Optical-Mouse Reviews

I thought this was a great idea and decided to get it for my laptop. It didn't work, but it wasn't the fault of the mouse. The mouse worked great with another computer. It worked great. It was my mistake because I didn't check the connections on my laptop before buying this.

My advice, check your computer/laptop before buying this. It'll save you from having to buy another mouse.

Highly recommended for laptops. Even though it has a "connect" button, never had to use it. Just plug and play installation. No need to download/install drivers. Used it with Win 2000 and Win XP.
Pros ::

* Solid responsive mouse
* Just like any other mouse
* Cordless so no tangled wires around you
* Optical so can be used on ( just about ) any surface
* Small USB receiver
* Cute carrying case with separate pouch for receiver
* Used it, without any issues, with my wireless internet connection
* Easy to replace batteries

Cons ::

* Might be small for a person with large hands &/or long fingers
* Just 2 button mouse
* Not aware of any way to program the "buttons" ( for "left handed" persons )
* Slightly heavier ( because of batteries ) compared to a general optical mouse.

How can you beat the price!! Everthing works great. I would definetly recommend.

The lovely beauty of this mouse is the convergence of price, utility, and flexibility. It's cheap (too cheap to pass up if you still use a rollerball mouse), it's extremely adaptable as it works on Win2k/XP machines without even drivers, and it's a high-performer with the optical technology. No skips, no hesitations, just accurate and reliable pointing at a killer price point.

Fred

I have been running the wireless keyboard and mouse for about a half a month. I use it in my living room, so not being tied down with wires is what attracted me to the mouse and keyboard. And it accomplishes that goal.

The disavantage is that you need to be within 5 feet of the base station, or they won't work. Also, you must be parrallel with the base station. Therefore the range of the wireless keyboard and mouse is between 3 and 5 feet of the base station. If you are getting the combo for unlimited mobility, then you may want to wait until they expand the distance from the base station, or be prepared to purchase a USB extention.

This product is comparable to the Targus product PAUM01U. Both are about half the dimensions of a conventional mouse. The optical input means no more cleaning a track ball, making it ideal for travel and spontaneous use on any encountered surface. The retractable cable is a move of genius, long overdue, and works like a charm. And the USB connection is a snap, with no software needed.

Only two cons: The carrying bag is functionally protective, though could perhaps be a bit more padded. And, to put the mouse into that bag, the wire has to bend just between the retracting device and the mouse itself; over time, that seems to risk breakage.

But on balance? Fantastic. And for the price? Bravo!

I love it. I like Logitech because the last trackball I had came down with a problem and, rather than fix it, Logitech just sent me a new hot off the assembly line model. This is the model that replaced the one I had and I need one that is a finger-operated ball. With arthritis in my fingers and moreso in my thumbs, there were very few trackballs to pick from. I'm so glad that ergonomics has been applied to items we use so often. This trackball is cordless and engineered so you can be leaning back in your chair even 6 feet away and use it accurately. You don't have to keep moving it around like a mouse, you can have it in any position and just move the little red ball with your fingers while your hand rests on the desk or in your lap - wherever you are most comfortable with it. It doesn't need to be on a mousepad and doesn't need to even be facing the computer. I also have carpal tunnels and fibromyalgia which affect my hands and fingers and wrists and arms. This is a blessing from above. It has so many buttons with so many options to which you can set it, it makes it fun to change them every once in a while. Just so you remember how you reset them. I still don't use them all, but they are there if I want them. Two buttons are close together and, knowing me and how I can slip my finger over too far, I have both buttons set to be double clicks and don't have to worry about it. Another good thing about the design of this trackman trackball is that the side of your hand is resting on the desk, rather than having to hold it up to operate it. I sure wish these had been out when I was in the working world. I highly recommmend them to anyone even with healthy hands so they don't get to be like mine. It is so easy to keep clean, and to clean it; and, it only takes two AA batteries which last a long time. I use it 10 to 14 hours a day and my hands even feel better than they did before I got this Logitech Optical Trackman. It is the most ergonomically designed one I have seen and used so far. Give it a try, what do you have to lose? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with it's looks, handling, options, and performance.

Being a confirmed trackball person this is probably as good as it can be for now. Operation is silky smooth, all buttons are fully
configurable and the hand comfort is excellent. Sometimes cordless
can be pesky, not so with this unit as everything is right on. I was never much for scrolling and some of the other things this unit can do, but am now just plain spoiled.

I just received this Trackman and have been using it for about an hour. It is excellent. The ball is smooth, precise and responsive. I bought the Microsoft version first and returned it because the ball rolled like it was a studded snow tire.
The buttons will take some getting used to but it is worth it.

"Home" "End" "Delete" "Pg Up" and "Pg Down" keys are in the wrong place. Until getting this keyboard, I never realized how much I used these 5 keys, particularly "Delete". Although I am getting use to the new placement, I must unlearn the placement ever time I use a different computer with a normal keyboard, such as at work. I really don't care which placement is better from an engineering standpoint. With keyboards, consistency is really important. Finally, I am finding I have to hit keys twice sometimes to get the keyboard to type. I have moved the receiver around with no improvement. I did not have this problem with my last cordless keyboard (logitech). Maybe that is a result of bum batteries (they come with the keyboard).

...I mean, this thing not only looks good, and feels good (the keys and ergonomics) but actually works really well (software is mostly flawless on my Win XP Pentium 4 machine)! Of all the peripherals I've ever invested in for my PC, this has to be one of the best---it's a pleasure to use, day in and day out.

