Mouse Reviews

Prepare to replace the batteries(3AAA) every 2 weeks !

I liked this mouse a lot when I first got it, but it consumes batteries about every two weeks or so. It's getting expensive to maintain and recently (I've had it about six months) it's been sticking and acting up, even after cleaning and I have to pick it up and move it around it a lot to "unstick" it. I also have the keyboard, which has been fine - not a single problem, and I think I've only needed to change those batteries once or twice, but the mouse consumes A LOT of batteries. I am going to move on to an optical wireless mouse.

I use this for PowerPoint presentations. It does work, but it's no better and in some ways not as good as the wireless optical mouse I was using before. With it, too, I could scroll through slides without placing the device on a surface.

The poor design is with the battery, in two respects. One, the infrared light often goes on while the device is stored, so if you aren't careful, the battery will get used up very fast. Second and worse, you need a small screwdriver to open the battery case. So even if you are as obsessive as I was and have extra batteries on hand for a presentation, you won't be able to use this device unless you also remember to carry a small screwdriver. Every other battery-operated device I have opens without a screwdriver, but this one--designed precisely to be used on the road--requires a screwdriver!

If you want to use this with PowerPoint to scroll backward, it's not as easy as it was with my scroll mouse. But it will work if you set up PowerPoint so that the right click of the mouse goes back instead of showing a menu. I can't seem to find what menu item in PowerPoint I used to do this, but it's there somewhere.

In sum, if you don't already have a wireless device for presentations or if you need longer distance than you get with a wireless optical mouse, you might consider this. If they fix the battery problem it would be fine.

This product works well the first and only time I used it, however I do have 3 problems with it.
First, the laser pointer button is placed on top of the unit which when packed away in your computer bag, it will be depressed and it will drain your battery.
Second, the battery compartment needs a screw driver to open.
Third and most important, the first time I used it in a large public presentation in Dallas, I left the receiver in the auditorium and could not find it later. When I contacted the manufacturer to buy a replacement receiver, I was told I could not do that. I have to buy a complete unit again. Other companies allow you to buy replacement parts.
Now, I am shopping for a better device.

Sorry Logitech, I love your keyboard, but your joystick leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I picked up the stick to do a little flying in Battlefield 1942 (BF). Now, given that BF could use a little more spit and polish in the joystick support department, the WingMan Strike Force 3D didn't meet my expectations.

It installed quickly and easily, no problems there. When I finally got around to the calibration phase, the stick seemed a bit loose and would pull to the left. I thought I could compensate by trying to calibrate so it would read the pull as the center, right? Wrong. Once I fired up BF, I was constantly having to compensate by pulling the stick to the right, which would throw off my ability to turn right (imagine flying a two engine plane with one engine out).

Needless to say, it's going back to the store tomorrow morning. I'll opt for a non-force feedback system for now (alot of the BF players have been complaining about not getting their Force Feedback sticks to work). I've heard good things about Microsoft's Precision Pro (non-Force Feedback), and even Logitech's WingMan Extreme 3D (non-Force Feedback). Until I can sock away [$$$] for the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar, I'll keep trying to find a moderately priced stick that works well (I don't think that's too much to ask).

I suppose I should also note, that when I was out looking at sticks earlier in the day, I noticed that a few of the WingMan's rubber boots around the stick and the base were starting to crack.

Oh, one last thing, at the time of my writing this ..., Amazon has the wrong WingMan pictured. The Strike Force 3D has a wheel (similar to your mouse's wheel) off to the left side, with a button on both sides.

I bought this stick with great expectations and was really disappointed. I'll try to be informative.
- Stick is too loose, even with power to the stick. Too much play before the stick actually registers movement.
- Tried increasing tension of stick with the utility and it doesn't help.
- The effects were solid, but once again making any accurate/fine movements with the stick is impossible.

Maybe this would be a good supplemental stick, I don't think it's fit for duty as your main gaming stick. I ended up with a Sidewinder Precision Pro 2. Now that's a good stick.

I have a notebook computer and wanted a small, portable mouse. I have never had so many problems with a mouse in my life!

One huge annoyance, the cord is extremely stiff, so it constantly interferes with moving the mouse around. I'm always pushing against the cord. I've had the mouse for 3 months now, and the cord is still stiff and still bent like it was out of the box.

