Customer Reviews

Belkin F8E825-USB Mini Wireless Optical Mouse

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is the Belkin - Mini-Wireless Optical Mouse that you can see more about on Belkin's site. I tried three wireless mice so far, all of which I bought from Amazon at about the same time (March 2003); they are: the Kensington StudioMouse Wireless, the IOGear Phaser, and this one, the Belkin Mini-Wireless Optical Mouse. You can read my reviews of them on Amazon. I end with this one because, although it can use improvements, it is by far the best product of the three. First off it features USB connectivity, a small wireless receiver that juts out of your laptop's USB port, and it comes with a cable if you're using a desktop and you need to bring the wireless receiver closer to where you're using the mouse. It does not ship with a USB->PS2 port (wise because notebooks now seldom ship with a PS2 port and because USB is hot plug-able & Mac & Windows compatible).

In my testing the mouse works at two feet away from the receiver comfortably. At the advertised three feet, you get patchy and jittery results, beyond that, nothing. Since it is symmetrical, it is the same for left or right handed use. It's rubberized sides and rear and wheel feel good.

Most notably, it really is "mini". It is probably 2/3 the size of an average mouse. This takes getting used to and I'm not yet sure if it's ergonomically straining. I do notice that I switch between left to right hand more than I used to, but that may be because I'm getting used to my new Powerbook's keyboard. The small size is likely going to be the main subject of debate about this mouse - at first, you may not like it, but given time, I'm surprised how monstrous my ordinary mice feel.

When the silver region in the center (which says "BELKIN") is depressed, the rear pops off so you can change the batteries. That feature is a brilliant way to solve the battery changing problem. It ships with two AAA alkaline batteries. For the first two-three days, rechargeable batteries work great. When they start to run down, you'll see the performance of the mouse degrade. This is a feature of rechargeable batteries, not the mouse; at that point, just leave the batteries in the mouse overnight, and it will run them down to nothing so you can recharge them from 0%. Normally though, you'll want to shut off the mouse when not in use for long periods - you do this by shifting a small digit from one side to the other on the bottom of the mouse. It is hard to get your fingernail into this little groove.

It scrolls well, but the scroll wheel makes a clicking noise - I think it should be silent. Same with the two side buttons - they do as expected but make noises - they too should be silent (if I click I click, if I scroll I scroll and it all happens on screen - I don't need the sound effects to reinforce what I just did). It's optical tracking runs at 800 DPI. Overall, this is a fine mouse. I looks really good. People are impressed with it and want to play with it. It's the perfect weight - a little on the heavy side but I like that because it feels like I'm moving something more substantive than a light-as-a-feather mouse.

Additional ways this mouse could improve: 1. Bluetooth - so that you can use it without a wireless receiver if you have the capability (ie, my PowerBook G4 17" features a built in Bluetooth card). 2. Belkin could incorporate a flexible digit that lets you angle the receiver out of the way (so it's not jutting two inches off the side of your notebook). Kensington did a good job on this for it's Pocketmouse Pro Wireless. 3. If I had my way, I would increase the size of the mouse. It is a bit too mini to me. I suspect that not too many people are going to want to feel that as they travel, they are using something which cramps the hands a little.

Small is beautiful. That's what Belkin has proved with this mini wireless piece of art.

Why do you need it?
If you use your laptop's mousepad too often, it will be damaged after some time.
I also find the mousepads to be very inconvinient to use. Ususally, after a couple of hours, my fingers start to hurt and my hand starts to ache.
Enters Belkin's wireless mouse. It is extremely convinient as I don't have to rub my fingers on the mousepad anymore. Even though it is small it is still the right size to get the work done (I don't have to search for buttons).

Make your laptop or desktop wireless!!!!
Since it is wireless, I can be 5 feet away and still surf the web! That's what I really love about it. I have a wireless laptop, so shouldn't I able able to use it "wirelessly"?
Infact, my wife attaches it to the desktop, she then sits on the bed and keeps surfing (we also have a wireless keyboard).

Why 4 stars?
The mouse takes 2 AAA batteries and here is the problem. It consumes these like there is no tomorrow. My first set of duracell lasted barely a month even though I switch it off while not in use.

Conclusion:
BUY IT. You won't be disappointed. If you have a laptop, it is especially useful. Both the mouse and the USB connector are small enough to fit in your pocket. There is also a wire included to increase the range.

I bought this mouse for a friend. the rubber feel on the mouse is great and feels good on your hand. the mouse is very small and takes a bit to get used to. but the major downfall THIS THING EATS BATTERIES! really bad. i replaced with a microsoft that changes batteries once in 6 months, were i was replacing batteries 2or 3 times a week.

The contacts for the battery are attached to the mouse cover, which, by design, can't be fastened very securly to the mouse. So, if, as you are using the mouse, you nudge the cover a bit, you're mouse switches off! Extremely frustrating.

Get another mouse. This one looks good, but is extremely frustrating to use.

I really love this mouse. I bought it for my desktop, because I have very small hands. It was easy to set up, took less than 5 minutes. It works very well, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small, reliable desktop ot laptop mouse.

I love this mouse so much i bought 2! I am still on my first mouse and bought the 2nd as a spare. I have had it for years and all the paint is worn off of the buttons. Just love this tiny mouse and i use rechargeable batteries so i don't have to buy the new batteries.

Makes working on my laptop so much easier. The touch pad can get ... well, touchy. My favorite feature on this mini mouse, as opposed to the others on the market, it has a simple on/off switch on the bottom. Other mfg either don't have it or they make it some type of complicated procedure. Definitely a good buy.

I purchased IBM thinkpad with Belkin wireless mouse. It worked only for the first time and after that it never worked. I called the support and they were horrible. This is a poor quality product (made in china). I will never ever buy this product again and you may buy this at your own risk.