Winner 3" width="450" height="300" title="Nova Winner 3" /></a></p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In a world where successors are usually worse than their predecessors (Star Wars Episode 1, Half Life 2 Episode 2, Gordon Brown) I can safely say that there is hope in the form of this mouse pad. Not one thing went wrong at any time and its ability to provide ultimate killing power means that this product gets a massive thumbs up from me. Retailing at around £13.50 this product is also great value for money.</p>
<h4>Pros</h4>
<ul>
<li>Brilliant Precision</li>
<li>Stylish Looks</li>
<li>Good Size</li>
<li>Nice Price Tag</li>
</ul>
<h4>Cons</h4>
<ul>
<li>None</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/awards/5star.png" border="0" alt="5star Nova Winner 3"  title="Nova Winner 3" /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/nova-winner-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Evo-G MP1</title>
		<link>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/evo-g-mp1-mouse-pad/</link>
		<comments>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/evo-g-mp1-mouse-pad/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 19:49:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rhys</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mouse Pads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/?p=23</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With so much stress being put on the need for ultimate accuracy for mice nowadays it is no wonder that many companies are constantly designing new mousing surfaces to fulfil this requirement. One such company is Evo-G who has sent us over the MP1 to take for a spin.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog7small.jpg" alt="evog7small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></p>
<h3>Introduction</h3>
<p>With so much stress being put on the need for ultimate accuracy for mice nowadays it is no wonder that many companies are constantly designing new mousing surfaces to fulfill this requirement. One such company is Evo-G who has sent us over the MP1 to take for a spin.</p>
<p><span id="more-23"></span></p>
<h4>About Evo-G</h4>
<p>Evo-G is all about gaming gear. Their mission is to create performance enhancing gaming products. All of their products are designed by professional gamers, for professional gamers- making them some of the best products in their class.</p>
<h4>Specifications</h4>
<ul>
<li>Compatible with gaming grade optical and laser mice</li>
<li>Surface material: High performance PP</li>
<li>Dimension: 355mm x 265mm x 3mm</li>
<li>Base: anti-slip rubber</li>
</ul>
<h4>Features</h4>
<ul>
<li>Designed for high performance gaming</li>
<li>Patented reflection technology</li>
<li>20% more upgrade tracking</li>
<li>Special mid-rough surface</li>
<li>Super slippery material</li>
<li>Soft and safe rubber base</li>
</ul>
<h3>Packaging</h3>
<p>The MP1 comes packaged in a large metal case with a card band around it. The centre of the metal case has the Evo-G logo etched into it.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evogsmall.jpg" border="0" alt="evogsmall Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p>The front and back of the MP1 is well protected by two polystyrene inserts.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog3.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog3small.jpg" border="0" alt="evog3small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p>The rear of the cardboard band is covered in the product specifications and features and a somewhat boastful comment made by Evo-g.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog2.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog2small.jpg" border="0" alt="evog2small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p>Those accustomed to receiving some kind of gimmicky freebies with their purchases will sadly be disappointed with the MP1 as the statement, ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly rings true about this product. No freebies whatsoever.</p>
<p>Admittedly the packaging is a little over the top, but a little extra on the side never really hurts.</p>
<h3>The MP1</h3>
<p>The MP1 certainly is an attractive mouse pad. In fact, I would go as far as saying it is one of the best pads I’ve ever seen – the metallic lustre and the red star sure are nice. This product is shiny yet it is not reflective which means theres not a lot of light glare from the mat.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog4.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog4small.jpg" border="0" alt="evog4small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p>Evo-G have also added their slogan “Evolution Gaming Gear” and their website address to the pad.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog6.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog6small.jpg" border="0" alt="evog6small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog7.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog7small.jpg" border="0" alt="evog7small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p>The maker or breaker for many when it comes to buying a mouse mat is whether the mat can be rolled up. At Tech-Review we know that for easy transportation to LAN parties the mat must roll up easily and without being damaged. Sadly the MP1 does not conform very well to this requirement as it can’t be rolled very easily.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog5.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog5small.jpg" border="0" alt="evog5small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p>We also found that the MP1’s coating is very delicate as the slightest knock sent a corner of the coating flying.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog8.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog8small.jpg" border="0" alt="evog8small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="300" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p>This product is of a great size for gaming as its width and height allow for huge movements that some less sensitive mice may need to make.</p>
<h3>Testing</h3>
<p>To test whether the Evo-G lives up to the hype &#8211; and my expectations &#8211; I took it for a spin on our favourite first person shooters, Battlefield 2 and Quake Wars. Both these games boast fast game play and the need for extreme accuracy when lining up head-shots.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog9.jpg"><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/reviews/evog/evog9small.jpg" border="0" alt="evog9small Evo G MP1" width="450" height="337" title="Evo G MP1" /></a></p>
<p>I found that the performance of the mouse pad was outstanding throughout game play and I managed to rack up a lot more kills than I’d normally achieve.</p>
<p>When testing I used both a Logitech MX518 and an old-fashioned roller ball. The optical mouse performance was awesome, however the roller ball found very little grip on the mat, so it was unresponsive.</p>
<h4>General Usage</h4>
<p>I found the mat incredible for everyday usage such as web browsing and media viewing. This is a great plus as it means that the mat is not just about gaming.</p>
<p>However, the MP1 is uncomfortable, incredibly so. I found that after about half an hour my wrist ached and I had to resort to using a generic mouse pad.</p>
<h4>Cost</h4>
<p>The Evo-G retails at around £12 so it’s not too pricey and if you are willing to sacrifice comfort for performance it would be a brilliant buy.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>I found that the MP1 really did live up to its hype and performed brilliantly. Its performance isn’t the best on the market but then again, with the well established position of the market leaders such as XTracPads designing awesome pads like the <a href="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/xtracpads-hammer/">Hammer</a>, its difficult for a relative newcomer to the ‘mouse pad industry’ to create a pad which can be compared to one of the market leaders’ mouse mats.</p>
<p>The offer of extreme gliding is a great lure for gamers, however with the Evo-G this is a bad thing as the super slick surface leads to occasional over-movements meaning that serious gamers may wish to look at alternative pads before jumping in to buying this one.</p>
<h4>Pros</h4>
<ul>
<li>Great looks</li>
<li>Price tag</li>
<li>Good size</li>
</ul>
<h4>Cons</h4>
<ul>
<li>Occasional over movements</li>
<li>Doesn’t roll up easily</li>
<li>Not very robust</li>
<li>Uncomfortable</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="http://www.tech-reviews.co.uk/images/awards/3star.png" alt="3star Evo G MP1" width="400" height="136" title="Evo G MP1" /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/evo-g-mp1-mouse-pad/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