Another huge annoyance...regardless of what kind of surface I try it on (multiple mouse pads, fake wood), the ball sticks about 30 minutes after I clean all the rollers off. And I have to clean the rollers at least twice a day. I never had to clean my Apple ADB mouse which I used in the exact same spot as this mouse. And my Apple mouse NEVER stuck like this one does.

And finally, something about the driver or the sticky ball or whatever makes the cursor shake frequently for no apparent reason. This obviously interferes with screensavers and sleep.

Overall, this mouse is awful. I'm pitching it today and getting a decent cordless optical mouse.

this product is real small and compact, even a 5 years old kid can use it like an adult, but the hard part , it always dirty after beig use , so we have to wipe it alot , but over all, this is a good mouse

this mouse is cool to look at but it has problems. the major issue i have with it is that if you scroll too fast with the scroller the pages tend to start scrolling the wrong way, for instance if you scroll down using the scroller, the pages start scrolling up. this only happens if you scroll to fast. This little gripe can make looking at web pages or searching the internet a horrible experience because the pages tend to be over scrolling. As for the software, i did not receive any. so as of now, i have given up and reverted back to using my touchpad on the laptop. there are better ones out there so don't buy it even if it costs a measly 19 dollars

Good mouse for my Toshiba Sattelite Pro 6000 XP Pro laptop but have to play it safe i.e. detach it before shutting down the computer otherwise the latter freezes on shutdown. Works well otherwise allowing simultaneous use of Accupoint II mouse on the laptop. Overall satisfied and still using it with the above precaution. Have also tried Atek's smaller laptop mouse but this one has a better handling, feel and wheel option that the Atek mouse does not have.

This keyboard has a comfortable feel, but I prefer my 7-year-old original Microsoft Natural keyboard, as Microsoft has really fouled up the layout of this one.

The "home" and "end" keys have been moved, the "delete" key enlarged to twice its original size, and the "insert" key is entirely missing. What's more, the F keys have been replaced by Microsoft Office control keys (open, save, undo, print, etc.), and if you want them to act how they're supposed to, you have to manually turn on "F Lock" each and every time you boot--this key cannot be controlled by software! (There is a registry hack for Win2k/XP that can effectively disable "F lock" on the PS/2 version, but if you're using USB or another OS, then you're up a creek.)

It's a shame Microsoft had to add these annoyances to an otherwise good keyboard.

On the microsft site I got the idea this had a USB connector. It doesn't, and I had to return it.

They wouldn't let me post this with no rating, so I'm giving it 3 stars because of Microsoft's website error that cost me a few bucks in return shipping. The keyboard itself looks great, though of course I couldn't actually try it.

After following the installation directions, the mouse would not respond and I could not override it with the keyboard, so my computer was frozen and completely down. The product is not identified on the box or manual but there is a support e-mail number listed on the box which I immediately wrote to from another computer, but I never received a reply. I was finally able to re-install my original mouse (you had to uninstall the mouse to install the wireless one) and get my computer going again. If I
hadn't been able to do this, I would have had to use my recovery CD and entirely re-install all the original programs and lose new programs and data. This was very scary time for me. I'm staying with my conventional mouse and keyboard!!!

The mouse really is way too heavy. Regardless of whether it weighs 5 oz. or 15, it's by far the heaviest mouse I've ever had to use. My hand and arm are worn out after an hour of use.

I kind of like the keyboard, though. It seems to work pretty well and haslots of features for a lower-cost keyboard, including the "special function" keys such as email, home page, etc. (I didn't understand how great these can be until you get used to them). My only problme is that the function key functions for Outlook are switched around (and hard-labeled), and the "Send"/Receive key doesn't seem to work.

Overall, though, I'd pass on this combo. Find one with a mouse that only uses 1 AAA battery instead.

With some apprehension given the concerns about the weight of the mouse, I ordered this package (... after rebate, what's the risk). It installed easily and worked the first time - five minutes.

The whining about the mouse is overblown. With batteries in it weighs 5 oz, and because it's a ball mouse, it moves much more easily than the optical I had been using. The freedom from wires is well worth the weight. I have hung the receiver from the bottom of my desk and have no problems whatsoever with reception. I would give it five stars but I haven't yet seen how long the batteries last and the pair didn't come in the color I wanted.

