Hardware – 5/5 stars
The form factor of the Anywhere MX is quite similar to the VX Nano. The MX feels as though it weights nearly twice as much mainly due to the use of 2 AA batteries rather than 2 AAA on the preceding model. The workmanship is excellent, just as it almost always is with Logitech products. From the minute you pick it up, you’ll know that it’s a high end quality product. The parts that previously had glossy plastic on the VX Nano are now covered with a chrome trim on the Anywhere MX. Scratches and fingerprints aren’t nearly as visible anymore. There’s a sliding cover which doubles as both the power switch and as a cover to protect the sensor from damage when in the “OFF position”. Other than that, there’s a large door on the bottom that reveals the batteries and a holster for the tiny USB Logitech Unifying receiver.

Buttons – 5/5 stars
The Anywhere MX features all the essential buttons necessary to make a good mouse. This includes a left/right-click buttons, back/forward-keys, a scroll wheel, and a middle-click. Unlike the Anywhere MX, many mice such as the Microsoft Mobile Mouse 4000 often fall short in offering all of those basic keys. The Logitech even takes it a step further by offering a scroll wheel that can switch between a frictionless free-spin mode and a notched  modes when the wheel is pushed in. The frictionless mode is great for flicking through long webpages, while the other mode is slower, but offers precision. The scroll wheel can also be leaned to the left or right for horizontal scrolling. The middle click defaults to the button placed right below the scroll wheel. Logitech made the wise decision to move the awkwardly placed forward and back keys on the VX Nano to the natural location of where the thumb finger would be located. The most important keys, the left and right click, have a strong and comforting feel. Overall, it’s a huge improvement over the VX Nano. Although I’m not taking a point off, I should note that this is a right-handed mice, it would be difficult for lefties to use this product.

Surface Tracking 5/5 stars
The greatest feature of this mouse is the new Darkfield Laser technology. It now can operate on virtually any surface including glass. Neither optical mice nor even Microsoft’s new BlueTrack technology can’t match it. The technology works by detecting imperfections and dust particles on the glass. It might not be as accurate as compared to using a traditional surface or mouse pad, but after a few tests on a glass desk, it seemed to work just well. Hard-core gamers will probably want a better mouse, but the precision of the new laser is better than any other mouse Skatter Tech has come across to date.

Other Components – 5/5 stars
Although Logitech offers a CD with Drivers, everything worked right out of the box on both Windows 7 and Vista. Unless you want to customize functionality, it might even be better to not install the extra tools to save system resources. The transmitter is about the same size as the one included with the previous model. It’s no longer limited to pairing with just this Anywhere Mouse MX, but can also connect to other products compatible with the Unifying technology. The signal strength is strong enough to transmit accurately from at least 20 feet away. Logitech even throws in a neat little pouch to protect the MX Nano when traveling. Although I couldn’t test the battery life span for obvious reasons, Logitech claims about 6 months with normal use. I’ll take their word for it considering the history of their quality products.

Bottom Line
There’s no question that this is one of the best mice on the market today. Although I wouldn’t mind using this as a full time mouse, Logitech also offers a larger desktop version called the Performance Mouse MX. We will be reviewing getting a hold of that one soon. This mouse simply works on just about any surface one would come across. The only downside comes with the price. The MSRP is $80. However if you shop around it’s available for a lot less. Amazon currently offers it for $50 after a $10 rebate. With the comfort, features, the tiny receiver, and even a case thrown in, there’s no way you’ll be disappointed.

Buy: Amazon.com Anywhere MX $50
Links: Logitech.com Anywhere Mouse MX

Precision and Responsiveness
Microsoft’s new Mobile Mouse 4000 works on both PCs & Macs using the USB 2.4 GHz wireless receiver. It features Microsoft’s new and advanced BlueTrack Technology, which is the biggest selling point for the device.  The BlueTrack Tracking Engine diverges from the typical wireless laser mouse. It uses an advance incoherent Blue LED.  With a wider beam and high angle optics, it can track on even granite, marble, and glossy surfaces. So I put it to the test. And it worked on my black mouse pad, a somewhat glossy desk, the carpet, and even the textured wall. It worked just as advertised. The next time you are at a coffee shop and decide to use a shiny magazine as your mouse pad, you can be assured that this mouse won’t fail. This is a great improvement from the last generation of mice, but competitors are already another step ahead. For example, competing products from Logitech sport a new technology called Darkfield that work even on glass. Although the Mobile Mouse 4000 can not match that feature, it is also a much more affordable device and won’t disappoint.

