Belkin Mini Wireless Mouse
Written: Jan 10 '05 (Updated Apr 01 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Wireless, scrolling bar, on off switch to save battery power.
Cons: Receiver sticks out 2", buttons make loud clicking sounds. Pricey.
The Bottom Line: Out of the three mini optical mice we have purchased, I like the Belkin the best. Pricey, but you can shop around for better deals.
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| elzora's Full Review: Belkin Mini-Wireless Optical (F8E825-USB) Mouse |
My husband bought me a Toshiba Satellite notebook computer last year for my birthday. I wanted a mouse that was smaller, what they call "mini" sized. So far, this is our third one, and I hope the 3rd time is the charm, as they say.
Our first mouse was wonderful, made by Atek. It has lasted 3 1/2 years now (read my review if you are interested in this brand), but it did not have a scroll button. Next we tried the Targus mini mouse with a scroll button, but it broke down after only 5 months.
About the Belkin F8E825
The $50 price tag was a bit of a sticker shock, but since we paid $25 for the Targus and it didn't hold up, we were willing to pay more for quality. I hope we get it this time!
Set up is easy, you can set the button for either right or left hand, and the speed is also adjustable. The wheel has functions for hot keys and zooming, and you can set the speed of the mouse pointer as well.
This mouse works with Windows 98, 2000, Me, or XP. If you are using Windows 98 and are using a USB port you may have to dig out your Windows 98 installation CD in order to get this to work.
When we got it home and tried it out the mouse only worked for a few hours and quit. Here we go again I thought, but it was a simple fix - we just needed to replace the two AAA batteries!
Hardware & Driver Installation
With your computer off, connect the receiver to the USB port. Turn on your computer and switch "on" the mouse (located on the underside). Put the installation CD in and it will automatically load. When your setup is finished the system will automatically restart. The bottom right corner of my screen shows a mouse icon.
ID Setup
Simply point the front of the mouse at the receiver. You will need to do a couple things here: (1) Press the connect button of the mouse, and (2) press the connect button of the receiver (now the LED inside the receiver will light up, but when linkage is complete it will go off). The manual says that this process needs to be completed within one minute, or else you may have to repeat the process.
Performance
So far the performance of this mouse is adequate. It doesn't seem to have quite the accuracy of my Atek though, as pages are sometimes jittery when I am scrolling. The scroll bar is VERY quiet, which is nice, but the right click button is actually a bit loud compared to the other two mice we have used.
In comparing the size and weight of the three mini optical mice that we have used, this mouse is still very small, (it measures 3 3/8" long and 1 1/2" wide), but it is indeed a bit heavier and seems really solid. It may be heavier in part because of the two batteries it uses.
I have found that the mouse works at two feet away from the receiver comfortably. Belkin does say that you can go three feet, but the results are not nearly as good.
Benefits
* Comes with a 3 foot extension cable.
* Works from up to three feet from your computer.
* 27MHz frequency for worldwide compatability.
* Has 2048 "auto detect" ID channels.
* Has an on/off switch to save on the batteries.
* Compact design is perfect for laptops.
* Lifetime warranty!
* USB connectivity, a small wireless receiver that juts out of a laptop's USB port (a good two inches).
* Hourglass design with rubberized sides that feel good in my hand.
* Optical tracking runs at 800 DPI.
* Battery changing is a snap, simply push a button on the back of the mouse and the top pops off for easy access.
Warnings
* Because of the Radio Frequency operation of this mouse, it is prohibited on airplanes.
* The mouse contains chemicals, including lead, and the manufacturer suggests you wash hands after handling.
These chemicals are recognized by the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Information about Belkin
The Belkin company has been operating since 1983, and their products and support services have won many awards in the computer technology industry. They were recently awarded Best Vendor and Best Merchandising honors at the Spring 2002 Retail Vision event.
Conclusion
This mouse does all the things that a large scrolling mouse does. The cordless option has been wonderful! So far I am really enjoying using this mouse.
The only problem is that I am continually forgetting to switch off the power to this mouse, and am going through a LOT of batteries.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $49.99
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