I bought my first portable mouse when it was on sale for very cheap. At first, I thought it was a bad investment because I didn’t use it for a long time. However, I started using my laptop for all work for a specific client and needed to use a regular mouse instead of the touchpad. The mouse has a lot of mileage.

I had the opportunity to try out the Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse pricey (69.99 list price / $49.99 Amazon price) ultra-portable mouse with a tiny receiver. Instantly, I liked the package when I saw the small size of the receiver — it looked like a USB plug. But then I realized, it would be easy to lose in a house full of kids.

Two AAA batteries powered the mouse and the package came with batteries (hope it didn’t drive up the price). When I opened the battery compartment, I saw the “Nano Receiver” label. When not using the receiver, you put it in the battery compartment next to the label to store it and close the battery compartment keeping it safe while on the move or not using the mouse. Innovative.

Although, it was no problem to keep the receiver plugged in even on the go since it barely protruded. It was a nice change not having to duck doorways to avoid hitting the two-inch long receiver from the old portable mouse. It had a few run-ins in its lifetime.

Plugged in the USB receiver, put batteries in mouse and the mouse went to work right away. It worked without the installing the included CD. However, the CD contained more features for taking advantage of side-to-side scrolling, Internet search, and button customization.

Have you noticed some mice have scroll wheels that click as you scroll and others don’t click (frictionless for long scrolling)? This one did both. Push the scroll wheel to toggle between the two modes. Click scrolling (friction) worked well for precise scrolling and frictionless scrolling performed best with long documents.

The box also included a carrying case and a USB extension stand for using the mouse with a desktop. These can stay tucked in one of the laptop’s smaller pockets out of the way.

My old portable mouse shut itself off unreasonably fast when idle. Moving the mouse wouldn’t wake it up — it called for either moving the scroll wheel or pushing the buttons on both the receiver and mouse to wake it up. This one required neither. It woke up every time I moved it. The receiver didn’t even have a button, so I only had to push the one on the mouse to make the first connection.

This high quality portable mouse wasn’t without a flaw — the size. My medium-sized hand missed the older and slightly larger sized portable mouse. But with time, it will adapt. The mouse felt snug and comfortable to the top part of my hand and fingers (the bottom of my palm dragged on the table more than usual). Oh, and it felt wonderfully light. I weighed it with the batteries and the scale showed 3.5 ounces.

Some might find the scroll wheel “too loose” — in other words, you can easily spin it. This feature is a matter of personal preference rather than a good or bad thing. Overall, Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse is a great portable and cordless mouse if you’re willing to spend the money. The receiver alone can make it a worthy buy.

Pros: Tiny receiver, precise movements, lightweight, complete package (USB for desktop, receiver, mouse, carry case and batteries)

Cons: Price, mouse size is a little small for some

I needed to get a new mouse or desktop set (keyboard and mouse) because the Microsoft Wireless Intellimouse Explorer 2.0 was working erratically — I had to work hard to use the buttons. I tried upgrading the software, putting in fresh batteries, and pushing the connect buttons. Nothing worked. Time for a new mouse.

First, I tried just replacing the mouse with Microsoft Comfort 3000. Ha. It was not more comfortable than the Intellimouse and my arm immediately became numb. So back to the store.

Next, I tried the corded Intellimouse. The cord drove me crazy and I couldn’t get it situated where it didn’t feel like it tugged whenever I moved it. I guess I’m sensitive to the slightest movement or change in how something feels.

Finally, I decided to chuck the whole thing and get the Logitech LX 700 keyboard and mouse set after reading up on different ones. The mouse doesn’t work for me — it feels backwards compared to the Intellimouse.

But the keyboard has nice features not on the Microsoft keyboard. The keys have a nice feel when tapping on them. On the left are three buttons: close window, enter, and switch programs. I immediately liked those. Above these is a sort of a mini-trackball with two buttons except it rolls up and down instead of all around. It also clicks sideways. This is not a substitute for the mouse as I couldn’t get around with it while the mouse was charging.

The mouse comes with rechargeable batteries and its own charger, which is also the home base for the wireless. At first, I thought it would not work well because every time it needs to be charged, I’d have to stop using the mouse while it charges. But it doesn’t take long to charge and it’s better than trashing batteries or constantly switching out rechargeables.

The Logitech, like Microsoft, has programmable buttons. Except, when I program a button to open a folder, it opens it in the view I don’t like (shown on the left). I prefer the Folders view (shown on the right). It’s another click to get to that view.

I also don’t like the messages when I click on a programmable button. It’s like seeing old DOS messages (“downloads” below is an example). When I first loaded the Logitech (prior to installing the software) and changed the volume, it had a more modern look. That disappeared as soon as I installed and upgraded the software. So I turned off the on screen messages.

Microsoft’s keyboard has a nice, smooth feel on its hand rest while Logitech’s is plastic. Microsoft’s mouse also had the same smooth feel with just enough friction so your thumb didn’t slip. Logitech has a smooth plastic feel, but better than the Microsoft Comfort 3000, which was slippery as heck.

I liked Microsoft’s scrolling buttons better as they were smooth like oil while Logitech’s and others clicked.

I got my first low-battery warning and the battery icon flashed in the system tray. The mouse went home for the night so its batteries get recharged. The next day, it was charged. But how am I supposed to know that? When it goes on the charger, the light immediately turns green and stays green. To make matters worse, the flashing system tray warning continued to flash even though the software indicated the batteries were fully charged.

Microsoft’s desktop set didn’t last anywhere as long as Logitech’s as I had a wireless Logitech set prior to the Microsoft. It was one of the earlier wireless desktop sets and yet, it lasted longer than the newer one.

I tried searching Logitech’s support forums about the screen message and the open folders annoyances, but nothing there. I haven’t decided if I want to stick it out with the Logitech and see if my arm gets used to the mouse or order a replacement mouse and put comfort first.

I submitted the rebate so that means I’m keeping the Logitech set since my hand finally got more comfortable with the mouse.