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 The Logitech VX Nano - *Almost* Perfect Laptop Mouse; Best For Those With Small Hands October 12, 2007
Mark (East Coast)
22 out of 23 found this review helpful
The Logitech VX Nano Laser Mouse is a very good product that fills a big need for mice: a powerful and convenient wireless mouse for mobile use. You can use this mouse for your desktop, but it's really ideal for your laptop on the go. Sure you can take any mouse with your laptop, but the short receiver, small size and included travel case make this mouse extra portable.
Over the past year of using this mouse, I have come to further appreciate its good features as well as become more aware of its short-comings. This is still one of the better laptop mice you can get, but the size means it will be more ideal for women and smaller children than for men. After using it for hours at a time, I have found that even though I have small hands for a man it's just not as comfortable as some of the larger models.
PROS:
+ The tiny receiver works great! Leave it in your USB port or store it in your mouse!
+ Great optical mouse lets you use it anywhere; no mouse-pads!
+ The side grips have a nice dimpled texture for moving your mouse in comfort
+ The included buttons (L-click, R-click, forward, back, slow) are just enough for most users
+ The buttons can be reprogrammed, though only the *slow* button behind the scroll is worth possibly changing
+ The LED light on top alerts you to a weak battery and when turned on or off
+ The premium scroll wheel switches from normal to turbo with a quick press; can be used to "click" or "hyper-scroll" for normal to superfast scrolling
+ Nice convenient storage compartment for USB receiver inside the mouse
+ Convenient On / Off button for conserving battery power when not in use
+ The AAA batteries are convenient and will last a few months between replacements
+ Great comfort for those with small hands, like women and teens
+ The mouse works for right and left handers; lefties need to click the forward / back buttons with their ring finger or pinkie
CONS:
- The size of the mouse will be too small for extended use by those with medium sized or larger hands, including most men; might be OK for short stints, but over time it becomes tiresome
- The forward / back buttons are placed in a strange location on the top but still off to the side; this actually is more comfortable with the left hand than the right hand
- Logitech's Setpoint software is often the source of complaints, though it has improved with updates over the past year
- The lack of extra function keys limits this mouse from power users
- The list price is in the ball-park, but not a great value
INSTALLATION AND SET UP
This mouse generally works upon plugging it in. The software that comes with it allows you to customize the buttons, but for this mouse I didn't have a need to do that. Only the center button behind the scroll wheel is worth customizing. By default it's set to *slow scroll* mode where you move your mouse to control the direction and speed of scrolling. The rest of the buttons are standard and probably don't need to be changed.
FEATURES
This mouse is sleek and fits nicely in your hand. It's got all the standard buttons, and the scroll button is head over heels above all others. The extra *forward* and *back* buttons are now basically standard requirements.
The VX Nano uses 2 AAA batteries, which means no you can use regular or rechargeable batteries and can replace them when they fail. I burned through my first set after about 3 months of usage. I have found since then that I sometimes need to change batteries every month. Sometimes I can get about 2 months out of a set with light usage.
Even when your batteries are dying, you can squeeze out some more time by switching the batteries or turning the mouse off and on again. Turn it off when it's not in use to preserve power. The power button is on the underside of the unit. The mouse also comes equipped with a slot to store the USB plug on the bottom.
In fact, the best feature of this mouse is that USB plug, which is almost flush with the back of my computer when plugged in. Most other wireless mice have plugs that stick out 1-2 inches. This receiver only sticks out about a quarter of an inch. This is the first wireless mouse plug I don't have to worry about forgetting in my laptop. I just toggle it on and off on the bottom and go!
Unfortunately, the forward / backward side keys are in a weird spot, particularly when using this right-handed. You have to move your pointer finger over in such a way as to be uncomfortable. Left-handers can click the forward / back buttons with their ring finger or pinkie, which is much more comfortable. You can even use your middle finger if you are *left-clicking* with it, which is the same as *right-clicking* with your right hand. So if you are ambidextrous, it's better to use this left-handed.
I found the placement of those buttons to be less than ideal when using either hand. They are so small that it's difficult to find them, and after not using them much it's easy to forget they are even there when you need them. They do work a little better left-handed, but in general I wish they were bigger and not so far off to the side.