Battery and Connectivity
Microsoft’s other enhancements that truly make the Wireless Mobile Mouse an excellent product include the Nano Transceiver and the Battery Life. The Nano Transceiver on its own is an amazing advancement for wireless mice. It isn’t new, but is a welcome inclusion. Unlike other USB receivers, this one barely extends out of the USB port. There are less chances of snapping  the receiver or damaging your USB port. In addition the entire transceiver fits into a small compartment under the mouse. It is released with a quick push of a button besides the slot. Microsoft’s Mouse runs on a single AA battery. A small indicator light on top will change from Green to Yellow when it’s running out of juice. You won’t have to worry about it dying unexpectedly. There’s also a power on-off switch underneath to help maintain battery life. Microsoft claims a 10 month battery life and I think that’s a reasonable lifespan. It doesn’t add to much bulk to your bag when you are on the go and it will last a long time.

Shape and Design
The device has plenty of benefits overall, but does have a few drawbacks. First, it’s a relatively small mouse with a symmetrical shape. This is great for ambidextrous users, but a bit too small for the average person. I probably wouldn’t use this as my main mouse, but there’s no question it’s great for travel. It would also suit children and teens just fine. The layout is fairly typical, with a left/right click, a scroll wheel in between, and an extra button on the upper left side. That extra button functions by default as a back button. It’s a great idea and worked just fine for me, a right-handed user, but would definitely be in an awkward place for lefties. I also was slightly disappointed with the scroll wheel.  It isn’t notched too well and constantly slips causing my documents to scroll slightly. Plus if you were to attempt to press it inwards to initiate a middle-click or free-scroll, it once again often slips. Overall it’s not the best mouse for full-time use unless you’ve got small hands, but does the job for traveling.

Customization
The IntelliPoint software software included with the mouse enables a whole new set of features. It’s easy to customize and will be appreciated. Any button on the mouse including the scroll wheel can all have their functionality tweaked. With the default settings, the scroll wheel will activate Vista’s 3D Flip function and the side button will be the Back button for your Web Browser. What makes the software powerful is the program specific customizations. It will allow the mouse to be configured differently based of what program you have active at the time. For example the pressing in the scroll button can be the middle-click when using Firefox, but at other times launch the 3D Flip. These types of settings help increase productivity greatly. The one thing this mouse does lack is a Forward button to complement the Back button. It would have made a lot of sense to put it at a symmetrical position on the other side. Once again, competing products feature both a Back and Forward button.

In Conclusion
Microsoft’s Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 is an excellent compact mouse with the basic and essential features. The new BlueTrack technology allows flexibility to use the mouse on a larger variety of surfaces. It’s precise, has a sleek design, and an ultra compact transceiver. The IntelliPoint software offers plenty of neat custom settings. The addition of a Forward button on the right side and a better notched scroll wheel would have been truly appreciated, however it still works. It’s available in Black, White, Ocean Teal Blue, Lime Green, and Berry Pink for a reasonable price of just $39.99. If you are looking for a new mouse to pack with you when you are on the go or for youngsters, look no further, Microsoft’s product is an excellent choice.

Pros

• BlueTrack Technology
• Nano USB Transceiver
• IntelliPoint Custom Settings
• 10-Month Battery Life

Cons

• Too Small for Average Person
• Side Button isn’t Left Hand Friendly
• Oversensitive Scroll Wheel
• Lack of Forward Button

Buy: Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 for $39
Links: Microsoft.com Mobile Mouse 4000

The Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless (USB Adapter)
• Power: Two AA Batteries
• Sensor: 848nm Adjustable-dpi laser
• Special: DPI Controls & Stealth Thumb Button

The Buttons: – 5/5 stars
The best part of the MX 1100 is the large amount of buttons it features without becoming overwhelming for those who don’t plan on using anything past the essential ones. The mouse is a bit larger than an average sized mouse, but is quite comfortable to use and both the left & right click buttons provide great tactile feedback. A button below the scroll wheel allows switching between a “notched scroll” and a “frictionless scroll”. The standard “notches” setting lets you feel each bump while scrolling, whereas the “frictionless” setting allows flicking through pages rapidly. The scroll wheel supports 4-way scrolling, so leaning it to either side will allow scrolling in that direction. Pushing in the scroll wheel functions as a middle-click, which is great for opening links in new tabs. A plus and minus button at the top left of the mouse allows increasing or decreasing the DPI settings to adjust sensitivity. It’s quite neat to be able to change the sensitivity at anytime without having to dig through the Control Panel. Directly above the thumb rest are the forward and backward keys. Although well placed, they were a bit too soft to offer enough feedback in my opinion. The final neat feature is the “stealth thumb button”, located in the thumb rest, which has been configured by default to launch Vista’s 3D flip interface to switch between open windows. And as always, installing Logitech’s SetPoint drivers and software will allow customizing any button to do just about anything you would like it to do.

