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Margaret Chan

Forget  touch pads and integrated pointing devices, Microsoft's Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse offers the comfort, convenience and accurate tracking needed by portable computer users.

It is  easy to set up as

the mouse's small receiver  connects directly to a note-book's USB port. And the snap-in receiver  conserves battery life by automatically turning  the power off when

it is  snapped back into the bottom of the mouse.

The device's compact, ambidextrous shape and ergonomic design make it a breeze to use.

Its three buttons feature sculpted finger grooves and rubber grips on the side and bottom, which allowed my fingers to stay well-positioned.

This ergonomic design  means that both left-handed and right-handed users can easily use the mouse.

Microsoft's optical sensor gives the user smooth and accurate tracking on most surfaces. It worked on a trouser leg, but would not function on surfaces without visible detail,  such as glass.

The translucent scroll wheel allowed me to move through documents quickly, without having to click on the scroll bar. I configured the buttons through the 'wireless link' function  in Control Panel.

I found the mouse's connection and reception as good as the wired kind. I did not find any significant interference with my wireless phone connection, handheld Bluetooth device or wireless network router.

One AA battery will last the average user a couple of months.

The mouse works on notebook computers running Microsoft's Windows 98, Millennium Edition, 2000 Professional or XP operating system. As a Macintosh user, I found that the mouse was compatible with machines that run Mac OS X 10.1 to 10.3.X.

Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse

Specifications

Price: $359

Pros: Easy to use and compatible with Macintosh notebooks

Cons: May be too small for some users



A wireless mouse for users on the run