Customer Reviews

Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse - Periwinkle

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

Reviewer: jbw98ga from Martin, GA United States
It is my good fortune to use a Logitech MX700 mouse at work and a Microsoft Wireless Optical (Steel Blue) mouse at home. Like many reviewers, I initially found them both to be too large and heavy. But after making the transition, a "standard" size mouse now seems small, awkward, and toy-like. Of the two, the MX700 is noticeably heavier. However, one should consider that it is an ultra precise pointing device, so not only is the weight comfortable once one has gotten used to it, but it is also an aid in performing precision work (just as professional photographers often prefer heavier cameras over lighter units). I have been using the MX700 for over a year and the MS mouse for about two months now. I had no installation problems with either unit and have experienced no problems in their operation. I have not yet had to replaces the batteries of either. I find both to be smooth, accurate, and error free. I am not a gamer, so I cannot speak to the appropriateness of either unit for such use. One distinction between the two is that the MX700's scroll wheel gives a ratchet-like click while the MS mouse is unbelievably smooth. Such preferences are highly subjective, but I prefer the feedback of the MX700's click. My major complaint with the MS mouse is that it's "glide" on the mousepad is not very smooth, no matter what mousepad or surface is used. I have gotten used to this, but if the prices were equal, this issue would weigh heavily against the MS mouse.
There is much to like in both of these units and the purchase choice could hinge on either personal preference or on cost factors. My "price is no object" winner is the Logitech MX700, based on my perception of superior performance, near perfect ergonomics, and the fact that it is rechargeable. However, at the time of this writing it is significantly more expensive than the MS mouse (75% more at Amazon.com). In my opinion one truly cannot make a bad choice in choosing between these units. I believe that the MX700 is absolutely the best mouse on the market, but the MS mouse is good enough to warrant consideration and to win the decision if money is an overriding issue.

I have only been using this mouse for a few days now and I already really like it!

It's a little larger and weighs about the same as the standard corded Microsoft mouse that I had been using and feels a little more comfortable.

The optical feature alone is much better than the ball. It's much smoother and I don't have to spend time cleaning the rubber ball and wheels.

The package comes with the mouse, a receiver that plugs into either a ps/2 or USB, (it comes with an adapter)two Energizer AA batteries, the software disk, and booklet.

All you have to do is install the software (which takes a couple of minutes), restart the computer, insert the batteries, plug in the receiver and it's ready to use.

It is great not having a cable to get in the way and I can store the mouse in the desk drawer when not in use. The mouse will go into a power saving mode after a short time of not being used. There is no on / off switch to forget to shut off.

The middle scroll wheel is also a lot smoother than on the standard mouse.

Overall I am happy with this product and think that it is worth every penny.

*** UPDATE ***

After a little over a year, the mouse still works great. I have not had any problems with it and it has not needed a battery change yet.

This product outperforms any standard mouse hands down. It is responsive, quick, and very easy to use. The cordless feature is very nice because you don't have to worry about constantly readjusting the cord so that it doesn't get twisted or tangled and interfere with your usage. Also, the wireless receiver is very powerful and can be placed several feet away without sacrificing any functionality. Although there are more expensive models for sale, this version is very good and is definitely a wise investment if you spend any amount of time surfing the internet or using a computer.

I do recommend this product! Never thought of getting a cordless mouse until I tried my friend's... no more messing with the cord (I was getting annoyed with how my mouse would roll of the desk from the weight of the cord). Plus, the ergonomic design is very comfortable and easier to use than my old EMachines mouse. Installation was a breeze. This is not a "necessity" item, but it is amazing how these little inventions make working at a computer more pleasant.

As much as I am compelled to bash Microsoft for their buggy software, I can't help recommending this mouse. A previous reviewer noted the different shape, but to me the shape actually gives you the sense of a more secure grip on the thing. I admit though it took a few weeks to get used to. My only other observation is a lack of feedback in the scroll wheel. In the old wheel mice you could feel a slight notch at each increment that you rolled the wheel. Not so with this one. So this too takes a bit to get used to when estimating how far you need to roll the wheel in order to go half-way down a page. But those are truly minor quibbles. The installation was a breeze, and it does go easy on the AA batteries. The tilt wheel is a bit of a novelty, but it actually does come in handy on occasion. As far as optical mice go, it is very responsive. You certainly can't go wrong on the price. If you've never used an optical mouse, imagine never having to clean crud and dust bunnies out from inside around the mouse ball. Overall, I'd say if you're in the market for a new mouse and don't need buttons all over it (like the more expensive wireless Intellimouse), snap this one up.

