Product Reviews
As someone who works for myself I get to be the one that makes the
decision about what hardware and software I use. That means too, that's
it's my money I get to spend on those goodies. So, I do my research
before making a purchase and I shop around to find the best price.
Almost always I find the products I like at a reduced price on Amazon.
I'd like to share some of my research with you in case you're in the
market for any of the same products.
LogMeIn Remote Software
Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000
There are three things that attracted me to this particular mouse. The
first feature is that it uses a nano transceiver. That means that the
part that plugs into the USB port on the computer is so small that it
doesn't get in the way and you don't have to remove it when you're not
using the computer or pack it up for storage or travel.
The second is that it has extra buttons that can be programmed to
function how you like. In particular I like the extra buttons on the
left and right that allow me to quickly move backward (left) and forward
(right) when using Internet Explorer. For years I've been using a
Microsoft mouse on my desktop system that has those buttons and I wanted
the same capability on my laptops. It saves so much time and effort when
I don't have to go to the upper left of the IE screen to move backward
or forward.
The third feature that was important to me is that this mouse works on
"virtually any surface." Well, that's what the packaging says, anyway.
But, it does work a lot better than one of the first mouses I purchased
to use with my new netbook. I'm often sitting on the foot of the bed, on
the couch, or somewhere else that doesn't have a smooth, flat surface.
The first mouse I purchased would go wonkey when I tried to use it on my
woven bedspread. The Microsoft mouse is working great so far. I don't
like to use the little touchpad on notebooks so a mouse is a must for
me. This one is small, but not tiny. It fits comfortably in my hand and
isn't too bad to look at either.
There are several mouses out there with the nano transceivers and the
costs vary. To get one with all of these features pushes the price
higher than most notebook mouses, but, as I said earlier in the article,
Amazon offers the best price. The list price is $49.95 and that's the
price I've seen at most retailers. Amazon's price is always lower and
when you click the Amazon link to this article you'll see the current
price.
Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse
This is the first wireless mouse I got to use with a laptop and I chose
it for all of the same reasons I chose the Microsoft Mobile Mouse 6000
for my netbook. I didn't get one of these for my netbook because the
cost is higher. The list price is $65 and as always Amazon's price is
lower. It's a great mouse and I highly recommend it.
Microsoft and Logitech both make other mouses that use the nano
transceiver. One in particular I looked at is the Logitech V450 Nano
Cordless Laser Mouse, but is doesn't have the extra buttons I like. The
price is a little lower so if you're not interested in the extra buttons
this is a good buy.
If you don't think the nano transceiver isn't important, you've probably
never dropped your laptop and had the larger transceiver break off and
destroy the USB port. It happened to my husband so now he insists on the
nano transceiver too.