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

Shopping for a laptop is overwhelming because of the numerous choices. No one can tell you what you need or don’t need, except maybe your spouse, parent, kid, local geek, or know-it-all who knows you. But it’s still good to know a few things about buying a laptop. An educated customer is a happy customer, right?

Most important question when starting this research: do you need a laptop? If you need a combo desktop / laptop, you can get a laptop with a docking station.

A common question is whether or not to get one with wireless. The question to you — are you going to use it? Will you have places to wirelessly connect with? Remember, when you have a wireless laptop, it has to connect to a hub or Wi-Fi (like Starbucks or a cell phone). Some hotels are starting to set up wireless and others requiring plugging in. If you buy a laptop without wireless and change your mind, you can add it later with a card. Only difference is it won’t be built-in. Not a big deal. Mine is not built-in.

FYI: Most laptops come with a 10/100 Ethernet NIC built-in.

For me, I have a cheap dial-up account with a national service. Good thing because I used it in the hospital. Not every place has wireless or free wireless (Starbucks isn’t free, or at least, not all locations from what I understand). So before I travel, I look up the service’s local numbers of where I am going so I’ll have them.

As for what model — you’ll get different answers from everyone. People love and hate Dells. Love and hate IBMs. What makes Dell different is that you can pick and choose what items you want on your laptop. IBM has a good reputation. Of course, Macs are nice, if you want to go the Apple way. Buying a refurbished laptop is cool. We have two of them in our house and we’re happy with ‘em. Saved a bit of money, too.

Screen. Picking the right screen is based on graphical need. I got a nice wide one, but my laptop be heavy, dude. I don’t travel much, so weight isn’t an issue. When I do travel, the weight of the laptop isn’t a big deal because I benefit from the video memory more than the weight.

The video card is built into the motherboard, just like a lot of desktops. What you have to watch with a laptop is make sure you get the video you want. If you are going to use graphic intensive programs, then go for more video memory. In the past laptops were not geared toward graphic intense applications. Then the DVD came along and changed that.

A screen is not as replaceable to interchangeable like a harddrive, a wireless card, or a DVD drive. I invest more in the screen so it lasts longer since everything else can be upgraded or replaced.

How often do you plan to lug it around? Believe me. No matter how light the laptop feels, it’s a bag of bricks when you’ve walked with it all day at a conference. That’s why I have a backpack case for my laptop. Much easier for long treks with the laptop. So weight didn’t get a priority with me.

A laptop is useless without an operating system and software. Before we get into details. There is a snag. If you are buying from a major reseller (IBM, Dell, HP, Compaq, etc.) It is going to come with an operating system, whether you like it or not. This is due to their licencing agreements with Microsoft. If this is not an issue, here are the considerations.

Do you want it to come with it or do you have licensed software you can load on it? When buying a computer with the operating system and bonus software, remember you don’t get books or separate CDs loaded with the applications. Some companies provide CDs for using when you have to reformat a computer and these programs will load back up. Some people don’t like this and prefer to buy the applications separately.

This is a suggested process for shopping for a laptop:

* Decide what you must have and write those down.
* Search for products that have these things.
* Search for and read reviews on the finalists.
* Narrow down the list as much as possible (one to three items) to the ones you will be happy with buying.
* Comparison shop for the best offer.

Previously, I’ve covered the Laptop Desk Version 2.0, a lightweight tray about 21 inches long and 11 inches wide for holding the laptop or a handheld device and keyboard. Lapworks has released a lighter version of this called the Laptop Desk UltraLite for items weighing five pounds or less.

The UltraLite is 14.6 ounces in comparison to version 2.0′s 1 pound and 6 ounces. It’s half the thickness at 5/16 of an inch and longer by 1.5 inches to provide a larger area for the mouse. Underneath are rubber pads to prevent slippin’ and slidin’ when using a smooth surface.

The lite version is for lightening the load of the person always on the go or frequent traveler who carries a laptop, other gadgets, or both everywhere. Like its predecessor, it folds in half for easy storage in a laptop case and the additional weight is not noticeable.

When attending a conference, I have a hard time typing on the handheld keyboard since it slightly collapses. This isn’t a problem with the Laptop Desk UltraLite, which rests comfortably in my lap. There are five incline positions for finding your comfortable typing zone.

The thinner and lighter desk prevents the laptop from burning your legs, but you can still feel the warmth. The disadvantage is that it’s not as sturdy as version 2.0 as it lightly shakes during typing. It’s more comfortable to use in your lap compared to having nothing.

As for which to buy, it’s based on your needs. If your laptop is at or over five pounds, go for Laptop Desk version 2.0. For those with lighter equipment, it’s dependent on the importance of sturdiness and the weight difference. Both are great accessories.

The UltraLite retails for $29.95, the same as the version 2.0, but it’s initially available for $19.95 after a $10 instant rebate when purchased from LapWorks.

Tired of the laptop burning your leg or hurting your hands when you type? The Laptop Desk Ensemble is the solution to a more ergonomic and comfortable setting.

The Laptop Desk version 2.0 is a lightweight tray that’s roughly 21 inches long and 11 inches wide for holding the laptop or even handheld device keyboard. It doesn’t buckle when you put the tray on your lap and the laptop on top of it. Some handheld device keyboards don’t stay flat when in your lap and this tray takes care of the problem.

Fold the tray in half for storage or creating an ergonomic angle for typing on the keyboard. It has five typing and viewing angles as it has ridges underneath for increasing or decreasing the angle with a holder.

The tray has ridges that act as ventilation for the laptop. In between the ridges are non-skid contact pads to add an extra grip onto the laptop or keyboard.

The ensemble also includes the SwivlPad and MouzPad. In this household, we have one laptop and constantly share it. Sometimes we slide the laptop around to show the other person something on the laptop screen. This means lifting and turning around, which is not a healthy thing to do when you’re leaning over and putting stress on the lower back. The SwivlPad goes right under the tray NOT underneath the laptop to make it possible to rotate the laptop.

It works some of the time depending on the surface. The bed is not the best surface on which to use it and that’s one place we frequent share it. However, if you try swiveling the tray, it’s more difficult. The SwivlPad, similar to the size of a burrito tortilla, weighs six ounces and stores in the tray when folded, but the tray doesn’t stay closed. Jiggling the disc, it isn’t possible to get it to fix perfectly in the folded tray where the tray stays flat. It’ll stay close if you put the folded tray holding the disc into a side pocket of the laptop carrying case.

The MouzPad is the third piece of the ensemble, which like its name is for using the mouse. While you can use the mouse on the tray, there may not be enough room or the right amount of traction for effective use. It adds about three inches to the length of the tray.

The MouzPad add-on snaps right onto the tray on either side, so lefties can use it on the left side. It also has notches and holes for holding cables in place. When using a mouse with a cable, slide the cable through a hole to prevent it from falling when jiggling the laptop. It tests well with a wireless mouse.

If for whatever reason I need to work away from the desktop, I can take the wireless keyboard and mouse and put them on the tray to use it on my lap or the floor. In fact, I am typing this paragraph using the tray.

The lightweight ensemble includes the tray, SwivlPad, and MouzPad sells for $49.95. The tray alone sells for $29.95. Visit the Laptop Desk web site.