Introduction

While Microsoft has achieve fame and some say, notoriety, in software like operating systems and office applications, their hardware department is no less successful. Microsoft hardware devices have long been highly regarded for their quality and innovation. This is especially true of their extensive range of mice and keyboards.

Who can forget the radical IntelliMouse Explorer design when it took the world by the storm. Initially regarded by many as bulky and ugly, it went on to become an award-winning design and a favourite of those who dared to try it out. Oh boy, the original Intellimouse Explorer was one sweet mouse indeed. I personally owned one and have used it for many years.

Today, we will be looking at the new Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse. A smaller version of the popular Optical Mouse range, this mouse is specifically designed for the mobile user in mind.

Prior to this mouse, Microsoft had only one optical mouse model designed specifically for mobile users - the Notebook Optical Mouse, which was wired. Therefore, the single and most important improvement in the new Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse is its wireless connectivity.

There are literally thousands of mice out there, with various shapes, sizes and build. So, what makes the new Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse worth paying RM 100 (USD 26) for? Read on to find out!

The Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse

The Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse is the second mouse in Microsoft's range of notebook-specific mice. In fact, I owned and used the original Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse. That mouse was wired and had a simple 2 button design with a scroll wheel. These buttons were programmable via the Microsoft IntelliPoint software.

The Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse

Therefore, the only real difference in this newer version is the wireless connectivity and slight differences in design and size. There's no increase in the number of buttons, which was what I was hoping for.

But regardless of that, this new design gave me a positive initial impression when I first saw it. One of its winning features was the ability to snapped the USB receiver into the bottom of the mouse! This is really a great feature for mobile users who have to learn to be a pack rat and fit everything into their notebook bags.