Microsoft Optical Notebook Mouse Review - Okay, it's Small, But...
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Because it's so tiny and just gets lost in my grasp, I never totally feel in control of the device compared to bigger counterparts. Someone with daintier hands probably won't feel the same way. So while it's not cut out for precision CAD work, just the fact that it's wireless makes it much more liveable for Web surfing, email, and general content creation tasks. I can happily get into my relaxed "feet on desk" position, with the mouse in hand and move files around, start movies, or click through a presentation.
While you can get into a more comfortable form while doing tasks, you aren't going to be able to use the mouse as much of a "pointer" for presentations. I measured a range of around seven feet for the wireless device, which, while more than adequate when trying to read off of the laptop screen itself, isn't as good when it's attached to a projector and the whole works is at the other end of a long table. You'll still have to be within two arms lengths of the receiver for the signal to be of any use. For a mighty mite sized rodent though, that's going to be acceptable in most tasks while at a desk.
So, summation time. The Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse would make a great Christmas present for the road warriors on your list. It's not going to get my recommendation as a "crossover" device like the Pentium-M processors for desktop duty, but for those working away from a desk, I can't think of anything better. No cords, no large receiver to pack away, and it will function like a normal mouse.
Pros
- Look ma, no wires!
- Receiver and mouse pack up nicely
- Even with a small area, still has both finger buttons, and the essential "scroll" wheel
Cons
- With only 7 feet of range, not going to replace the pointer
- Has "optical" precision, but cheap optical, not to be confused with an MX/Explorer/Laser
- Feels cheaper than it is
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