CONCLUSION
This is a very good mouse that is great for mobile computing. The discrete USB plug makes it convenient for laptop users on the go. The small size means that over time those with medium or large sized hands will want to step up to a larger version. Some may decide that the nano-receiver is not worth the smaller mouse and choose the Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse or the Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse instead. Logitech has been adding to their lineup of mice that use the smaller mini USB receiver. That includes the Logitech V450 Nano Cordless Mouse- Black and the Logitech V550 Cordless Laser Mouse, among others. So unlike at the time I got the VX Nano, you do have other options.
Enjoy!
Not enough superlatives! (One problem with a MacBook) September 23, 2007
Debbie Lee Wesselmann (the Lehigh Valley, PA)
38 out of 50 found this review helpful
If you've ever had to replace your computer mouse, then you know that Logitech covers a wide range of the market, from wireless to corded, from tiny to ergonomic, from no-frills to bells-and-whistles. The VX Nano Cordless was designed specifically for use with laptops, although it can be used on desktops.
The "Nano" refers not to the size of the mouse (it is *not* one of those ultra-portable mini mice) but of the wireless USB transmitter. When plugged in, the transmitter extends a mere 1/4 inch; you can leave it attached, slip your notebook into your case, and carry it away without worrying about snapping it off. If you choose not to leave it attached, the mouse itself has a storage compartment underneath that locks in place so you don't lose it. The mouse itself is 3 3/4 inches long, with contoured, rubberized sides for a comfortable grip. The mouse might prove to be too small for large hands, although most people won't want anything larger for their laptops. It beats the mini mouse I have and rarely use.
The tracking sensitivity of the mouse is excellent, and the scrolling feature is lightning quick. Although you can plug in the Nano and start using it right out of the box, you need to download the installation software to take advantage of the more advanced features such as internet search (really cool!) and browser back/forward at a touch. (Mac users have to download the appropriate installation software at the Logitech site, while Windows users can use the enclosed CD.)
The VX Nano comes with two AAA batteries, a soft case, a Windows installation CD, and an adapter for desktop use. The adapter is primarily for computers that do not have a USB connector at desk level; it consists of a USB connector at the end of a cord, with a port for the transmitter. The port is lightweight and can be easily skewed by accident, but its flat bottom keeps it from tipping over. I have an older Mac desktop, with a low-speed USB port on the keyboard, and I was able to plug the transmitter directly into the keyboard to use the mouse.
This device works as well on my MacBook as it does on a Windows laptop. Going online to download the Mac driver doesn't take any longer than it does to slip a CD into the drive and install from there. The only flaw I discovered occurred when I opened the back of the mouse while the transmitter was still plugged into my laptop's USB port, which turned off the mouse power; my laptop displayed a message that it needed to be rebooted, and the screen was completely frozen, disabling the normal restart/shut down menus. I learned quickly that I had to remove the transmitter *before* opening the storage/battery door.
I own two other Logitech mice, but this is by far my favorite. However, no-nonsense laptop users who plan to navigate documents only might find this mouse too pricey. I, however, have already packed mine in my laptop case, where it will travel from home to work and back again.
Best mouse I've ever owned August 12, 2008
Zachary M. Beggs (Boerne, TX USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
After being disappointed several times by Bluetooth models, I decided to give this one a try. Strangely enough, the primary reason I selected this mouse was because of the tiny receiver; I chafed at the thought of having a monstrously large piece of cheap plastic sticking out of my MacBook. Shallow, I know, but at least I admit it. Overall, that aesthetic quirk of mine ended up being my most beneficial flaw, as the VX Nano is the most incredibly reliable, accurate, and practical mouse I've ever owned.
The box contains the mouse, a carrying case, the receiver, batteries, and Windows software. As noted in previous reviews, Mac users such as myself have to journey to the Logitech website to download software for the mouse -- though it's hardly required, as it will work as soon as you plug in the receiver.
Since I'm in print/graphic design, I was particularly worried about its tracking abilities. My fears were groundless, as this mouse is about as accurate as they come. It offers pinpoint control, so working on those fine details in photos or layouts is a breeze. The mouse clicks with a good feel and sound, and the medium size offers more control than the diminutive Bluetooth models on the market; additionally, you won't feel as though you're moving a paperweight around the desk, grunting all the while.
