Wireless mice - talk to me!

I'm currently using a RF wireless optical mouse made by Microsoft (Notebook Optical 3000) that uses 1x AA battery.

Since my current laptop, and the Dell Studio 15 and Dell Mini 9 that I ordered all have internal Bluetooth 2.0 cards, I thought about picking up a Bluetooth mouse.

What should I know about these? Do they accept AA / AAA batteries? I have a bunch of NiMH rechargeables that I use and they last 3-4 months on standby (I leave my MS optical 3000 on 24/7). Why aren't there more Bluetooth mice? Is there a problem with driver compatibility / radio signal standards? I don't own a cellphone so I've never jumped on the Bluetooth headset craze so I know nothing first hand about this technology other than that it has limited range and limited bandwidth.

What are some wireless mice that I should look at for traveling with my laptops? I demand optical/laser performance and the ability to use AA/AAA rechargeable batteries. Li-Ion packs are proprietary and have a finite lifespan (3-5 years max) before the chemistry breaks down by itself.

 

If you aren't set on just a bluetooth mouse I would check out the Logitech VX Nano. It does have a usb dongle, but it's so small that it won't get in your way...

As for bluetooth mice, there really are a lack of them, but you could check out the thread I had similar to this located here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=301316

Hope this helps!

 

Some good BT mice to consider:

• Microsoft Notebook Presenter mouse 8000
• Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000
• Logitech V470 Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks

 

I like my Kensington Slimblade Bluetooth Trackball Mouse.

I also have a Logitech V470 but I don't really like the very bulbous shape of it... I find it unconfortable in my hand... YMMV. It works fine though.

The Kensington has a much flatter shape, which I prefer.

I think the Logitech VX Nano is also a good (non-bluetooth) suggestion... I haven't used one though. But it has a very tiny receiver... you can just plug in the receiver and leave it in and forget it's there... except that it does take up a USB port, of course.

 

I'm selling a Targus bluetooth laser mouse. It's dongle-free, used for traveling, and uses AAA batteries. It's rechargeable via usb. You can charge it on the go and still be able to use your mouse so no waiting.

 

Hey,
I use the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 for my 1530! And, it's just a awesome, compact, reliable, great BT Mouse!! Scrolling, with the BT 5000, is nice and quick!

And, for me it was great I didn't have to *install anything*. My 1530 found and recognized the MB BT 5000! The battery life has been just great, too Uses 2 AAA batt's (come included), and it fit's in my hand just fine!

Here is some info:

Linky for Amazon: $38.89
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Bluetooth-Notebook-Mouse-5000/dp/B000TG4BA0

Linky for Dell: $33.59 (better priced)
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...1&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063



Good luck ~ let us know what one you went with!


Cin

 

I agree with Cin, the 5000 has worked REALLY well for me.

 

does it go to sleep after a few mins of idle time? how long does it take to wake up? does it have back/fwd buttons?

 

I use the Dell bluetooth Travel mouse. 5 buttons, tilting mouse wheel. What more do you want?

 

For me it doesn't go into sleep mode (I tend to move the mouse fairly often).
You can put it to sleep if you want, by hitting the on/off button (also extends the batt' life)!

It has a back button to navigate thru page/folders etc., and a nice scrolling wheel!

Here is a image with features listed:



Hope that answers your q's


Cin

 

I use a Kingston Ci75M and love it. It aint bluetooth, but it is pretty awesome. I have never replaced the batteries (after 6 months of medium use), it has the power save features, and can be a usb mouse if your batteries die. Has an internal cable and all, so I was sold.

 

Phew, I came into this thread thinking someone needs some psychiatric help. Glad that's not the case.

 

The Nano is nice! I was looking at those when I started looking at Wireless mice! Hence, I really enjoy my MS BTooth 5000

I have a friend whom has the Nano, and it works well for them!


Cin

 

The new Targus bluetooth for mac mouse isn't sexy, but the few reviews I've read say it's a solid BT choice. It's not in stores yet (at least not in my area). I too am looking for a mouse for my MBP and am considering the MX revolution and the new Targus. The Revolution feels really sweet in your hand, but I'd really like the mouse the match my secondary Apple keyboard. Which is why I'm holding off to make sure the new Targus doesn't get lost in the palm of my hand.

