The Sony VAIO Mouse Talk VN-CX1 is a slick little device that works as both an optical mouse and a Skype phone. I got my hands on one from the US Skype store, and after using it for a couple days I can tell you it's a really good choice for business travellers and others who want to combine the functionality of a headset and a mouse in a compact package. Read on for the full review.

First Impressions

The first thing you notice when you take the Mouse Talk out of its package is how small it is. It's an ideal size to just throw into your laptop bag (especially with its little cord collector), but it also fits well in your hand and is comfortable to use both as a mouse and a phone. And it's quite easy on the eyes--Sony is known for its good-looking hardware and the Mouse Talk is no exception.

Functionality

As a mouse it has the left and right mouse buttons you'd expect, as well as a scroll wheel which you can click to enable an autoscroll function.

Pressing a button at the mouse's hinge flips open the Mouse Talk and puts it in phone mode. After installing the driver on the included CD, using the Mouse Talk with Skype is easy. When you get an incoming Skype call, the blue LED flashes (or you can set the mouse to ring), and opening up the phone answers the call. While on a call, the scroll wheel adjusts the caller's volume, and clicking the wheel mutes your microphone. Closing the phone ends the call. When you're not on a call, opening the phone brings the Skype client to the foreground.

The flip-phone is light and comfortable to use and the sound quality is quite good. Flipping the phone open part of the way puts the Mouse Talk in speakerphone mode, which was adequate for a quiet office but might not cut it in a louder environment.

One drawback with the Mouse Talk is that by design you can't use it as a mouse when you're on the phone. So you need to use your laptop's trackpad, or start your calls with the Mouse Talk then open it up to phone mode.

Conclusion

The Sony VAIO Mouse Talk is a great addition to any road warrior's arsenal. It's a high quality mouse and USB phone that doesn't compromise on functionality or aesthetics. I've always been a trackpad guy myself, but the Mouse Talk is making me reconsider my position. Having a mouse that makes it so easy to make and take calls definitely gives you one less thing to worry about. You can get the Mouse Talk now at the US Skype Store for $79.95.