MediaXchange LanPad

The logic behind the LanPad is similar to the one behind the DCS keyboard – offer the user increased connectivity without taking up too much space. To that end the LanPad acts as a USB 2.0 hub and, if needed a cell phone charging station. The provided USB cable which is needed to connect the pad to the computer is customizable, so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space, which is always good (we all know how often cables get in the way). Once connected the LanPad lights up in red or blue, depending on the version you bought. During the day it is almost unnoticeable, but when the lighting conditions are not so good the pad looks spectacular.

Ironically the work surface of the LanPad was too small for the XG6, so stay away from it if you use big mice. When we switched to a smaller mouse we found that the LanPad is perfectly suited for work, but you have to have the mouse sensitivity quite high if you do not wish to constantly raise the mouse and move it to the other end just so you can move the cursor across the whole screen. In low light conditions we had no problems because of the LED diode located underneath, which made the LanPad well visible.

The USB hub works as advertized and it came in quite handy during our week of testing. Gone are the days of using the front PC USB connectors or (god forbid) the ones located on the back. 4 ports may sound like overkill, but connecting a flash stick, a digital camera and a joypad is all it takes to fill up 3 of them. While most wouldn't mind disconnecting one before connecting the next, true multi-taskers know what I’m talking about. The added bonus is the cell phone charger. The package includes adapters for the most commonly used cell phones (Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, LG) and you’re almost guaranteed to find the right adapter for your phone.

The funny thing is that while both the XG6 gaming mouse and the DCS keyboard provided more features and were technologically more advanced, it was the LanPad that we enjoyed using the most. Other than the somewhat small area intended for the mouse we have no complaints about it and would recommend it to literally everybody. Just make sure your mouse is not too big or you might end up with only an inch or so of maneuvering space.

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