I love computer toys … I mean professional operating equipment. So when I had the chance several months ago to purchase a new mouse for my work computer, I chose a name I know and trust: Logitech. The mouse I am using is the Logitech MX400 Performance Laser Mouse -- Model # 931638-0403


Description

This mouse measures about 5” long x 2 1/2” wide. It stands about 1 3/8” high. It has smooth black rubberized sides. The top of the mouse is mostly medium silver with a wave of a brighter silver accent. The right and left mouse buttons don’t look like traditional buttons … they blend into the one piece of medium silver plastic.

A rubberized scroll wheel is located in the top of the mouse at the center front. On the left side of the mouse are two narrow buttons. The first button is smaller than the one behind it (the two buttons control Forward and Back movement between pages).

Logitech has built this mouse with laser technology and states that laser technology is “more accurate, more precise than standard optical mice”. The packaging also says that the precision tracking will work “flawlessly on surfaces where optical mice can’t track”. However the laser sensor will not work on mirror or glass surfaces.

This mouse plugs into the computer tower via a USB cable or PS/2 connector (the PS/2 connector comes in the box). The mouse is also Mac and PC compatible. SetPoint software on a CD is also included so that the mouse buttons can be customized. An Installation Guide is also included, written in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

I have included the specifications at the end of this review. In case you are wondering, I am using this mouse on a PC with Windows XP.


My Experiences

This is an excellent mouse. It is comfortable for me to use in either my left or right hand (I’m ambidextrous and switch the mouse between hands to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.) The rubberized sides are easy to grasp. They are not a sticky rubberized material, rather they are smooth with a soft touch.

I use this mouse on a slightly textured cloth mousepad. The cursor movement is incredibly responsive. The cursor floats across the screen with no skips or erratic movement. I have also used this mouse on the smooth, hard surface of my desk and have had no issues with it.

One of the features that sold me on this mouse is the horizontal and vertical scrolling. I am spoiled by the horizontal scrolling on my Logitech V200 Mouse that I use with my notebook computer. Now I can’t imagine using a mouse without it! Web pages that are too wide to fit on the screen are not a problem. I just tilt the center wheel to the left or right to have the page scroll horizontally. The vertical feature is great, too. Twirl the wheel and the pages scroll up or down.

The page Forward and Back buttons on the side of the mouse are new to me. I haven’t had a mouse with this feature. It’s convenient to click the buttons to move forward and backward between either internet web pages or Excel worksheet pages. This feature has not worked for me in MS Word documents or Adobe pdf files.

One downside to the Forward and Back buttons are their size and location. The buttons are small and located near the top left side of the mouse. It is easy to accidentally push the buttons. The only time this causes a problem is when I am on the internet, so I am more careful how I place my hand on the mouse when web browsing.

I always like the flexibility of Logitech mice and the many options available to customize the buttons. The Setpoint software is easy to use and walks one step-by-step through using the software with a Quick Tour (an option available on the main screen of the software program).


Setup & Customizing

This mouse is simple to install. Just turn off the computer, and plug the mouse into the back of the tower (using either the USB cable or PS/2 connector). Turn the computer on again. Insert the CD into the drive and follow the prompts.

Note that the Setpoint software has to be used in order to customize the mouse functions. Going into Control Panel and then selecting Mouse will not bring up the Logitech mouse settings.

The Setpoint software is easy to use. You can customize the scroll wheel to do any of the following: zoom, autoscroll, universal scroll, a keystroke combination, application switch, or select “other” to open a submenu with lots of additional choices such as copy, paste, cut or start menu. The Forward and Back buttons, the Left Scroll and Right Scroll also have a variety of options to select from to customize functions.


Purchasing

This mouse cost $39.98 at Staples.


Summary

This Logitech MX400 Laser Mouse is an excellent choice for me. The horizontal and vertical scroll feature makes my work faster and easier. A coworker liked my mouse so much that she ordered one, too!

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstweart.com


Specifications

System requirements:
IBM or compatible PC
Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP
USB or PS/2 port
CD ROM drive

Or a Macintosh system with:
Mac OSX 10.2.8+
USB port


Please read my other reviews:

StaplesLink.com – buying supplies for a business at lower prices

Logitech V200 Cordless Notebook Mouse

Logitech MouseMan Dual Optical Mouse

Logitech S510 Cordless Keyboard and Mouse

Acer 19” Widescreen LCD Monitor

Antec Notebook Cooler

SanDisk ImageMate Card Reader with Docking Station

Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control

Swingline Electric 3-hole Paper Punch

BJ’s Wholesale Club

BestBuy Online Store

Buy.com Online Store


Copyright 2006 Dawn L. Stewart


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 39.98