 

A year I'm using Energizer Rechargeables(2 1/2 months) already re-charged them.

I had alot of problems my VX until I put the dongle in the rear USB


Notebook : HP Pavilion Tx 2517ca

 

so it doesn't go to "sleep" even after 5-10 mins of idle time? you can come back from being AFK and it will move or click instantly? i'm very hesitant with my next mouse bc my old BT mouse went to sleep after 30 secs of idle time and required a click or a "shake" of the mouse to get it awake to move again

how tight are the buttons? does the scroll wheel click or free spin or both?

 

I recommend the VX Revolution over the Nano. I found the revolution to have the most perfect shape of all the notebook mice i had/used previously.

 

I'm gonna recommend what's already been said...

either the VX Nano or the VX Revolution.

I originally bought the Nano because it was really compact, it has a great ambidextrious form, and the dongle is really, really small (you wouldn't ever have to take it out unless you need to open up a USB slot). But I found it small for my hands and I thus picked up the Revolution and I am very happy with it.

I love it shape, fits nice in the palm of my hand, the thumb area is rather comforting, and it is anatomically friendly. I love how it has a good amount of customizable buttons. The dongle, while not as discreet as the Nano's, is fairly small and shouldn't be of a bother. Battery life is great and it has a battery indicator on the mouse that appears every time you turn the mouse on, but goes away after a few seconds so it won't be a nuisance. So yeah, it's a great mouse =]

 

VX Revolution for the larger, more comfy fit on your hands.

Otherwise, the nano wins in most respects IMO. The size of both mouse and usb receiver are great if you're on the go a lot.

I use a MX revolution on my desktop, and I will agree. The Revolution series are probably the most form fitting mice I have ever had the pleasure of using.

 

Ok somebody had to do it so I picked up torch!

 

I like the VX Revolution or VX nano for a RF mouse and for a Bluetooth mouse I love my Thinkpad Bluetooth mouse. I tried the MS 5000 Bluetooth mouse. It worked ok, but I found the movement of the cursor kind of "Choppy".

 

Just got a nano a few weeks back for my notebook and love how it auto-sleeps when the thumbnail USB receiver is inside the mouse and auto-awakens when I pop the receiver out. If you have big hands the nano might be a little too small though.

 

^^^the vx revolution does the same thing. The duracell that i am using in the mouse right now was previously used in my digicam and was nearly dead. It has been working for the past 1 month with the indicator showing 2 points left still.

 

It will go into sleep mode...You just move it a little, and it starts back up per normal. It wont go into sleep mode after 30 seconds of non-use ~ no worries there.

The scroll wheel clicks, but the sound is very faint. And, it free spins. The buttons are not what I would call extremely tight. The buttons work the way they should work.

Please see this linky for more info:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=099

It's a nice mouse! I like it a lot!

Cin

 

I absolutely love my VX Revolution. It's probably the best mouse I've ever used, and I go absolutely *nowhere* without it.

 

Do I need special drivers/bloatware for the Logitech? What about the Microsoft?

 

Nope! No special drivers for the MS BT 5000..as long as you have Bluetooth on your lappy, your good to go!


Cin

 

I am running Vista Buiness 64. My Logitech Vx Revolution had the mouse wheel, left and right buttons and the back and forward browse buttons working out of the box, as soon as I plugged in the USB receiver. If you want eh zoom and search buttons to work you will need to install Logitech's software called Setpoint that comes with the mouse.

 

I decided to order the Microsoft Bluetooth 5000. It looks like the best setup and it just dropped in price at Amazon. Thanks for all the recommendations! Cin's got a cool avatar... I dig the kitty with the knit cap.

 

Your gonna get the MS BT 5000! WoOT! That's great..I know you made the right choice!

And, Amazon having it at a lower ,is even better!

Thanks' on the comp' on the Gangsta Kitty! oh lulz!

Be sure to let me/us all know how it works for you, once you receive it!


Cin

 

Cin: I have been using the BT5000 with my new Studio 15. I noticed the BT5000 goes to sleep if you let it idle for awhile, and you have to "shake it awake". So far I have not had any problems making it work with my Inspiron E1505 and Studio 15. I've had more problems trying to get the right drivers for my Dell 350 bluetooth card (E1505) because the other Toshiba stacks suck up CPU cycles. I ended up using one of the earliest drivers for that.