Accuracy and Transmission: - 5/5 stars
Despite being a wireless mouse, the device maintained a strong connection with the transmitter. There were no problems getting it to work from even over 20 feet away. The MX 1100 is also quite accurate, movements are almost flawless and the adjustable DPI doesn’t disappoint. Hard-core gamers will probably still complain about accuracy, but for most consumers this will end up being the most accurate mouse they have used. That doesn’t mean its bad for gaming, it was better than any of the mice I had and was excellent to use while playing a game of Counter-Strike.

Battery and Charging - 3/5 stars
The way the mouse gets it’s juice is probably the only drawback. The Mouse runs of two AA batteries and Logitech claims it will last about nine months. The mouse automatically goes into a power-save mode, however Logitech still says by using the “on/off button, you save even more power.” There is a battery indicator on the mouse that lights up when turned on, but fades away after a couple of seconds. A re-chargeable version of this mouse is available, however it can only be purchased as a part of a Cordless Desktop Wave Pro keyboard-mouse bundle. Unfortunately we can’t test the mouse for nine-months, but from experience I can say that the lifespan could be much shorter or longer based of how many hours it gets used each day.

Conclusion:
Overall, the Logitech MX 1100 is a top-of-the-line mouse and is probably one of the best ones I have used to date. It is extremely comfortable, completely customizable, and just works. If you do happen to be a “lefty” (left-handed), you are out of luck. It would be quite difficult to use this mouse comfortably with a left hand. For a retail price of $79.99, while being available for as low as $65 online, it’s affordable and offers just about everything you could ask for. I only wish it was rechargeable, but despite that most owners will be truly satisfied by what Logitech’s MX 1100 has to offer.

Links: Logitech.com MX 1100
Buy: MX 1100 For $65 (no tax + free shipping via Amazon)

The Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wireless (USB Adapter)
• Power: One Rechargable AAA (with Dock)
• Sensor: High Definition 850nm Laser
• Other: 4-way scroll & back/forward buttons

The Buttons: – 3.5/5 stars
For a full-sized desktop mouse, I was partially disappointed to see how few buttons the mouse had. Other than the left/right click buttons the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 only had a scroll wheel, which also functioned as a middle click, and a back/forward browser navigation buttons on the left side. The scroll wheel had no friction (no clicks) which made it slightly difficult to use with certain applications. It would have been nice if it had a switch to enable or disable the “notches” like some of the Logitech mice do. Clicking in the scroll wheel to perform a middle-click took some getting used to since I kept accidentally scrolling instead. And finally the back and forward buttons were placed high up making them hard to reach, however it wasn’t an issue after a day or two of use. I do wish they could have thrown at least a few more controls onto the mouse for faster navigation. And finally the two most important buttons, left and right click, were easy to reach, however were a bit too soft and were unusually squeaky.

Accuracy and Transmission – 5/5 stars
The mouse made up for its lack of buttons with its accuracy. The “High Definition Laser Technology” seems to be working since the movements were almost pinpoint accurate. Despite the mouse being wireless, as long as I was within 20 feet of the receiver (same room) I didn’t experience any hiccups. There are other wireless mouse that offer more sensitive lasers, however I found the Wireless Laser 7000 Mouse to be more than enough for any task I was performing on my machine which includes using Adobe Photoshop. Although I didn’t take off any points since this isn’t suppose to be a traveling mouse, I felt the transmitter could have been a bit smaller like those included with newer mice.

Battery and Charging – 5/5 stars
Microsoft’s mouse uses a single AAA NiMH 1000mAH battery to power itself. I didn’t try to use the mouse until the battery died, however I was able to go through at least 3 days without an issue. To recharge the mouse, just place it on the included AC powered dock. (Microsoft recommends charging it for 7 hours to reach a full charge.) The other neat fact might just be that, if you do happen to take this mouse with you and forget to bring the charger dock, you can just pop in a standard AAA battery temporarily.

Compatibility – 4/5 stars
The Wireless 7000 Mouse worked instantly when the USB adapter was plugged in without any additional software on Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X Leopard, and Linux Ubuntu. If found that everything function just fine on all the operating systems, however the back and forward navigation buttons failed to do anything on Ubuntu and Leopard. If the included Microsoft IntelliPoint software is installed for Windows or OS X, the mouse’s buttons can be truly customized to do stuff like launching the 3D Flip or Exposé.

