How often have you wanted to throw your computer mouse out the window because the wire got entangled with some object? Mine has been through some unpleasant treatment over the years precisely because its wire always gets hooked on something.
So I was pleased at the prospect of playing with Microsoft's new Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 4000.
This pointing device works with both Windows and Mac OS X systems. Still, one of the more interesting features of this mouse - its ability to magnify what is under it - does not work on the Mac.
Still, the mouse was easy to install on both systems and worked without a hitch. It is physically just the right size: not too big, not too small.
One problem with notebook computers is that for many of us the various touch pads and red buttons, which are supposed to work as an alternative to the mouse, are pathetically bad.
Give me the real thing any day. This wireless peripheral from Microsoft may be just the answer.