Anyhow, the mouse works great. The "back" button works right out of the box but the mouse feels twitchy, like the laser sensor is too sensitive. I liked it enough to order a second one at an even lower price.

 

Wowsa! Glad you got it, and it sounds like its working well enough for you ~ that you purchased a 2nd one!

You know, when mine has gone idle on me ~ I literally just had to *nudge/move* it for a quick second or 2, to make it awaken again!

Did you lappy recognize the Mouse right away?

Congrat's and keep me posted on how things are going with them both!


Cin

 

Actually this is the first time I've used bluetooth and I couldn't get the laptop to auto recognize the mouse. Is there something I need to set? What I ended up doing was use the BT Stacker software to look for a device and then hold down the connect button on the mouse. Once I did that, the laptop did recognize it. I was hoping for a more automated routine since I plan to use the mouse and laptop on travel.

 

Hmmm..that's odd..I have the XPS 1530...when I installed the battery, I turned it on, and made sure all was good w/the BT on my lappy..and it started to recognize the mouse!

Try this:
Turn on the tiny switch in the bottom of the mouse, hold down the green button for a few seconds (until the top battery indicator light flashes red and green)....then search for the device through your computer's Bluetooth. See if it will work that way...

I'm trying to find the online user guide (I may have tossed mine when cleaning)

Hey hows your MI weather???


Cin

 

my quest for a new laptop mouse has finally ended.

i was tired of the "sleep" that BT mice fall into every little while and require a nudge or a press of a button to awaken. i liked the instantaneous response of RF Wireless.

i got the VX Nano for $50.99 shipped. will make a new thread when i get it, anyone have any suggestions for me about it?

 

Well congratulations on your quest for the new mouse ending!

You will really like the VX Nano, it's a very nice mouse..I have a couple of friends who have it! (I still really enjoy my MS BT 5000, though)

Are you looking for suggestions on the new mouse? Or, making a new thread?


Cin

 

It's hovering around 20F-25F, no snow yet. It's chilly, that's for sure. I was browsing through all the 2010 Mustang reveal pics and thought it was summer until I looked out the window and saw all the salt on the roads and leftover snow on the grass!

BTW, that's basically how I get the BT mouse to work with the PC. I have to use that connect button on the bottom of the mouse in conjunction with the BT stacker program on the laptop. It's not as automatic as RF wireless but I don't have to carry a USB transceiver.

 

Hey there!

I thought it would've connected fairly quicker..let me check out something and I will get back with you a bit later on that!
But yes, you don't need a USB Transceiver, and that's one of the things I like about it..besides everything else

Aaah lovely MI weather...cold cold cold I bet those Mustang reveal pics warmed you up a bit though, nice!


Cin

 

my vx nano came this morning, here are my initial impressions

not as sturdy as i expected for $51. the l/r buttons are looser than i expected. they click way too easily and wobble up and down without acually clicking it. i feel that it is too fragile to just throw into the case and into my bag. i will try to keep it on top of all my gear (water bottle, ti-83, lotion, power adapter), so i dont crush it.

i have small hands (i'm 5'6) and i still have to use the "fingertip grip," i wanted to be able to palm the mouse and use the flat part of my fingers to press the L/R buttons.

the back/fwd buttons work well, it'll take about a week to get used to.

notes:
does anyone know what that very small 'nub" is under the search button? it is about 1/4cm in diameter.
i installed setpoint 4.60, over the default, the software lets me: check battery life (says 170days with their new included batteries, est 3.5 months.) the software also let me change the "search button" under the scroll wheel to perform a google search. waht do u guys set that middle button for?

 

The VX Nano was too small for me, and I don't have gorilla hands. I really liked the idea of the small toggle thingy that stays in your laptop when moving it around. But at the end of the day, I had to get the VX Revolution. Sure it's a bit of a pain taking the USB receiver out every time you want to move it (put the lappy in your bag) but the benefits of the Revolution over the Nano (for me at least) far outweigh the few seconds it takes to do this.

 

what features did the vx revolution have over the vx nano?
i'm aware only that it is slightly bigger and more comfortable (subject to opinion)

 

If you still have both mice and receivers, you can use the "Connect Utility" to match the VX Revolution to the Nano receiver.