A (wireless) Logitech Mouse for Laptops

The Logitech VX Nano is starting to really win me over as a suitable mouse for laptops (in particular).  It is not bluetooth (for reasons I am not aware of), but it has a very small receiver that you can leave permanently plugged into a USB port.

Logitech VX Nano Mouse

The mouse is quite small, and initially I thought this was going to be a negative, as I have a preference for a larger mouse, but after getting to use one for a while, its size is not a problem in the least.  It has a number of user-definable buttons, and a scroll wheel that works either in the traditional click-by-click fashion, or it can be set to free-spinning for quickly navigating through long documents, web pages etc.

The mouse has an on-off switch, which is definitely useful for a portable device, and has onboard storage for the USB receiver (if you are not leaving it plugged into the computer)

The receiver it tiny.  Excuse the US coin, but this gives some indications of scale.

Logitech Mini USB Receiver

In fact, the size of the USB receiver has been steadily decreasing over the years, as can be seen in this picture

Logitech Wireless Receivers History

So if you are in the market for a mouse for a laptop (or just for a compact, very functional wireless mouse), the Logitech VX Nano is certainly one that is worth considering.

Logitech MX Revolution

I have always been very impressed with the Logitech range of products, particularly their mice.

This one is particularly impressive – the MX Revolution.

There are a number of user settable features that give it a good amount of customisation. I particularly like the sensitivity control, and the overall precision and responsiveness. You can also set which of the buttons are active, and what they control. The top wheel has 2 settings – one a ratchet controlled position (which is common on a lot of mice), and a free-spinning setting that allows you to quickly scroll through large documents. It can also be clicked left and right for horizontal scrolling.

Finally, I particularly like the grip – it is a medium sized mouse and I find the size and design adds to the overall sense of control. Update – I’m starting to find that the mouse is better for people with smaller hands. The recess for the thumb is so deep that I imagine that it could become uncomfortable for people with larger hands. On the other hand (sorry) for the same reason, it is a very comfortable larger mouse for people with smaller hands….. I haven’t concluded which hand I am on……

The unfortunate thing, and seems common for Logitech, is they only provide a bluetooth version with the set that includes a keyboard. If you want the mouse on its own, you need to use the USB receiver (which looks like a USB Key).

Overall this appears at first appearance to be another typically superior Logitech HID (human interface device).

Apple Mickey Mouse

I’ve been becoming increasing disillusioned with the Apple (wireless) Mighty Mouse. I’ve been finding it to be significantly unresponsive in comparison to other mice out there (such as an old Logitech one that I used to do a side-by-side comparison). I’ve even taken the step of updating the mouse pad to try to provide a better (more responsive) surface for it to work on, but even that didn’t make enough of a difference. Am investigating if there is a better alternative out there.