INTRO/BACKGROUND
I’ve always been a fan and a proud owner of wireless mouse of some form from the first time Logitech released their first one back in 1991. Recent move to Powerbook 15″ prompted me to search for the ultimate wireless mouse with the convenience to further emphasize the “portable” in portable computing. Idea was to be able to open my powerbook anywhere and just take the mouse out of my bag and start using it without worrying about plugging in anything.
PRODUCT INFO
The package follows your average stereotypical mouse presentation. Clear plastic on the front to show off the mouse. What’s in the box is little more than I expected. It comes with a USB bluetooth dongle to be used with the mouse. The dongle has two connection method. A cradle for desktop use and an adaptor to plug the dongle straight to any standard USB port. This second option is targeted for the portable computers but I’m one of those lucky few with a built in Bluetooth.
1 – fit & finish – build quality — solid assembly, creaks, rattles, durability (material, finish, dust, etc), look/feel (appearance) as in sleekness, surface material, etc.
Top side of the mouse itself is very well built. Although limiting the usage to right hand mouse users due to the ergonomic design/slant of the mouse, paint used for the mouse gives a very elegant look. For the price of this mouse, I guess anything less wouldn’t be acceptable.
However, the bottom side of the mouse is where I have been somewhat disappointed with. Not the whole thing but rather the battery compartment. Lid for this compartment is just plastic and depends on the flexibility of the plastic to open the lid or to hold it in place. If my experiences with other toys in my childhood with similar lid design can be referred, I do expect this piece to break after a couple of years of normal use and the subsequent change of batteries required for this normal use. [picture of the lid]
Logitech MX900 does have a rechargeable battery and charging dock which would reduce the need to open the lid to the battery compartment. Microsoft might want to consider this option in the future models or simply replace the lid design.
One feature I do miss dearly is the lack of power switch. It really isn’t needed for a desktop usage alone but if I was to travel with this, I will have to remove the mouse to make sure normal transportation will not drain the battery and be stuck with unfunctional mouse when I am in need.
Size of the mouse would be something to get used to if you are not familiar with ergonomic designed mouse as this model is designed to completely fill the user’s hand. However, the weight of the mouse isn’t too heavy considering the two AA batteries.
THE GOOD STUFF
1 – real portability (where-on-the-body diagram)
Size is little on the larger side for a mouse.
3 – performance (battery life, rf perf, etc)
Battery life is of the major concern for this device. Everyday usage will require battery to be changed almost weekly.
3 – how the thing actually works! better than the manual
3 – the learning curve to really using it
2 – degree of customizability (built-in, hack-in, or buy on top)
Five buttons are customizable with the included software/device driver for Windows XP. The driver is not available for Mac OS X but the mouse functions just fine with out it.
RANTS & RAVES
1 – suggestions for improvement on the next round (to encourage actual mfr people to visit our site — this could be a summary of general forum voices, not just our own ideas)
Support more than just WIndows XP.
1 – accessories that SHOULD have been included
Rechargeable Battery
1 – why buy (or not) – compelling advantages (reasons to buy, or any reason to upgrade)
Mouse is a very personal as far as the preferences go. Microsoft mouse has a very distinctive clicks for the buttons and the scroll wheel. If you are fan of the softer feel, this is the choice for a bluetooth mouse.
1 – value for the price
Bluetooth devices are some what of a rarity and you will pay a premium for the technology.
LINKS
3 – links to other functional review sites for standard stuff
2 – toys you can get for those toys (link to etailers for revenue)
3 – perhaps LINK to history / development of the product
FACTORS
- Cool (overall) – overall rating (not an average)
- Time (production / release / distribution timeline, when competitors’ products will show up, timeline in relation to other announced products, why buy this when the next gen is coming out in 5 more weeks? is it worth an extra $100 to get it in March if it will be widely available in May?)
- Use (because it can be useful somewhere you never thought?)
- Tech (how bleeding edge the technology is, cool and unusual technology/innovation that’s in the product)
- Flash (pure looks and flashiness)
- Life (grading scheme to label our expected usage lifecycle — is it a fad, or is this a staying trend? bleeding edge or trailing?)
- Profile ratings according to different profiles (business users, gadget freaks, budget conscious users, fashion conscious/customization) — or “work / rest / play”
