A perfectly high-defined optical mouse for notebook (Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse)

Member Name: curious_tan

Product:	Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse
Date:	31/08/06 (2692 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Effortless movement of the cursor on the screen with excellent shape for hands

Disadvantages: Nothing except that you have extra AA battery after 5-6 months of using it

Having good access to a range of personal computer (PC) and /notebook/laptop gadgets provides us the ability to choose what devices and accessories that match with our computing requirements or personal preferences (style, model or brand). In particular, ‘input devices’ or ‘pointing devices’ (such as mouse) play an important role to enable us communicate/interact with the computer. The mouse also allows us to move or navigate the ‘cursor’ – the arrow, or any on-screen ‘blinking’ icon/pointer in the computer screen effectively.

Based on my experience with PC and notebook/laptop, there are four common types of mouse devices. First, the ‘non-optical wired mouse’ regularly used in our office/home PCs as being attached or connected to the computer unit by a cable/cord. An installation CD or floppy disk is required to install the device, and this CD or floppy disk is free upon purchase. This is a typical mouse that has a ‘ball’ inside rolled by moving the mouse over the desktop or across flat surface. Lately, this is redesigned without the ball, and the latest version called the ‘optical’ wired mouse. The second is the ‘track point’ commonly available in a notebook/laptop which is permanently attached at the centre of the keyboard. It has a rough rubber-rounded surface for easy grasp and movement of a finger. The third type is the ‘touch pad’ which allows the movement of the cursor by applying a pressure to the pad. This is very popular with notebook/laptop nowadays which is also located below the space bar of the keyboard.

As the technology progresses, there is another type of mouse which is complementary to the ‘track point’ and the ‘touch pad’. This is commonly known as the ‘optical’ wireless mouse which I am using now for my notebook. I know a lot of people are using it in varying models and brands; and I am perfectly happy of having one of them – the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 3000!

IMPORTANT FACTS/INFORMATION: Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 3000

1. The Package/Content
This Microsoft product is considered as the number one best selling optical mouse in the US (NPD Group/NPD Techworld, 2004-05). The package is a well-sealed plastic pack containing the wireless mouse (gray), the notebook receiver/connector version, one ‘AA’ alkaline ‘energizer’ battery, and the getting started manual. The battery is neatly attached inside the package which somehow not visible outside the package.

Be careful not to throw away the paper package where the battery is attached. As a typical getting started manual, it has the brief instructions for installation and the limited warranty agreement. The instructions are graphically demonstrated and easy to follow as I will explain later.

2. Installation and System Requirements
This wireless mouse requires a USB port and runs in Windows: Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows 98 or in Macintosh: Mac OS X v10.2-10.4 except for Mac OS Xv10.0-10.1. It is obvious that before buying this product, make sure to have one of these existing operating systems in the PC or notebook/laptop. The specified operating systems are compatible to this type of optical mouse without any CD or cable installation.

For the installation of the battery, just press the Microsoft optical technology logo button located at the top of the mouse which allows the compartment cover to open. The position (positive and negative terminals/ends) of the battery is indicated/labelled inside the compartment. After placing the battery properly, return the compartment cover by allowing the three small protruding dowels to enter the designated holes and push down the cover slowly to create a ‘click’ sound. If it is successful in placing the battery in the mouse compartment, a ‘red’ light is beaming brightly at the bottom hole of the mouse.

To try the mouse, turn on first the PC/laptop/computer before the plugging the rectangular USB connector/receiver to the computer’s USB port which is located either at the side or at the back base of the computer keyboard beside the power terminal, or sometimes near the DVD/CD player and modem/fax slot. However, for Windows 98 system, it requires a Windows98 installation CD when plugging the connector/receiver into the computer USB port. The required USB driver is located in the Win98 folder of the Windows98 installation CD.

The mouse has three common function buttons (inclusive of the scroll wheel at the middle) not much difference from other optical wired mouse. The scroll wheel is use to move the documents up and down. Unlike with the non optical wired mouse, this is really gives a smooth movement of the cursor on the screen and does not require space to move the mouse. So, every millimetre movement, it is reflected in the cursor, and even the smallest icons on the screen could be detected and highlighted.

3. Price/Cost, Warranty and Product Support
I bought this device in Office Depot (Los Angeles, CA) at £29.99 + state tax (8.25%) = $32.46 (approximately, £18) with 2 years warranty. For troubleshooting, there is an available site: http://support.microsoft.com to provide technical support. Aside from the website, for international support in the UK, the number is 0870 6010 100 or in Ireland: +353 17065353. It seems that the mouse is functional well, but I still keep the ‘receipt’ for possible claims defects discovered within the warranty period.

4. Precautions for Better Performance and Health Guide
It is recommended to have not more than 1.8 meters (6 feet) to position the mouse away from the PC and less than 1 meter (2.5 feet) for notebook. The connector/receiver should be away from any items that cause interference such as monitors, desktop fans and large metal objects.

To turn-off the mouse without removing the battery in the compartment, the snap-in receiver/connector is placed at the slot located at the bottom of the mouse, consequently save battery life. It is also expected that by doing this, the average battery life will extend up to 6 months.

I was surprised to find that the getting started manual contains much of the information on health and safety/regulatory measures in relation to the use of this mouse. It is worth sharing this information that occasional discomfort in our hands, arms, shoulders and neck while using a computer is associated to ‘musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and this may cause permanently disabling health injuries or disorders which require medical attention. Furthermore, it is advised not to use the mouse inside the plane/aircraft which can transmit radio frequency (RF) energy similar to cellular/mobile phones which can effect air navigation. A free CD copy of the Healthy Computing guide is available thru its toll free number (1-800-360-7561, US only) or just visit www.microsoft.com/hardware.


IN SUMMARY, I strongly recommend to acquire/use it, or have a comparable/equivalent device and it surely guarantees improvement in the interaction with the PC or notebook/laptop; and due to its ergonomic design, it facilitate the comfort with the wrist, fingers and hand. This mouse offers a hassle free for cleaning, repair and maintenance. Conventional wired mouse requires regular cleaning of the ball and other internal rubber parts and it always suffer malfunctioning due to the dirt and dust accumulated inside the compartment or sometimes the mouse pad itself triggers the problem. Even with the ‘track point’ mouse, it is very hard to find this tiny rubber cover for replacement (always soften due to pressure and heat) and it is costly as well. In the long term, it also help maintains the efficiency of the ‘touch pad’ and ‘track point’ which could be dedicated for field work’s needs or having limited desktop space. Aside from that, it saves some money for not buying a mouse pad!

Summary: An innovative product with high precision, quality and performance

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