One feature that really blew me away, however, was the hyper-fast or free-spin mode of the scroll wheel. At first, I considered this a novelty, but quickly grew to believe it to be one of the mouse's best features. This is particularly true when I find myself working on a large document. The free-spin allows me to zoom through pages in record time. If you work on large layouts or documents, or if you have the patience of a two-year-old doing the potty dance (both apply to me), you'll love this feature.
Battery life is incredible, and that's a great bonus. Indeed, I had given up wireless peripherals in the past because they seemed to use enough juice to power Ohio. The VX Nano, however, is a sipper; in seven months of very heavy use, I've changed the batteries once. The receiver fits snugly in any USB port, and I've never even bothered to take it out when transporting my laptop. The back/forward page features are convenient, though I have found they don't always work.
Indeed, all the mouse's features are not available to Mac users such as myself. This hasn't concerned me, as most are things I would likely never use. So, when I consider all the other factors, I have to give the mouse the highest possible rating; Mac users need not fear this product at all.
One caveat: the mouse will wake up your Mac from sleep mode. I can thank my cat for discovering this. If the mouse is placed where it's likely it will be bumped, you might consider turning it off before putting your Mac to sleep. Or, you might just consider putting up baby gates to protect it from felines. Your choice.
Slick little guy October 26, 2007
Alastair L. Drong (Bloomington, IL USA)
9 out of 12 found this review helpful
I've never really been sold on wireless mice. For laptops, the receivers were always too large and threatened to break off or damage your USB port and they just didn't make sense to have on a desktop. After all, why should I need a wireless mouse when the cord is never in my way? This little guy, however, changed that. The receiver is so small that I don't have to worry about breaking it and now that I've used a wireless mouse, I see just how much more maneuverable it really is.
One person stated in a two-star review that the mouse doesn't turn itself off when you stow the receiver in the mouse. This isn't true. The mouse does turn itself on and off automatically when you take out or insert the receiver respectively. The key thing with this mouse, however, is that the receiver is small enough that you might forget that it's still plugged in when you stow your laptop away or walk away from your desktop for a long duration, so you'll need to remember to turn it off periodically. The mouse does come with a nice case (I'm not sure I really needed to pay for that invisible zipper) in which I'll be sticking a note card that says, "mouse off?" to remind me to check.
This is, by far and away, the most comfortable ambidextrous mouse I've ever owned. The most comfortable mouse I've ever held is the MX Revolution, but If you're a lefty, this is a great option for you. However, anyone considering this mouse needs to try it before you buy as this mouse is not meant for people with large (possibly even just average) sized hands. I'm sure this is on purpose and part of Logitech's definition of portable, but I've rather small hands for a guy and I defiantly wouldn't want this mouse to be any smaller.
One thing I always take into consideration when opening a gadget for the first time is the packaging (read: I hate blister packs that have to be cut open and ripped apart which subsequently decide to return the favor by cutting and ripping open a nice wound on your hand), and I have to say that Logitech really did it right. Everything folds open, slips or pops out without too much effort.
The 'center click' is where I wish I could give this mouse 4.5 stars instead of 4 or 5. On a traditional mouse, you get a center click button by pushing vertically down on the scroll wheel. On this mouse, however, pushing down on the scroll wheel toggles your scrolling style between a fast scroll (think: holding the front of a bike in the air and giving the front wheel a spin) and traditional 'click' scrolling. This feature is great; it's wonderful to be able to zoom from the top to the bottom of the page with a single stroke and not need to reach for the keyboard. However, the center click button is the one in the middle of the mouse with the magnifying glass icon on it. Mozilla and Firefox users will agree that this is a poor position for regular use and probably would be better located in front of the scroll wheel instead of behind. Despite this, the button is still rather accessible to your index finger.
Quick note to Mac users: There's one tiny note on part of the packaging saying that you need to get the Mac software from the Logitech website for the mouse to work. Don't know if this is 100% true or not, but seeing as Logitech doesn't advertise this fact especially well, I thought I'd mention it here.
Very nice wireless mouse December 27, 2007
Richard Archer (Maui, HI)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I'm using on a Intel MacBook and it works beautifully. The USB receiver is tiny and can be left connected during transportation. The mouse and scroll wheel have a nice "solid" feel. I programmed the 2 left buttons to enlarge and decrease the display (a nice feature for older eyes). I have come to appreciate the quality of Logitech products (I use several).
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