June 15th, 1999

Review
Turn Your iPuck Into A Great Mouse With UniTrap

Countour Design's UniTrap
Contact and Other Information
Manufacturer: Contour Design, Inc.
Description: Snap-on shell for Apple USB Mouse
Address: Contour Design Inc.
354 North Broadway
Salem, NY 03079
U.S.A.

Price: US$14.99 at Countour Design

US$13.49 at MacMall


Telephone: 800.462.6678 - USA

603.893.4556 - International


Fax: 603.893.4558
Requirements Apple USB Mouse
System Used For Testing Power Macintosh G3 All-in-one

ADS Tech USB Port PCI card

Apple USB Mouse

UniTrap Review
by Michael Munger

The UniTrap is an ergonomic snap-on shell for iMac and Power Macintosh G3 (Yosemite type) owners who need a bigger and more comfortable mouse than the default Apple USB mouse nicknamed the iPuck. It comes in five flavors which match the iMac flavors.

The shell comes in a small box with company information and instructions on how to use the shell with your mouse.

Installation is in three steps. First, we removed the (flavored) plastic sides of our USB mouse carefully. Second, we inserted the mouse in the bottom shell and placed it in the position suggested on the box. Last, we snapped the top shell onto the bottom shell. It is very easy to do if the simple instructions are followed.

There is little documentation with the product and this was intentional from Contour Design, as there is no need for it. Once the shell is snapped on the mouse, it is ready for use. Nothing else to know, and this is why it is so simple.

Ergonomics

The strength of this product is all in the ergonomics. The Apple USB Mouse has been bashed around by an important number of Mac users since the introduction of the iMac and the blue G3. It is too small and it is hard to locate the head and tail because of the round shape.

The UniTrap makes the mouse bigger and more comfortable to use, especially for big hands. The shell allows you to place your hand on the mouse in a position of rest, from fingers to palm. Some people may feel it is a bit thick in the middle, but after a short time, it will feel very comfortable.

Flavors

The UniTrap comes in 5 flavors, and the good thing about it is that all you have to do to switch flavors is to remove the mouse button, take your favorite, and snap it on. It is that simple, and if you switch computers, you can still change the flavor of your mouse.

Conclusion

This product is almost as great as a big ergonomic mouse. The only difference is that there is only one button to click on - as you would expect - given that the UniTrap is a shell. If you are not satisfied with your Apple USB Mouse but do not want to buy an expensive replacement, the UniTrap seems to be the right solution.


Final Score (Maximum score is 5 Gadgies)
4 1/2 Gadgies
Pros This product is a marvelous and inexpensive way to
make your Apple USB mouse more comfortable to use.
Cons The UniTrap is very slightly bigger than a standard
mouse, but this is a very minor complaint.