- CNET Editors' Rating 5.3/10 Average Editorial policies >>
- Average user rating from 24 users 5.1/10 Average Read user opinions >>
The good: Small and light; excellent software package; laser tracking for precision on many surfaces.
The bad: Too small for everyday use; huge receiver sticks out of the base when stowed; very short range.
The bottom line: The Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 has great software features, but it's too small and uncomfortable for everyday use.
Specs: Compatibility: PC, Mac; Interface required: USB; Connector type: 4 pin USB Type A See full specs >>
Price range: $22.34 - $39.99
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 09/05/2006
At just 3.5 ounces and the size of a large bar of hotel soap, the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 is one of the smaller notebook mice around. Like the Logitech V450 Laser cordless mouse for notebooks, the Microsoft rodent is symmetrical down its long axis, making it fit for both left- and right-handed individuals. Unfortunately, also like the V450, it's too small, and it lacks a sculpted shape that would allow it to fit comfortably in your hand. The mouse also has a raised ridge down its center, designed to let you use it with just two fingers, which is downright uncomfortable. In addition to the Notebook Laser Mouse 6000's left-side zoom button, it also has the two standard buttons and an unusually thin tilting wheel that has little tactile feedback.
Though the Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 is a bit smaller than most laptop mice, its wireless receiver is downright huge. At just over 2.5 inches long and 1 inch wide, it's about 50 percent larger than the receiver on the Logitech V450. It's also thicker than other wireless receivers, causing it to protrude from the mouse's base when stowed. Though the receiver is a heavyweight, it turns in a featherweight's performance, as the Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 stops working just three feet from the laptop. Clipping the receiver into the mouse's base shuts it down, saving power by ensuring that it won't turn on accidentally. Microsoft claims a single AA battery should power the mouse for six months.
Microsoft is, above all else, a software company, and the IntelliPoint application included with the Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 shows the company's prowess. IntelliPoint's star feature is accessible at the press of the left-side zoom button. As one might expect, pushing it pops up a box that magnifies whatever is underneath the cursor. Pushing the zoom button while in zoom mode lets you manipulate the size of the box and the zoom level. The IntelliPoint software also allows you to program the Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 to behave differently depending on the application you're currently using. Though we don't know why you'd want to--as you'd have to part with programmability and the awesome zoom feature--it is possible to mouse without installing IntelliPoint by simply plugging the receiver into an available USB port.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- Logitech,
- notebook computer,
- receiver,
- mouse,
- laser
User opinions
WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEW How would you rate this product?
-
4/10 Mediocre September 26, 2006
"A bit annoying to work with" Read more >>
-
7/10 Very good March 1, 2006
"Great notebook mouse, except for some major flaws!" Read more >>
-
9/10 Spectacular November 3, 2005
"Great product, could have a little better battery life" Read more >>
- WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEWSee all 24 user opinions >>
Where to buy
| Store | CNET Certified | In stock | Shipping | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Yes | $6.99 | $29.99 |
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Yes | $6.99 | $29.99 |
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Amazon.com
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Yes | Free | $34.24 |
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Yes | $3.95 | $34.55 |
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Costcentral.com
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Yes | $8.00 | $30.89 |
See Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 prices from 10 stores.
