NETCETERA / Great Gadgets

Mouse gives off good vibes

By Eric Griffith

The term "tactile feedback" induces giggling in some, but when it comes to gaming, it's no laughing matter. Feeling the explosion of an enemy's bunker in your hand makes a game exciting. That's what feedback game controllers are all about. Yet not everyone gets the hang of a joystick or game pad after years with a mouse.

The WingMan Force Feedback Mouse by Logi-tech ( www.logitech.com ; 888-863-8312 ) is the controller mouse-loving gamers have been waiting for. This $99.95 Windows-only unit consists of an ergonomic three-button mouse mounted to a mouse pad that controls the vibrating feedback you'll feel up to your elbows. When work supersedes play, the extra feedback you get when passing over links and scrollbars is a nice touch.

Logitech's WingMan mouse: OK for both work and play.

The WingMan mouse is easy to install, but read the manual—you need to add driver software before you plug it into your USB port. It comes with great games like Heavy Gear II and Gruntz. The mouse buttons are programmable for different games, and you can also download profiles for new games to skip the programming and get to the play.

WingMan's mouse works with other input devices, but it lacks a scroll wheel and requires a specific amount of desk space. Still, it's great for the desk jockey who moonlights as a gaming enthusiast.