Overall Microsoft’s Wireless Laser Mouse 700 is a success and I felt comfortable using it within a day. The setup up process was easy as just plugging the adapter in for me, however Leopard users may have to install additional software. This mouse is bad news for left-handed consumers since it has been specifically shaped for the right hand. Finally other than the mouse’s build quality seeming a bit poor, everything else met my expectations. The mouse became available for purchase just last month and the MSRP is $69.99, however you should be able to find it for around $60 if you shop around.

Buy: Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 – $61 (amazon = no tax + ships free)
Links: Microsoft.com (Hardware) Wireless Laser Mouse 7000
Related: Logitech VX Nano Reviewed

The Logitech VX Nano is a tiny portable wireless mouse which features many of the controls a standard desktop mice usually have. The VX Nano has an impressive build quality, is durable, looks stylish, and has true functionality. This product is most notable for it’s unusually small transmitter.

The Buttons – 4/5 stars
The VX Nano houses the standard left and right click buttons which have a good tactile feedback. The scroll wheel can be “frictionless” meaning it can be flicked up or down to quickly drop through pages or can have “notches” so that you can feel each bump while it’s rotating. All you have to do is push in the button to toggle between the two modes. The entire wheel can also be leaned left or right for horizontal scrolling. The search key directly below the wheel functions as a middle-click button. The mouse also features back and forward keys, however they are awkwardly placed on top of the mouse which takes some getting used too. The mouse could have allowed more productivity if those to buttons were moved to the sides.

Transmitter – 5/5 stars
The RF transmitter which plugs into the USB port on you computer is probably one of the most impressive aspects of this product due to its size. Since the receiver is so small, it can be left in the USB port while laptops are placed into a bag without having to worry about it snapping off. In addition the receiver also pops into the battery compartment under the mouse for storage. In addition I’ve been told that if you do happen to loose the transmitter, Logitech sells replacements for an reasonable price. The mouse has a fairly good range and worked when I was over 15 feet away from my computer.

Included Items – 5/5 stars
Logitech provides a neat little pouch for storing the mouse when traveling which is a neat little addition. A little USB extender with a base is also included so you won’t have to reach behind your computer if you are using a desktop. I also found it useful since I could just use it to plug in flash drives easily. In addition to those and the mouse itself, you’ll find two AAA batteries, a CD with drivers, and a user manual.

Other Information
The VX Nano also has a very impressive battery life. According to Logitech it should last for about six months of use. The mouse also uses a 848nm laser which is fairly accurate. It is plentiful for performing most tasks, however if you plan on editing tiny details in Photoshop or playing hardcore video games, you probably should get a different mouse. The VX Nano started working immediately without drivers on both Windows Vista/XP and Apple OS X Leopard. Further button customizations are available if the software is installed. Logitech also offers a 3-year limited warranty to support the product.

Overall the Logitech VX Nano is a pretty impressive mouse on many aspects. It probably shouldn’t be a replacement for a desktop mouse since it is quite small, unless you have small hands of course. Other than that it seems quite durable and will probably last quite a long time before it wears out. This is probably a prefect mouse for traveling. The mouse was originally quite expensive when it was released ($70 MSRP), however it is now available for $55 on Amazon. (I’ve seen it for even lower on sale!)

Buy: Logitech VX Nano – $55 – Amazon (ships free + no tax)
Links: Logitech.com VX Nano Cordless Mouse

On July 25, 2006, Apple released a wireless bluetooth, laser guided, and AA powered Mighty Mouse. The new and improved Mighty Mouse has many changes from its predecessor, which was released in August ‘05 and was still wired. The Mighty Mouse’s bluetooth will work up to 30 feet away, uses laser precision tracking for improved accuracy, has a touch sensitive left/right-click buttons, a 360° scroll wheel, and extra side “squeeze” buttons. All buttons can be manually programmed in System Preferences.

One problem with this product is the fact that it still requires 2 AA batteries. Most other wireless mouses these days usually have a special built-in rechargeable battery and a dock on which to charge it upon. Although this may be a wise solution for those who travel, it may not be the best for those who spend long hours on their computer. However some innovative features include the right/left-click which are detected using touch sensitivity and without any hardware buttons.

The Mighty Mouse is already available from the Apple Store and is priced at $69. The bluetooth Mighty Mouse will unfortunately only work on Mac OS X, luckily there is a cheaper ($49) USB-wired version which will work on Windows and older Mac OS machines and has most of the features.

Links: Apple Mighty Mouse | QuickTime VR
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