Microsoft WIRELESS NOTEBK OPTICLMSE ( BX3-00008 )

Rating:
Summary: Great design and features, simple set-up
Review: A mouse is such a basic computing tool it is easy to assume all such devices are pretty much the same. In other words, how much functionality is there in the first place to improve on? In the case of the BX3-0000x, apparently a lot.

First and foremost, there's the wireless feature, which follows the standard rule of less (wires) is more (ease of use). Then there is the smaller size, which increases mobility and storage value. Smaller isn't always better, of course. I have a micro MS mouse that I have used for close to a year, but it borders on being too small for my tastes. However, the size of the BX3-0000x is perfect as far as I'm concerned.

In judging most computing devices, the bottom line for me is usually how easy it is to set up and start using. No worries here. The "getting started" brochure is actually a waste of time and material, because with my Dell notebook and XP operating system, I simply plugged it in and never gave it a second thought.

What really sets this product apart is its strikingly simple and intuitive design. It starts with the wireless aspect (I will never use a wired tracking device again if I have any choice in the matter), the USB receiver that snaps into the bottom of the mouse when not in use (no more frantic groping around the bottom of my laptop case), and the power-saving feature that automatically turns off the battery when the receiver is attached.

At less than $30 with rebate on Amazon, this adds up to a great value purchase, too. The only problem is that both my daughters and my wife each want one now.

Rating:
Summary: Great Little Mouse
Review: I just got this little mouse for my laptop, because it's compact and wireless. The mouse runs on a single AA battery, and should last for a while. I run my mouse in a Linux envoirment, and everything works right out of the box.

My only complaint is the RF mouse does lag - compared to my Logitech dual optical. But compared to other wireless mice, it's very responsive. Though don't expect to do a lot of photo editing or gaming.

Rating:
Summary: Looks and feels great but ...
Review: I owned this mouse for 1 week and ended up taking it back because I could never get it to stay connected. I believe the USB connector was faulty since I tried it on several computers with the same result. Since the other reviews look positive, I can only assume I got a "lemon", but I'll stick with my Logitech I bought as a replacement - almost as cool and worked great on the 1st try.

On the plus side, the handheld portion of this mouse felt comfortable and I really liked how the USB connector stored in the underside of the mouse - great for portability when traveling. Too bad I couldn't get it to work consistently.

Rating:
Summary: Truly Awesome Mouse
Review: I travel with my job and use a laptop all the time. I received this mouse for a present, and I have to say it is a truly awesome mouse for several reasons. 1) Ease of installing - all you have to do is plug the adapter in a USB port and you are good to go, with NO downloading or anything. 2) The adapter fits in the bottom of the mouse when you are finished for easy packing. 3) The mouse is a perfect size for my hand and fits nicely in a pocket in my laptop bag. As I said, I travel with my job and have used many different kinds of mouses (mice?), and this is the best one I have ever used. I am very satisfied with mine.

Rating:
Summary: Great portable mouse!
Review: I'm a computer junkie, i have to admit that I fall for every gadget and gimmick that comes along when it comes to computer hardware. This was no exception. I recently picked up a new laptop and thought i'd compliment it with a new mouse. Whilst shopping, I noticed this little fellow on sale and thought what a great idea... the usb transmitter snaps in to the bottom of the mouse (also shuts it off so its not burning up the battery). Unfortunately the store that I spotted it at had sold out! I asked the clerk and he said the things were flyin off the shelves. Figured it must be worth a look so I went a few doors down to a competitor and found one.

Great thing about buying hardware from the evil empire (Microsoft), is that it pretty much all works without downloading new drivers. Plugged the USB transmitter in, snapped the included single AA battery in the mouse (its located under the top cover btw if you dont like reading instructions like me), and it fired to life. Nice smooth tracking, worked on all surfaces i tested except for the actual screen of my laptop.. hehe

All I cared about was to have an ultra-portable mouse that was wireless and worked well. I got the great bonus of, good price, easy to install, great function, perfect compatability. If it had two tumb buttons for fwd/back on web browsing, i'd write microsoft a thank you letter.

Rating:
Summary: I like it. No big qualms with this product.
Review: I've owned it for about a week and it has worked right out of the box on my Windows XP Dell 700m without any driver installation. It works perfectly with the receiver within a few feet and line-of-sight, but of course with some interference, the signal becomes intermittent. I cannot comment of battery life, but it shouldn't be a problem with some 2200maH NiMH batteries. (btw, it comes with a single Energizer AA). I like the fact that the scroll wheel now clicks like the Logitech mice. I believe the older Microsoft mice just had a smooth wheel. I would like to have a couple additional buttons by the thumb for going back and forward in browsers, but I knew that going in on the purchase so I cannot complain too much. The mouse is small and comfortable, but I'd like it to be a little more thin so I can stow it awhile easier. Also, it would have been nice with a carrying bag. But, at the end of the day, I think it is a great product.

Rating:
Summary: Great mouse with a few flaws
Review: I've tried three or four wireless mice and have never found one that I like at all - they've either been floaty and unresponsive, or included ridiculously bulky wireless base stations that completely defeat the purpose of having a wireless mouse at all.

This little Microsoft mouse solves these problems very well - it has razor-precise responses and communicates with the computer through a relatively small USB stub. The mouse itself is small, but not by any means uncomfortable. The USB stub snaps into the back of the mouse when it's not in use, which is a great idea and makes it truly portable (about the size of a small digital camera).

The only problem is that the mouse doesn't have an on/off button on it, which makes me worry about battery life. The mouse does switch off whe the stub is snapped in (it has a tiny pressure switch like you'd find on a telephone), but there's no way to turn it off when you leave your desk is you don't unplug the USB connector. Maybe this doesn't actually effect the battery life very much (I've only had it for a few days), but I would have appreciated a manual on/off (and, as another reviewer already said, a carrying case).

All in all, though, this is a great wireless mouse for portable or stationary applications. Microsoft may have its problems as a corporation, but nearly every Microsoft mouse I've purchased has been great, like this one.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Wireless Laptop Mouse
Review: My mouse came in the mail today. Take that into account when you read this, as I cannot attest to it's long term performance. That said, I have been pleasantly suprised so far with the product. After reading multiple positive reviews, I thought it would be good, and I can truly say it is. Installation was simple (plug and play). I don't know why I suffered for so long with my built in Synaptics Touchpad. The size is small, but I like it. A good comparisson would be the original XBox controller versus the newer/smaller type S. Bigger is not necessarily more ergonomic. I also can't believe that I waited so long for an optical mouse. Movement is smooth, very smooth. I highly recommend this mouse.

Rating:
Summary: 10 STARS!!!
Review: This is a great little mouse that is design specifically for travelers and laptop owners!!! I travel with my laptop at least once a week and this is a must have. It only needs 1 AA batt and much lighter and comfortable than Logitech mice. In fact, I had previously bought a Logitech notebook mouse(the one that had touch sensitive wheel for $70), but was very disappointed with the comfort and battery life. I made an exchange with the Microsoft notebook mouse because it was ergonomically designed and was much more attractive with longer battery life. Both of my kids have laptops and i bought one for each :) they love it!

Rating:
Summary: Best mouse I have
Review: This is the best mouse I've ever owned. I have the larger full size wireless explorer at home and its way too "heavy" feeling. This one feels great for being smaller than the usual mouse. Very compact but very useful. I'd give up my laptop before I'd give up my laptop mouse.