When new this mouse was barely acceptable. The software that came with it didn't work. I had to download new software form the company that made it (NOT GE) to even get it to work. The motion was a bit rough but I could live with it. Every day the mouse seemed to get worse. Changing the batteries sometimes helped, but you shouldn't have to replace them every day. After about 2 months it became completely useless. One star is generous, I'd give it ZERO stars if I could.

This is a great mouse for the price being optical and wireless. I see others complaining about the wake up time after not using it for a while but come on it runs on batteries you have to conserve them. Also, I thought others would like to know that even though it is made for Windows, it works quite well on Mac OS X 10.2.5 with no drivers.

My neighbor picked this mouse up at Target for $20 for use on his PC that resides in his room. Well the mouse would only work about 3-4 feet from the base so I was like, "Why not add a larger antenna? It's RF (Radio-Frequency) afterall..." So he agreed. We used his AM antenna loop that came with his stereo and soldered to the two wires to different points on the original antenna loop. (NOTE: The original loop is integrated into the circuit board... Some scratching the mask off to expose the copper is needed for this mod) We then proceeded to test out the new antenna and the mouse worked a good 20 feet away from the base... So for $20, an AM antenna loop, some soldering skill, and a little time, we had a top performing mouse!

BTW, you must use an AM antenna as it is tuned to the same freq. the mouse uses. We tried a piece of wire and it did nothing because it wasn't tuned to the proper freq.

Can you tell I'm 15? Key word is,"And I was like"... I believe it's known as uptalk...

When I turn the computer on I have to intiate the mouse, push and hold the button on the USB Connector. Then I have to turn the mouse over and do the same (You need a sharp object since the button is small and recessed). This also has to be done when the computer goes to sleep. It is much easier to use the touch pad. I am returning the item, even though I will have to pay shipping.

I'm taking mine back. It feels pretty good and has a nice case, but stops communicating with the receiver frequently. When the computer starts up it doesn't recognize the mouse. There is a button at the bottom of the mouse which must be pushed to get the USB adapter to recognize the mouse. The button is too small to press by hand. So, MUST have a pen or pencil to push it EVERY time you start up your laptop. A real pain! You also have to push the button within a reasonable time on the USB adapter. Why should you have to do any button pushing at all. Poor design results in a less that useful product. Pay a little more and get a better wireless laptop mouse.

Well, this mouse didn't last long at my house. First, you have to charge the mouse for 8 hours before first use. Ok, I hooked that up. It worked for about 5 minutes before the green light (indicating that it is charging) starting flashing. Turns out the charger is broken. One of the contacts stopped making contact. Ok, this mouse is going back to the store. It is a standard sized mouse. The buttons seem ok, but since it never charged up, I can't say much more. Don't buy it.

I purchased this mouse as a replacement for a ball type mouse that had just plain worn out. The worn out one performed better than the new basic optical mouse! It's true: The pointer randomly jumps all over the screen. I tried it on my desktop and on a mousepad...no difference. I lowered the speed even to the lowest level...no difference.
Having a pointer jump around is annoying enough while playing games, but it is downright dismal when working on important business spreadsheets.
There is no support for the basic optical mouse at Microsoft. I'm not one of those compulsive Microsoft bashers, but they are taking the money and running with this product.
Forget this piece of junk. Also forget the milktoast "It's still a good buy for the price" reviews. If it doesn't work reliably, it's a bad buy at any price.

You just sit there still. The pointer will run all over your screen automatically, super fast! I bought a nice optical mouse pad for it and it still did the same thing. My sugestion is not to buy it even it is free due to promotion, because it waste your time! Something on the side, buggy M$ software sometimes drive you crazy. M$ hardware is no better. I used to try its wireless PC card and had very frustrated experience too.

I bought this simply because I needed a USB mouse (no PS/2 port on my laptop). I couldn't find any USB ball mice, but I'm glad to have optical anyway. It's so cheap I don't feel like I'm wasting money on that feature. This mouse is about as simple as it gets; 2 buttons and a wheel, but sometimes simplicity is a nice thing; I didn't want anything fancy.

As far as the unexpected cursor jumping problem, I've had the mouse almost two weeks and I just started noticing that today. It only happens when I start moving the mouse and very infrequently. Also, I think it may only happen with some surfaces that the scanner can get confused on. It's only happened on a mouse pad for me.

So it has a slight problem and no extra features, but it's comfortable and a great deal for the price.