Microsoft Optical Notebook Mouse Review - Get a Mouse
(Page 2 of 5 )
So, after becoming increasingly bitter towards the available integrated input devices, what to do? Well, the obvious option is to get a mouse. My first attempt at this was to just toss an old ball mouse I had hanging around in the bag. Big mistake. With mechanical parts to get bashed against one another, not to mention the mouse's ability to inhale any lint, dirt, or stray strings, it was next to useless. At least it was a step up from the ubiquitous eraser head.
Faced with yet more frustration in attempting to get real work done, I stepped up to the plate and purchased the cheapest optical mouse I could find with which to travel. However, once again disappointment reared its ugly head. While at least this time it was a reasonable excuse for a pointing device, it was far from the wireless optical mice with which I've grown accustomed to using on desktops.
While it's essential to sit close to the laptop in order to use the keyboard, presentations and such don't require much more than some well placed mouse points and clicks. So too with basic tasks like Web browsing, which, with a wireless device, would allow for my usual reclining angle with feet up on the table, and the mouse resting on my thigh, without an extremely long cord. Which of course I'm sure I'd eventually find a way to get tangled up in, and then proceed to dump the laptop on the floor.
Don't laugh, I've done dumber things in my day. I can be quite the douche bag when my attention isn't where it should be. So, with the "wireless" freedom that is prevalent in laptops these days, why suffer with a corded mouse? The answer of retiring one of my other desktop duty mice and putting them to mobile duty didn't seem terribly appropriate. They are generally pretty large and heavy. I'm a big guy, but the laptop bag is not. And until I get myself a nice 12.1" Centrino laptop, I'd rather not add any more weight than necessary to what I have to port around already.
As well, the receiver for those mice is corded itself. On the MX1000 it is such an odd shape, thanks to its need to support the mouse itself while charging, that it's a deal breaker. I'd have it snapped apart in one tour of duty. So all the solutions on my desk were one way or another not suited to mobile duty. That means it's time to go shopping for something better.
Next: Microsoft's Mousy Mouthful >>
More Peripherals Articles
More By DMOS
