Microsoft's latest wireless mouse doesn't really do much that previous models haven't already done, but the hook of extra battery life and the sideways scrolling wheel may be enough to convince consumers to make the upgrade.
DesignPhysically, the Optical Mouse 2.0 follows the same conventional lines that previous Microsoft mice, both cabled and wireless have. This means it's a pleasant shape for regular use. The unit we tested came in a rather odd blue snakeskin pattern that may appeal to your aesthetic tastes; we've certainly seen uglier mice.
Setup of the Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0 involves running the installation CD, which installs Intellipoint 5.0 software. This also aggressively seeks out any competing mouse software; on our test system it detected and removed Logitech's mouseware that had previously been installed, although it did ask us before uninstalling it. The wireless reciever plugs into any USB 1.1 port or PS/2 port via an adaptor, and the mouse itself requires two AA batteries (supplied) to run. Microsoft pitches its new range of optical devices as having extremely long battery lives, although it's clearly hedging its bets -- the supplied batteries are Energizer branded models rahther than the cheap generic type that many peripherals sport.
FeaturesIn button terms, you could accuse the Optical Mouse 2.0 of being somewhat underpowered; it sports only left and right mouse buttons, along with a clickable mouse wheel. The hook for the Optical Mouse 2.0 is in the mouse wheel, which can be used to scroll sideways in applications that support this functionality. Scrolling sideways is unlikely to come naturally to many people, but it's a reasonable function for, say, extensively long Excel spreadsheets. As with the mouse wheel itself, we suspect it's a feature that will need more specific application support before it becomes truly useful, and possibly some driver support -- on our test system using sideways scrolling made the scroll lock button flash on and off continually. The best part of the mouse's scroll wheel is that it has a smooth and silent action that is very comfortable to use. Performance
In our testing the Optical Mouse 2.0 performed will a satisfactory level of accuracy, with one surprising omission. We've been using the excellent but costly Steelpad as our primary mousing surface for some time, but the Optical Mouse 2.0 was unable to 'read' an image from its surface, and thus wouldn't move. This isn't a problem we'd hit in any other optical mouse, and going back and checking with the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite, we discovered that the mouse in that package suffers from exactly the same malady. We're not quite sure what it is in the Steelpad that the Optical Mouse 2.0 doesn't like, but it does make us worry about its optical pickup accuracy.
At AU$99.95, the Optical Mouse 2.0 is hardly a casual purchase, but at the same time it does show that the price of wireless mice is steadily dropping, which can only be a good thing for consumers. Aside from it slightly errant pickup of the Steelpad surface, the Optical Mouse 2.0 is a solid mouse for the money.
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
theQuicker1
24/09/2008, 08:51 AM
rating
7/10
I have had problems with the hardware not working right. Even with fresh batteries, when I click something I don't always get a response. Also the middle-click button hardly works at all.
Report offensive comment
freaky mouse
15/09/2008, 02:48 PM
rating
3/10
Freezes up and microsoft doesn't offer a tech help site. Thanks for nothing
Pros: wireless
Cons: freezes up without reason, no warning when the battery is going
Report offensive comment
Iain
26/09/2007, 06:18 AM
rating
8/10
Generally a lovely mouse for the price. I received the slippy, jerky motions a few others experienced at first, but the current Intellimouse suite fixed that perfectly.
Pros: Sleek; it looks great and the tiltwheel is something I couldn't do without now I'm used to it.
Cons: I'd rather like the forward and back buttons from my old wired Intellimouse, as well. But that serves me right for not buying the next model up.
Report offensive comment
Holt
08/08/2007, 12:45 AM
rating
4/10
Great mouse, ive had it for about a year but now im having problems.
Pros: Wireless, sleek design.
Cons: After a year or so of use, it now "slips" or "doesnt want to move" in other words :(
Report offensive comment
Michael
10/07/2007, 12:35 AM
rating
9/10
it is an old mouse for me now..
about three years at service.
i hate microsoft but have to admit- it works just fine!
Pros: battary life is infinite.
tracking is fair.
Cons: freeses at the end ot the battary.
Report offensive comment
`
09/06/2007, 06:30 PM
rating
2/10
i h8 the thing.
Pros: wireless
Cons: defective
Report offensive comment
talldude123
10/04/2007, 05:31 AM
rating
10/10
Great product
Pros: Wireless, left/right scrolling, nice feel to it, battery life, and you can use either one or two batteries at a time.
Cons: Heavy with both batteries in place, awful click noise compared to stock Acer mouse.
Report offensive comment
WilliamS
20/01/2007, 01:12 AM
rating
8/10
When programmed for left hand clicking, this feature does not work, until after logged into account. This means that I must do the start-up as with a right hand mouse. Tried to find updated drivers, to no avail
Pros: Simple, efficient and easily switchable between left and right hand
Cons: Laser mice are more precise.
A few extra buttons would not harm.
Acceptable price.
Report offensive comment
anjali rai
31/12/2006, 11:36 PM
rating
3/10
It is a disappointment and waste of money
Pros: it is cordless (of course) and that it looks sleek
Cons: it freezes up and 'slips' sort of every now and then. not reliable. tried changing battery, but after 2 days it is the same problem again.
Report offensive comment
Kunei
30/12/2006, 10:22 AM
rating
8/10
Mine is second hand and drivers were easily found at Microsoft.com Currently the wheel button is configured as Back for my IE7 Browser.
Pros: Great mouse, it runs on farbic and my jean pants! Configurations are done inside ControlPanel\Mouse. Has decent options. Controls can be configured for individual applications.Ergonomic shape for medium and small hands. very smooth wheel and tilt. Great range and taks only 5v 25ma
Cons: The color I got is Blue and Translucent Blue, doesn't match my Black Evo notebook. LED seems to keep on all the time. Maybe it's defective? Only three buttons, no MP3 player controls.
Report offensive comment