Ploopy launches Bean travel mouse with ThinkPad-style nub and Texas Instruments sensors

Ploopy has introduced the Ploopy Bean, a compact peripheral designed specifically for users working in confined environments such as hotel room desks. Unlike traditional optical mice that require surface movement to register inputs, the device operates more like a trackpad, eliminating the need for the user to slide the unit across a desk.

The core of the input mechanism is a central red nub that controls cursor movement, drawing direct inspiration from the trackpoint nubs found on older ThinkPad laptops. However, the Bean distinguishes itself through significantly higher sensitivity; it utilizes magnetic sensors manufactured by Texas Instruments capable of detecting movements as small as three microns. This high-precision tracking allows the nub to move up to 11mm in all directions without losing accuracy.

Surrounding the central nub are four fully customizable buttons that can be programmed via firmware. These buttons allow users to configure macros or combine keyboard clicks with a single press, offering a level of functionality typically reserved for more complex ergonomic setups. This customisability aims to streamline workflows for the heavy travellers the device is intended to serve.

In a move that appeals to tech-savvy users, many of the device's internal components are engineered to be replaceable by the end-user using a 3D printer. This design choice suggests a focus on longevity and repairability, allowing owners to maintain the hardware without relying on manufacturer support for minor component failures.

Despite its innovative approach to stationary input, the Ploopy Bean is not a wireless device and requires a physical USB-C connection to function. The unit is priced at approximately $51 and is currently available for pre-order. However, potential buyers should note that estimated shipping times for the device could extend up to 20 weeks from the date of order.