Nostromo n30 GameMouse
 - reviewed by Andrew B
Review Date: 29th May 2002
Review Score: 9.5/10 
Distributor: Belkin

"Ever wondered what sensation would feel like on a mouse?"

The Nostromo n30 GameMouse from Belkin is one of the most unique pieces of hardware I've ever tested. Although this mouse is aimed at gamers, it would also be ideal for those who require 100% accuracy.

Features of the Nostromo n30 GameMouse

• TouchSense Technology
• Three Buttons
• Scroll Wheel
• Innovative Wing for enhanced grip and easy button access
• Rugged form for aggressive feel
• Versatile gaming tool that can also be used as a standard Windows mouse
• Immersion Desktop software that adds sensations to your desktop
• USB
• Lifetime Warranty

The mouse is designed for newer Operating Systems such Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows ME. It should be noted that the mouse does not come with any native Windows XP support but you can use the existing drivers on the CD. The installation of Nostromo n30 GameMouse was extremely easy and only took a few minutes to install the mouse on Windows XP.

The GameMouse comes with an easy to use manual and an installation CD that contains the Immersion Desktop software, drivers and various tech demos that showcases the power of this mouse. The Immersion Desktop software makes your windows experience become one of feel and touch. When you move the mouse over a menu, icon or hotspot, the mouse will gently vibrate. There are a variety of sensitivity settings that allow for different sensations when you move your mouse over them such as a metallic or rubbery feel.

The GameMouse was tested on a variety of basic operations under Windows XP such as Microsoft Office and internet browsing via Internet Explorer and performed extremely well. The mouse pointer and wheel was extremely smooth and accurate. The mouse itself does have a bulky feel to  it and will take some time to get use to. The third mouse button, known as the "battle wing" does feel a little awkward if you are not a right handed person or for those of you who have trained themselves to use your left hand with the mouse. After testing the mouse for almost a day, all these small problems are no longer relevant. 

This mouse would also be ideal for people suffering from certain disabilities because of the forces that cause the mouse to vibrate when going over menus, icons and hotspots. This amazing new technology is even being used on the internet with certain web pages that makes surfing the net just that bit more interesting. There is also a program that comes with the installation CD to create "vibrations" on your own home pages.

The mouse was tested on Unreal Tournament and performed like a treat. It was like playing a game with "force feedback" on your mouse. Every time you fired the gun, your mouse would vibrate, simulating various types of gunfire. If you love your first person shooters, then this mouse has been designed especially for you because it really adds to the gaming atmosphere. PC Gaming has always lacked that enjoyable "console" feel but thanks to Belkin, it's finally here. The installation CD also comes with two games called Diamonds 3D and Demonstar that showcases the various sensations that the mouse can produce. This is what the mouse is designed for though, a unique gaming experience that takes the PC to the next stage of entertainment.

I would highly recommend this mouse to anyone who takes their PC Gaming seriously because words cannot do the Nostromo n30 GameMouse justice. It must be experienced! 

All first person shooters such as Unreal and Return to Castle Wolfenstein on the PC require a mouse and a keyboard. The mouse is here but Belkin have also released a specialised keyboard to go hand in hand with the mouse, the Nostromo n50 SpeedPad. Don't forget to check out the review and go out and buy this mouse now! Brilliant!

-Andrew B

System Requirements

• USB port
• Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows ME (Supports Windows XP)
• Pentium 200Mhz
• 30MB available on hard drive
• 25MB available hard drive space (minimum install)
• 50MB available hard drive space (maximum install)
• Direct-X compatible video card
• CD-ROM or DVD drive

Copyright ©2002 www.impulsegamer.com