EXCLUSIVES

Gift Ideas for Father's Day, Graduation ... or Anytime

By Louise Masurat

Do you have a Mac person whom you want to buy a present for? If so, you're sure to find at least one item on this list that would be a welcome surprise. A note: All of the input devices I recommend are USB and optical, and would make a great replacement for Apple's one-button mice!

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan $59.95

This trackball is comfortable, easy to set up and space saving. It has programmable extra buttons plus a scroll wheel - and Logitech's superb software for Macintosh OS 8.6 or later.

Kensington StudioMouse $59.99

This may be the perfect mouse for the sophisticated user who demands performance, customizability, and striking design - and who isn't afraid of something new. The StudioMouse is a sleek device whose Lucite, titanium and white coloring will complement any recent Mac, desktop or laptop.

What really sets the StudioMouse apart is the Scroll Sensor, which eliminates scroll wheels in favor of a multi-function, touch-sensitive strip. And Kensington's MouseWorks is among the best software for Macintosh input devices.

Gyration Ultra Cordless Optical Mouse $79.95

This mouse is truly different: It's a cordless mouse that functions equally well on a desktop or in the air! It has a 25-ft radio range, which is not dependent on line of sight. Ultra mouse offers unprecedented freedom in surfing, gaming and mobile computing; a teacher could walk around the classroom while controlling a PowerPoint or AppleWorks presentation; and, while the manufacturer never uses the word "ergonomic," it affords flexibility of arm and wrist unlike any other pointing device. It also provides smooth tracking, precise cursor movement and ultra fast response thanks to its high-power radio. It uses rechargeable batteries so the mouse will always be ready for action. Since it relies on the operating system's mouse controls, it functions best in OS X.

Fellowes Micro Trac $29.99

This input device is always airborne. It's corded (and bargain priced), and it's actually a small trackball with three buttons and a scroll wheel. With its unusual egg-shape design, Micro Trac is especially useful with a laptop computer, since you hold it in your hand rather than rest it on a desktop. It would make an ideal present for a frequent flier!

Macally iceKey $59.00

Need a gift for someone who has a white iMac? This slim, stylish white extended keyboard features low-profile scissor keys to reduce keystroke travel distances and ease pressure on fingertips.

Macally iceMouse $39.00

Yes, it matches the new iMac and iBook, but who wouldn't like this stylish full-size white mouse? It has fully programmable buttons and scroll wheel and precise optical sensors, and comes with Macally's excellent drivers for OS 9.2 and OS X.

Logitech Cordless Navigator Duo $79.95

Here's a cordless "twofer" bargain: a sleek keyboard with nifty function keys and a two-button- plus clickable-scrollwheel mouse. The keyboard isn't small, but it is stunning - and you can rest it on your lap if you have limited desk space. The excellent included software is designed for OS X.