Amiga Tank Mouse Revival

[AmigaNews_net]

Few days ago a campaign was launched on Kickstarter, for a remake of the iconic Amiga mouse. The distinctive mouse shape is well known to all Amiga users .

The new release of the "Tank Mouse" is a wireless device with a touch scroll, which however still works with Amiga computers, but can be used for modern PC's or Mac's as well. The mouse can connect via Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz.

The campaign already gathered a huge amount of backers, currently reaching to 60% of the budget, and 26 days still to go!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...ew-amiga-mouse

[indigolemon]

Backed already, it does look really good

[alexh]

I backed it last week.

But I am surprised the person running the campaign is allowed to make it. The design is undoubtedly copyrighted (which lasts 70 years).

I believe that it is being licensed by RetroGames at the moment. (Not that there cannot be multiple licensees)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09F18BZSZ/

This kickstarter is a better design in that it has a sensor for wheel mouse (I couldn't use a mouse today without a wheel).

I recently converted an Amiga Tank mouse into an optical mouse and I can tell you it doesn't feel right / nostalgic without the weight of the ball. I was thinking of gluing fishing lead weights into mine to return the authentic feel.

NOTE: This kickstarter doesn't include the Amiga->USB adapter so you can't use it direct with an Amiga. (It does say that in the campaign and there is a stretch goal)

[AmigaNews_net]

Patents expire after 20 years.

[alexh]

Originally Posted by AmigaNews_net

Patents expire after 20 years.

This is not a patent. It is copyright. 3D shapes are subject to copyright just like sculptures, music or artwork. The copyright lasts 70 years and will still be enforceable. Not that there is anyone around to enforce it these days.

[btp]

Looks great and reasonably priced.
I backed it and I'm hoping it will also reach the stretch goal.

[Pierre]

Backed. I am very much looking forward to a new classic Amiga mouse with new hardward inside.

[Predseda]

I do not like the narrow buttons. But I do not like tank mouse at all

[Valken]

I like the heavy tank mouse feel but after getting used to laser trackers and lighter weight, it would be harder to go back.

Plus I need all those buttons off my Logitech G700s!

[Zak]

I lost my A500 Tank Mouse. It just broke inside while gaming and could not be repaired. So I don't know how reliable that design is.

[prometeo]

Backed.
Still not sure if I can resurrect my A1200, but at least I'll use it on my work laptop... :-P
Giacomo.

[DisasterIncarna]

backed....naturally

[Daedalus]

Originally Posted by alexh

Not that there is anyone around to enforce it these days.

Probably true, but given RetroGames' involvement in the (licenced) A500 Mini and the prior history of certain key members of that company, I would be wary all the same.

[stairmand]

Backed, the native adaptor on the stretch goal would be awesome.

[stainy]

Backed..

[SnowGhost]

Yeah I saw this too, backed it, hope it goes well, the DB9 adapter would be nice, although not essential for most of my use (I have tank mouse for my original A500, but use a wireless MiSTer setup and this will complete that).

[Gryfon]

Backed, fingers crossed for the DB9 stretch goal too.

[alexh]

Congratulations on legally licensing the 3D design from Amiga Corporation (or whatever it is these days).

Knowing that everything is above board should encourage more backers.

[prometeo]

Goal reached. Now, if we can only reach also the second goal: having a dongle to use it on a real Amiga would be nice!

[Pyromania]

Nice Kickstarter!

Respect!