Over the last year several solutions have appeared on the market claiming to make improvements to probably the most neglected device of all, the mouse pad. Every time you see a new ad for a mouse pad that claims it will increase gaming performance or accuracy you just have to wonder if the people the wrote that advertisement have really thought about what they are claiming.  Can a mouse pad actually improve your gaming?  Or is this just a ludicrous ploy to get your money?  Hell mouse pads are free.  Most computer stores are glad to give you a free one with their name and phone number displayed boldly upon it as a reminder that they are there to take your hard earned dollars any time you need them.

When I first received my sUrface1030 mouse pad I was shocked to find that it comes in a tin container lined with foam like you would use to protect camera equipment. The mouse pad itself is a double sided blue piece of plastic material that is smooth on one side slightly rough on the other measuring 8.5"x10" and around an 1/8" thick in the rubber mat.  To keep the pad in place it fits perfectly into a recessed orange rubber pad. Then to finish off the package the kit comes with a cable clip that clips onto the rubber mat and is held in place by the pad and allows you to clip your mouse cord keeping it where you want it and manageable.

Specs

• Double-sided large sUrface area: 10"x8.5"
• Two unique sUrface sides users can choose to mouse on, both providing a smooth feel with a high level of traction consistency and precision
• Easy to clean and is hand washable when necessary

Cord Clip

• Clip connects to base at one of six locations accommodating left and right handed users, and allows for surface to be used "wide" or "long" depending on user preference
• Clip designed to be non-interfering with mouse or mouse cord movements
• Applies pressure at two locations on the cord ensuring a firm hold, stabilizing it in one position
• Strong metal construction

Base

• Less than 1/8" high
• Houses the sUrface component and integrates the cord clip
• Textured bottom ensures the solution remains in place on your desk while mousing
• Rubber edging surrounds the sUrface component providing a soft feel to the wrist
• High quality, durable rubber construction

Packaging

• High quality embossed tin packaging provides for a durable carrying case
• Comes in a tin!

The two different feeling sides to the Surface1030 was a feature that I really liked as I use two different mice for my pc.  I preferred the slick feel of the smother side with my IntelliEye IntelliMouse and the rougher side for my Saitek GM2's mouse ball to grip.  At first glance I was put off by the large size of the pad however my concerns were quickly put aside due to the fact that the Surface1030 is so thin that it is hardly in the way.  Though the pad is too wide to fit next to my keyboard on my pull out keyboard shelf its thin enough that the keyboard sets on and overlaps the pad by a good two inches yet it doesn't teeter like it would with a thicker pad.

Because the pad is made of a hard plastic and rubber there is nothing to wear out and will keep you mousing for a long time to come.  Unlike normal cloth covered mouse pads dust and dirt just wipes off the pad so you don't have all the built up dust clogging up your mouse ball keeping your precision mousing surface precise.

Though I was skeptical since I have started using the Surface1030 I can't imagine going back to a dust collecting old ragged cloth top mouse pad again. Am I more accurate and getting more kills?  I don't know about that but I haven't had to mess with my mouse pad in a long time and I am tracking better than ever. Is it worth the $20?  In my opinion it is well worth the $20 price tag however I help but think they could have charged less and omitted the tin case that serves absolutely no purpose what so ever.  Seriously folks this is a great feeling mouse pad that really becomes a part of your daily life and I have to say if mine were gone I would miss it enough to order a replacement.  You can order them direct from Act Labs in either black or Orange base from this link. 

Review by: William Gall
Date: March 6, 2001