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.

In Keyboard and Mice Talkback, I talked about my need for a new keyboard and mouse pair because my keyboard died (R.I.P.). The Logitech set worked well for me and I would not have minded replacing it with another. However, I decided to open the door for your experiences as I like to keep an open mind. If I didn’t, I’d be working on outdated stuff and living in the dark ages.

I didn’t have to make a decision after all! woot! made it for me when it posted the Microsoft Wireless Optical Elite Keyboard and Mouse for sale. I’ve been using it for several weeks.

I love it! It’s not perfect, however. It has one flaw, but the keyboard and the wheels are so smooth, that I am learning to live with its flaw. It omits letters I type from time to time. Thank goodness for spell checker, but I don’t always remember to run it or proof my work as you know you can’t completely rely on it.

I’ve tried fresh batteries, resetting the keyboard, searching the Web and Microsoft’s Web site for answers and can’t get it to stop omitting letters. Yes, the receiver is close… so close, the keyboard and receiver can smell each other.

Other than that, it’s a comfortable keyboard and I actually make use of the shortcut buttons. It comes with five buttons you can program to go wherever you want… open a program, a Web site, email application. Music lovers will appreciate the media management section at the top-center of the keyboard. It has the typical play, stop, pause, louder, softer, mute, rewind, and fast forward buttons.

Since it is a Microsoft product, it comes with buttons for My Documents, My Pictures, My Music, and Messenger. Of course, you can changes these. In fact, I changed Messenger to open Trillian instead.

Right by the tilt wheel on the keyboard is the back and forward buttons. Instead of moving your mouse to the top left of your browser to go back and forward through Web pages, you can use these buttons. Those who prefer to minimally rely on mice would appreciate this keyboard.

Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X, and Ctrl+V are commonly used keys for copy, cutting, and pasting. If you can’t remember that, the keyboard has *Cut on the front side of the X key. Same goes for C, V, B (bold), U (underline), I (italic), F (find), and A (all).

Most of the function (F) keys have a dual purpose. F1 is the standard for Help. It also has Help imprinted on the key. I frequently use Shift+F7 in word to use the thesaurus. When the F keys are turned off, hitting F7 means replying to an email. Other F keys have undo, redo, new, open, close, forward, send, spell, save, and print.

The set of keys between the main keys (the letters, numbers) and the numbers only key is where the Home, End, Delete, Insert, Page Up, and Page Down keys live. Microsoft did a smart thing and dumped the Insert key. I NEVER used it and yet, I hit it by accident all the time and had to do an Undo to get my letters back. My work computer has Insert and I still hit the darn thing.

The keyboard has two column instead of three. On the first is Home and Delete (taking up the space of two keys). The second column has End, Page Up, and Page Down. Logitech also has a keyboard with the same layout, so it’s not a Microsoft problem. I have not been able to get the hang of this set of keys. Maybe it doesn’t help that I’m using a different keyboard at the office (getting a replacement is not an option).

The wrist rest is soft and smooth. Logitech’s wrist rest (try saying that out loud five times and fast) was cheap plastic and cold. The mouse wheel moves like buttah and can be tilted left and right.

I’m delighted with the purchase especially for the price. Despite being called the Evil Empire and all that, I gotta give Microsoft credit for having a nice product whether it made it or bought it from another manufacturer and slapped its name on it.

My cordless keyboard is dying a slow death (Actually, it died. I plugged it back in to try something and it would not spill out any letters or numbers.). I changed the batteries and everything… reset the keyboard and its charging base. The keyboard still tunes in and out as its pleases causing me t tpe stff lke ths. Right now I am on a keyboard with a cord and I am still using the cordless mouse as it works fine.

I would like to replace it with a keyboard and mouse set, but with an ergonomic mouse. I don’t like the ergo keyboards. I tried one (Paul loves it), and my hands became finger-tied. I researched through Google and Consumer Reports, but came up empty. Even the big computer magazines don’t have much of a comparison of keyboard / mouse combos.

I also use rechargeable batteries in the mouse. Funny, I use regular batteries for the keyboard and it lasts for months, but not for the mouse.

So I went to Lockergnome readers for input. I asked if they have had a good experience with a combo that also has a ergo mouse? Or a bad one that I absolutely should avoid? I’ve gathered a few opinions so now I am publishing them so others who are searching for quality cordless desktops have something to help make a decision.

I’ve been using Logitech’s keyboard and mouse set. Not sure what model as the back of all three accessories don’t indicate it. I’ve used it for a long time and have been happy with it. The only thing I didn’t like was the plastic wrist rest. I’d like to replace it with a softer one.

I am not much into customizing the buttons. So it’s not an important feature. A scrolling wheel is a must. If I can’t get an ergo mouse, that’s OK.