Nice mouse, feels very good in your hand, smooth movement and precise. Only the slightest hint of lag, noticeable in games but non-existent anywhere else. Tilt wheel is a useless gimmick, even a disadvantage. The whole wheel feels weird with fluid STEPLESS rotation which makes it TOTALLY NOT suitable for FPS games: it's overly sensitive, so sometimes you TOUCH it by accident and find the next (or previous) weapon in your hands, very frustrating in the middle of a fight, and because if the same reasons, you can't really make use of the middle mouse button in games (or more likely anywhere), the button needs a very firm press to begin with which is discouraging. I would say the whole wheel (scroll, tilt and button) are the mouse's drawback, may be the only. M$ should ditch the gimmick wheel in favor of something more practical and pleasant to use. How about the wheel that was on the original intellimouse with intellieye? IMO that is THE wheet to beat.

I've had one of these at home for several months now and thought it was a very convenient replacement for my corded optical mouse, but it wasn't until I bought one for the office that I really appreciated it.

I had previously purchased a GE Cordless Optical Mouse to replace my corded optical mouse in the office and I found it to be lacking in the precision department. I do a lot of work with Photoshop and it was a little herky-jerky. So, I replaced it with the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0 and was amazed at the difference I noticed right away. It's the most comfortable mouse I've ever used and precise enough for detailed photoediting work.

The only complaint I have is that the scrolling isn't as smooth or as precise as I would like. But, I rarely work with huge spreadsheets, so it's not a show-stopping issue for me.

Since I have one of these at home, I can say this is a decent mouse for gaming, too. I've not encountered any issues with it and the ambidextrous design means that I can use it left-handed and my wife can switch it to the right side of the desk when she uses it without having to deal with a pain-in-the-butt cord.

Battery life is good as well. I've averaged well over 6 months between changes and I haven't noticed any performance degradation with old batteries (of course, I change them out when the software tells me I need to).

So far this has been the best mouse that I've ever owned. It is just for home use, but I love not having yet another cord to get tangled. Battery life is pretty good compared to other wireless peripherals that I've used. The weight is perfect - not too heavy, yet not so light that I accidentally knock it off my desk. The color choice is a nice option as well. I've never been a fan of Microsoft products in general (I prefer Logitech) but for some reason I really do prefer this particular mouse despite the brand. Overall, I definitely recommend this mouse.

This mouse is very responsive, great feel in your hand, excellent battery life and looks great.

I have had this mouse at work for 5 months and the battery level is still almost full and I use it 8 hours a day 5 days a week. I used the high end logitech and the shape just didnt feel a quarter as good as this mouse. The sideways scroll is great for use in excel spreadsheets but nothing else really.

People this mouse is not for a laptop, the size of the receiver would defeat the purpose of use with a laptop there are better solutions available with smaller wireless mice for laptops.

This mouse is great in games, yes the scroll button is hard at first to swtich weapons but when you get used to it, it is smooth and very nice to use.

I would definately buy another one of these mice.

First, let me address a couple of issues that previous reviewers have raised.

The drivers: Yes, you do have to unload the existing mouse/touchpad drivers if it conflicts with this one, but that does not make your old mouse/touchpad non-functional. You may just lose some special functions, but the basic functions should still work just fine.

The transceiver part: Did you expect that 'wireless' meant 'magical'?? Of course there's gotta be something for this mouse to communicate with, and that is a mouse sized piece with a 3-4 foot cord. This can go almost anywhere near your computer (away from the monitor & CPU preferably). Just set it and forget it. Mine required no frequency setting at all, it just worked.

There is no ball, only an optical sensor which looks at the surface you use it on to determine if its moving. It must be used on a surface that has some texture/pattern to it. A mirror or highly polished surface, or something completely plain (like a solid colored counter) won't work properly. But you can use it on fabric (pant leg, shirt, bedsheet, etc), your hand, your dog, etc. ALMOST anywhere.

The sensitivity is great, the scroll wheel has some tension to it, so it doesn't just spin like the old versions would. Its sort of like having a car with some road feel to the steering vs. one that you can steer with one finger. It gives you better control to have that little bit of tension, and I like no clicky noise.

Ergonomically, I think it is shaped well for my large hand. Smaller hands may not work as well (e.g. kids, petites) reaching the buttons, etc. Uses 2 AA batteries, which I think is great. Easy to find and cheap when you need to replace them. No waiting to recharge or $10 special batteries to buy.

All in all a great wireless optical mouse. I highly recommend it.