Not All Mice Are Created Equal -- This One is Great!
Written: Aug 13 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: cordless, 3 buttons & wheel, 800dpi precise sensor, sleek design, comfortable, easy to install
Cons: no off button
The Bottom Line: An excellent cordless optical mouse -- I own two of them!
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Logitech Man Dual Optical (930676-0403) Mouse |
I love going cordless. When it came time to replace the mouse on my spare computer, I purchased the Logitech Cordless Optical MouseMan (Model # 930496-0403). I enjoy using the Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical Keyboard and Mouse on my main computer ... so it seemed a natural to purchase another Logitech product. Logitech has never let me down.
What Comes in the Box
* Cordless Optical Mouse (USB)
* PS/2 Adapter
* Receiver
* 2 AA Batteries
* MouseWare Software on CD
* Installation Guide Booklet
* Comfort Guidelines Booklet
Installing the Mouse
Setting up the Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse is easy. The installation guide even has the installation instructions printed in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese – and the guide is filled with how-to pictures.
First, open the panel in the bottom of the mouse to install the batteries. Position your thumb in the indentation on the back of the mouse, and press against the panel to release the tab lock, and lift the panel away from the back of the mouse. Insert the two AA batteries and replace the panel.
Make sure the computer is turned off. Connect the Receiver to the computer. I am using the USB connector, but a PS/2 adapter is included. It is recommended that the Receiver be placed 8-inches away from electronic devices.
Once the Receiver is connected, turn on the computer. Next, install the software, which comes on a CD. The software walks you through the installation ... it’s easy.
After the software is installed, press the Connect button on top of the Receiver. Also press the connect button on the bottom of the mouse. The mouse connect button is very tiny and doesn’t look like a button. It resembles a recessed pinhole and is too small for fingers to access. I unbent a paperclip and gently pressed it against the Connect button. Once both Connect buttons are pressed, TA DA! ... the freedom of being cordless is at hand.
Programming the Mouse Buttons
This mouse has three buttons and a wheel. There are many options for each button. I chose to have the Left mouse button single-click, the Right mouse button show context menus, the Thumb button to double-click, and the Wheel to scroll 3 lines of text.
There are lots of options available ... mix and match your favorites.
Autoscroll, Back, Click/Select, Close Application, Context Menu/Alternate Select, Copy, Cruise Down, Cruise Up, Cut, DragLock, Explore My Computer, Find Computer, Find Document, Forward, Main Windows Help, Maximize, Middle Button, Minimize, Minimize All, Paste, Quick Switch, Recall Application, Resize Window, Run, Start Menu, Unassigned, Undo, Undo Minimize All, Universal Scroll, [Backspace], [Ctrl], [Delete], [Enter], [Escape], [F1] through [F12], [Page Down], [Page Up], [Shift].
The Wheel can be programmed to either scroll or not to scroll. The choices are: scroll 1, 3 or 6 lines of text – or choose to scroll an entire screen. Another neat feature with the wheel is to press the wheel down. A circle appears in place of the cursor. Move the mouse forward to scroll up the page (without turning the wheel), and move the mouse backward to scroll down the page (again, without having to turn the wheel). Press the wheel button again, and the cursor returns to normal.
How Long Do the Batteries Last
On average I find the batteries last about two months. If I had to pick one fault regarding this mouse ... there is no way to turn it off without unplugging it from the computer. Since the mouse is on all the time, it consumes battery power. However, the mouse goes into a “power-save” mode when not in use; so this helps lengthen the life of the batteries. For me, I’d rather replace batteries than have to deal with a mouse cord. The software includes a Battery Level Indicator, showing the battery power strength. Another sign of failing batteries is that the cursor will begin to slow down or skip erratically across the screen. Simply replace the batteries, and the mouse is ready for action.
For those who want the technical nitty-gritty ... the optical LED flashes 1500 flashes per second when the mouse is being moved/used. When the mouse is at rest, the LED flashes decrease. The longer the mouse is not moving, the more the LED flash rate drops with the lowest flash rate being 2 flashes per second. This energy-saving system prolongs battery life. Logitech says that battery life can be extended up to 30% if the mouse is used on a clear surface since clear surfaces require less light energy. Ironically, however, optimal tracking performance is obtained by using the mouse on a dark surface.
But Is the Mouse Comfortable To Use?
Yes! And, Oh Yes! This mouse is a comfortable fit for my hand. My fingers naturally rest on the two buttons placed on either side of the wheel, and my thumb easily finds the Thumb button along the left side of the mouse. Above the Thumb button, the area on the left side of the mouse is rubberized, offering the thumb a secure, non-slip surface to rest on when not pushing the Thumb button. The right side of the mouse is also rubberized. The wheel, too, is rubberized for easy turning. The mouse buttons firmly click; pressure is required. There is little chance of accidentally pushing mouse buttons when the hand is resting on the mouse.
This mouse has weight to it at 5.3 ounces. The AA batteries give this mouse a nice heft and keep it firmly in place on the mousepad. I’m using a cloth mousepad, the Fellowes Gel Mousepad with Wrist Rest.
This mouse is designed for right-hand use. However, I’m ambidextrous, and can use a mouse with either my left or right hand. When using the mouse in my left hand, the Thumb button becomes a Finger button. It’s not as comfortable a fit in my left hand since the mouse is curved for right-hand use, but it works fine for me. If you are left-handed, I suggest trying this mouse in a store before purchasing it to make sure it’s comfortable for you.
Using the mouse, the cursor glides across the computer screen, and the mouse is very accurate at positioning the cursor where it needs to point. The mouse gracefully moves across the mousepad without problem. I find that the Optical Mouse works best on a textured or cloth mousepad. Avoid reflective surfaces.
Why Go Cordless?
My old corded mouse kept getting tangled in papers and pens, the cord invariably dragging everything onto the floor. (Hmmm ... did I just give the impression that my computer area is a tad messy? Being a writer, I have papers everywhere!) Getting rid of that pesky mouse cord is one of my best computer decisions.
Logitech says the mouse will work up to six feet away from the Receiver. I find it works farther away than that ... the only problem is seeing the monitor from ten feet away! If the Receiver becomes obscured behind objects on the desktop, the signal remains strong since the signal goes around objects. I’m no longer chained to the desk. I can roll back the computer chair, place the mouse on my leg, and happily work.
No more cleaning mouse balls! The only maintenance needed is to change the batteries when necessary.
How Much Did It Cost?
The Logitech Cordless Optical Mouseman cost $56.99, and I had a $25.00 gift certificate ... so it only cost me $31.99. The mouse is available at many online stores as well as brick and mortar stores.
Summary
I must love the Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse since I own two of them. And I’d buy another one in an instant if needed. This would also make an excellent gift. If you are unsure if this is the mouse for you, visit your local computer store where the demonstration mice are displayed and try it out. This is the mouse for me!
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Specifications
Mouse: 4 3/4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" high
Receiver: Triangular shape – 3" long x 3 1/4" at widest part x 1" high
Receiver Cord: approx. 4-feet long
IBM Compatible PC: Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, NT 4.0, 2000
USB requires either: Windows 98, ME, XP, or 2000
Macintosh: Macintosh OS 8.6 or later with USB Port
Five-year limited hardware warranty
Logitech Inc.
Corporate Headquarters:
6505 Kaiser Drive
Fremont, CA 94555
Please read my other computer reviews:
Gateway 500X Desktop Computer
HP LaserJet 2200dse Printer
HP LaserJet 1000 Printer
QuickPad Pro Laptop
Belkin Home Office UPS Emergency Battery Backup
Copyright 2003 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 31.99
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