MINIX NEO M1 Wireless GyroMouse Review

This review article is supplementary to our MINIX NEO X8-H Amlogic (S802-H) Media Hub Review. Within is a brief introduction, specifications and performance summary for the MINIX NEO M1 2.4GHz Wireless GyroMouse.

Hardware

Examining the MINIX NEO M1 Wireless GyroMouse we see the remote is constructed from formed plastic all-around, with faux brushed metal finish on interface side for aesthetics. Overall measurements are 146mm (l) x 39mm (w) x 12.6mm (h) and fits nicely in hand. As for built quality, I'd say average, given the price.

Specifications

• Six-Axis Gyroscope & accelerometer
• USB plug-and-play receiver
• 2.4GHz Wireless
• Built-in rechargeable lithium battery
• Operating range of up to 10 meters
• Multi OS support: Linux, Android, Mac OS X and Windows
• Dimensions: 146mm (l) x 39mm (w) x 12.6mm (h)

Performance

Power is supplied by a built-in rechargeable lithium battery and with ordinary use I'm on day 10 of operation without requiring a recharge. Speaking of, a recharge takes roughly 26 minutes to fully charge again, or at least this is the experience I documented on first use straight out of the box. Battery discharge is of course subjective to usage so your results will vary.

Though the remote has an on/off switch at the bottom, I was unable to determine if shutting off had an effect on battery discharge. After a while I completely forgot about the switch and just left the remote on all the time.

Pointer sensitivity is sufficient and can be adjusted via Android settings if not to your liking. Pointer alignment from time to time strays, but easily readjusted with the flick the the wrist. Range of the remote is excellent and was tested from 27 feet away.

The six-axis gyroscope & accelerometer are only good for navigating interfaces and applications such as XBMC, YouTube, Netflix, etc. So if you're expecting to use this mouse for gaming as a steering wheel or wand type controller, it's a no go. At least from my testing in the Open Source game Tux Rider Android edition where I was unsuccessful using the MINIX NEO M1 in such a manner.