PROs: the programmable keys make Internet surfing a snap, the cordlessness (all of my previous keyboards were corded) allows for all kinds of flexibility in terms of the junkpile masquerading as my desk, and the signal quality is very reliable (granted, I haven't tried to test the range much beyond my desk or my lap). Absolutely love the scroll wheel on the keyboard, and the back/forward buttons above it---perfect for going through photo galleries. So much less wrist-strain on my mouse-arm. The key word is: liberation!

CONs: pretty minor, really. A couple of the function keys have only limited programmability---but since there are a total of 25 of them, it doesn't really matter! Once in the while the software gets "stuck" so that when I hit any of the function keys that I've programmed to take to different websites, it only does so for the same one Explorer window. No way to tell if that's the keyboard software or the overall system software screwing up, though.

All I can say is, if Microsoft could only make ALL of its products, namely its monopolistic software, at this quality level, then Bill Gates might actually deserve the gazillion dollars he makes every 30 seconds!

... there is however ONE persistent problem this keyboard's software has. When I have multiple Explorer windows open and I hit the function shortcut keys to take me to different websites, it often will get "stuck" in one window and change the web page for that window only. So I end up having to do it manually, going to my "Favorites" pull-down menus. Kind of annoying, but can't tell if it's the MS software or my computer's OS that's screwing up.

This fancy keyboard and mouse set came with my PC a few months ago. Right away I noticed it was slick looking, and overall made my desk look much more professional and impressive. However, I can't give this product my full recomendation based on looks alone.

Firstly, I want to say that the MOUSE is just wonderful. Smooth, lasts very long and not a single problem. The best mouse I have ever owned. It even works well directly on the table, which is more than I can say for most wireless mice.

The Keyboard, however, has two problems.
1) There are no lights to indicate 'Caps Lock' or 'Num Lock', which is slightly annoying when typing passwords.
2) While the batteries last long, my keys frequently stop working and I need to give the thing a shake before they start working again. Maybe its because it's because I've spilt my fair share of food and beverage on the keyboard, but never have I had this problem before. Its not a big deal. Just a little shake and it works fine.

Overall, its a pretty, professional looking set and I recomend it.

I purchased this keyboard and mouse combination off Amazon a couple of weeks and love them except for one glaring issue...the F-lock key. If you're use to function key shortcuts (ie - Alt-F4 to close a window, F7 to spell check, etc.) please be aware that Microsoft has disabled them by default and changed the keys to perform these various functions directly. Of course, spell check is now where F10 use to be, and "close" is F6, and so on. You can turn off this "advanced" functionality but you have to do this manually every time you turn on the computer!!! By the way there is a "hack" (registry edit) that is suppose to fix this but it hasn't worked on my XP machine with this keyboard. Other than the F-lock key (and a few other key re-arrangements - home, end, page up are moved around) I love this mouse and keyboard...the mouse is sensitive, keyboard very responsive and I like the upper row of keys (above the function keys) that launch email, media player, etc. directly.

I have always been a fan of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard but I had always wanted a wireless one. This combo works very well and I think the price is very reasonable. Overall, I think this is an excellent product and so far I'm very pleased with my purchase.

I've seen many people complain about the function keys and while I can see this as a potential problem, I personally don't mind the change. All of the functions are there for me and it saves me a keystroke (e.g. Press the Close(F6) button instead of Alt+F4) The mouse is a nice change though it takes a bit getting used to for the smooth scrolling as opposed to the clicking of the past.

This product was wonderful. I had an natural keyborad and intellimouse explorer 3.0. The mouse was bad and need to be replaced. I came across this item at Best Buy and they were asking too much for it. I found it here and it was cheap and exactly what I wanted. I really didn't know what to expect of the product before I purchased it. Once I got it, the product was great. The thing was easy to set up. I could place the receive any where on my desk, below my desk and just about everywhere else the cord could reach and still has perfect reception for the mouse. The keyboard is great, just like the old natural keyboard, however it is lighter and feels a bit cheaper than the old one. The keyboard has little texture on it and it is transparent black. The functions on it were great. The mouse takes a while to get use to because it is higher than the old mouse which I had been using for a long time. I got use it in 4 days. I would recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a great combo.

I used the MS trackball optical for about a month. I just put it back in the box. My thumb hurts because the curser/pointer is moved only by your thumb. Even worse---the ball moves the pointer very sporatically. Sometimes, I'll roll the ball up or down and nothing happens. Save your money and buy a logitech "Marble Mouse" (I use it on my other computer). It cost about the same, doesn't hurt you hand, and actually moves the pointer where you want it to!

Bought this mouse and was very unhappy with it. Right out of the box, the trackball gets stuck more than 50% of the time. This got annoying after 2 days. I was also unhappy with how inaccurate it felt. I tinkered with the mouse control panel without any luck.

I use my mouse for illustrations on the computer... so the thumb position for the trackball really doesn't work well unless you're double jointed.

Even if you're not drawing anything, the fact that the trackball gets stuck so often makes basic window navigation aggravating. I don't usually return products, but this is one of them.

Well, my first thought on the TrackBall was hmm, wonder if i can get used to using it. Well i must say it was very easy to do, the mouse moves very nicely no "jumps". I'm Not sure why i have read that most people have a problem with hand oils and dirt getting into the mouse (unless they have never ever washed their hands) i dont sit at the computer eating potato chips and then grab for the TrackBall so this isnt a problem for me. Its a perfect device, no problems with it jumping around and moving slowly. buy it and try it, its cheap enough and well worth the money, (yes the ball comes out "if" you need to clean it)