Read on for reader responses…

Paul (not my husband) writes:

You couldn’t GIVE me a mouse after using a trackball. The only things I have to move are my fingers, not my wrist, arm, etc. I agree that a scroll wheel is a big advantage and the Logitech TrackMan Wheel that I have moves the ball to the thumb in order to provide it. I’m not just as accurate with my thumb, though. However, there are other trackballs that provide the best of both worlds — a middle button option to pop-up a scroller onscreen.

But mice vs trackballs? Fageddaboudit!

And wired, not wireless…

Nikolas says:

I to use the Logitech Cordless Mx Duo and I love it.. I’ve had it for almost 3 yrs and no problems at all ..it also beats out all the other brands by far…I love it

From Joan:

I haven’t used a wireless keyboard and now use my laptop most of the time, but I am a mouse hater and love touchpads and use an Adesso keyboard with built in touchpad on my desktop. I see they are coming out with a wireless version but also have wireless keyboards with mice. Here are their products.

Ed writes:

Stick to your (the most simple) Logitech keyboard and rechargeble mouse. Works fine with me.

Ricardo says:

Logitech is the best, I used genius and some other brands, all have disadvantages. Logitech may not be the beautifull one, sure, but it runs smootly for years, I used both ball and optical mouse, and it is perfect. The only problem is with batteries as the optical mouse needs a replacement every one to two months, ball mouse about every year. If it doesn’t bug you, then go with Logitech.

Uncle Bob (not my New York uncle) advises:

I’m using a Logitech combo unit, have two as a matter of fact. I, too, thought my keyboard was dying only to discover that the location of the sending/receiving unit was the problem.

The main unit, which is located maybe 24 inches above the mouse and
keyboard, will stop working by being one inch or more back from its normal location. Apparently line of sight is a big thing.

The second unit, which is located on a portable work bench next to my desk seems to work when it wants to. But by moving it maybe an inch in any direction all is well. This unit will work five or six feet from the base as long as it is in line of sight.

Hope that helps. Both are Logitech mx700 sets. And the keyboards lose
the signal before the mouse on both.

I did try moving the base closer. It still won’t play nice.

John shares a lot of great information:

I can appreciate the quandary you’re in. We just don’t think about keyboard and mice until they don’t work or cause problems. Personally I just don’t care for wireless keyboards or mice, but then there are times that I boot my computer with an old DOS boot disk, too, because I want access to true DOS and not the newer version of virtual DOS in newer OSes like Win 2K or XP.

Over the years I’ve tried many keyboards thinking, “Heck a keyboard is a keyboard, right?” Not so. Those $10 keyboards last about a year or less until keys start sticking or getting stiff. The spendier keyboard like IBM are better, but their design is limited as are the features. Now we have the more spendier ones like Logitech which I didn’t care for.

I bit the bullet and tried a keyboard from the Evil Empire in Redmond. I love it so much that I bought a second one to take to work where I did tech support and did a lot of typing while I was talking. These things are just about bulletproof and there are no software conflicts like with some other brands. I use the no longer available Internet Keyboard Pro and probably will until either me or it die.

Microsoft Digital Media Pro keyboard

…I recommend this highly. It’s got programmable buttons but you can ignore them. The keyboard is just one rugged, good feeling piece of equipment and it looks good with its modern black color scheme. The durability of Microsoft’s keyboard is tops in my book as I’ve put ‘em through years of hard use because I’m more of a hunt-and-pecker than a typist.

My MS keyboard has survived several years of smoke and slops especially at work where it’s a open environment with three shifts of people using that keyboard 24/7 we can’t smoke, but I’ve gotten baloney out from between the keys at times. Dependable and good feeling is all I can say about the better MS keyboards.

I can’t offer very much input regarding mice though other than the same software issues for non MS mice as I use a Microsoft four button Intellimouse Trackball Explorer and I know you’re not a button person and a trackball is a highly personal preference thing. The best thing I can offer there is play with the mice in the store. I recommend the optical type without the ball, again preferably Microsoft.

What usually fails on cheaper mice are the microswitches for the buttons that might require repeated clicking to get them to work or the real killer where you get a double click instead of a single click, that’s something that really drives me nuts and kills productivity big time. The key is to find a mouse you like the feel of in your hand as you work with it and how easy it is to operate the buttons without looking. A good pointing device should be almost intuitive take a look at…

The basic Microsoft® IntelliMouse® 3.0 or The more advanced Microsoft® Wheel Mouse Optical 1.1.

I think the feel, dependability and longevity of these products will be what you need and make your life easier. Hopefully my suggestions help pave the way for you to improve your computing experience and minimize problems.

Got a comment? Still open for opinions, but not for comment spam.