With the sudden explosion in Internet telephony (VoIP) showing no sign of slowing, Sony’s VAIO has solved the rather new problem of what to talk into.

Mouse one minute, Internet phone the next - Sony’s VN-CX1 is a neat multi-function device that would make a great gift for a geek friend.

The first thing you notice about the VAIO VN-CX1 is that it’s nicely designed for a mouse. And when you touch a button at the side and the mouse flips open to become a clamshell-style phone. Cool!Yet the idea is blissfully simple - why have two peripherals to deal with when you only need one?

Once you know its secret, the VAIO VN-CX1’s practical side comes to the fore. Connected to a PC or laptop enabled for Internet-based telephony, the device can be used as a conventional handset or left on the desk for hands-free operation.

A LED on top of the mouse lights up as a discrete indicator that someone is calling, or the VAIO VN-CX1 can be set to ring as well if desired. During a call, the centre scroll wheel acts as a volume control and can also mute the phone.

Setup requires no more than a USB connection to the host machine and a simple driver installation, says Sony. It looks like the VAIO VN-CX1 is ideal for private conversations in handset mode but just as good for conference calls in hands-free mode.

It’s also promises to be a very comfortable and responsive optical mouse with an 800dpi resolution for better accuracy. Ideal for laptop users as well as desktops, the compact and lightweight (89x46x24mm, 67g) VAIO VN-CX1 is as portable as it is stylish. Black, Silver and Blue models are available, so there should be something for every taste - unless pink is your thing!

Expect the VN-CX1 to hit UK shops in March. It will cost around £55.

[Best Mouse Pricing UK]
[Best Mouse Pricing US]

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BIOS, Feb 23, 06 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Input device