Microsoft - Notebook Optical Mouse 3000

Most people will think this is a minimouse, but not at all, this is a small big-mouse or a big mini-mouse, i have big hands so i can't handle a minimouse with ease, this mouse feals just right in your hand, if you're right handed the thumb-button is just in the right position, but i find that the zoom function is not for me, i have it as a close application button.

With the intellipoint software (required to install) you can map a specific function for each button for a given application, which i find very usefull, for example, in a drawing app, i prefer to use the thum button as pan, and the middle for pen-styles.

The 1/2 star i took from the 5 stars is because for the click wheel you have to press with more pressure than the rest, and for the wheel not having the stepping sensation you just might scroll right before you click.

Because the middle button is that hard to press, you just might ending tilting the wheel before you actualy press the button (i have 4 days with the mouse and that doesn't happen anymore, but was anoying in the begining)

PRO:
* Great size
* 1000 dpi !!!!!!!!!
* Looks sharp
* 4 way tilt wheel
* Rubber sides with grips
* Nice USB Adaptor (it doesn't count, but it's nice

CONS:
* No clicks for wheel, it's smooth (but still ok)
* Middle button hard to press at the begining.
* Not-so-good price at the moment (but worth it)

I just purchased one of these mice and was addicted to it within 12 hours of first using it.
I had read other reviewers' comments about the scroll wheel turning in a smooth fashion without any bumps. I wasn't sure I wanted to order the mouse because of this, but I eventually did. When I first started using the mouse I didn't like it, but within an hour or so I found I greatly preferred the smooth scrolling wheel; it was easier to manipulate and added to the accuracy.

The reasons I'm addicted to this mouse:

1) I found that the mouse was so accurate and responsive that I could turn up the mouse speed by about 50% over my previous mouse while maintaining precise control of the pointer. This saved me significant time moving the pointer from one end of my 1920x1200 screen to the other.

2) I like the fact that the scroll wheel can be pushed to the right and left to scroll right and left. This function works very well.

3) The mouse has a cord...which is a BIG advantage and why I ordered it to begin with. Here's why:
I also own the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000, which is a very nice mouse... but it is bluetooth and thus the pointer can be slightly unresponsive/jittery in the presence of bluetooth interference. Interference is especially high in large cities like Chicago where there are many WiFi networks that operate on the same frequency.

4) Smooth scrolling wheel.

5) Pressure required to click the buttons helps prevent pointer movement while depressing them.

6) Unlike bluetooth/wireless mice which must contain batteries (that go dead at inappropriate moments) the mouse is extremely light.

7) No need to carry the extra weight of 2 sets of mouse batteries. One set inside the mouse and another set in your notebook bag in case the first set go dead.

Some users have complained about the glaring blue light on the mouse. I've noticed that this is a problem with blue lights on many peripheral devices and can be quite blinding and annoying. The blue light is much dimmer than other blue lights I've encountered on peripherals and is just bright enough to sometimes be glaring, but mostly doesn't bother me. Some users have put a piece of black electrical tape over the like, a good solution, but if you are one like me who doesn't like to junk up your equipment with tape, etc. the glare isn't severe.

If you dont' want to buy this mouse, some previous corded interference free notebook mice I've used that I recommend as second to this are:

Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse (Black with translucent red sides) - $19.99 on Amazon, $15 at Wal-Mart
Logitech optical mouse plus - $13.95 on Amazon

While not a big software fan of Microsoft, I do like their keyboards and mice. The latest acquisition is a Optical Mouse 3000. Where most notebook mice are small, this is no exception. It's about 2/3 the length of a normal mouse, but it does seem to be comfortable in my grip. It has raised bumps on both sides to aid grip (which helps with it's size) and the feel of the click buttons (all 3) are smooth and don't require pounding on. The scroll wheel is very smooth and not the standard ratcheting action that most mouse wheels have, which makes it feel smooth and quiet. It's well balanced and doesn't seem to need me to put my hands in an uncomfortable position to use it, even with it's small size. There is a crescent arc of blue LED light along the back of the mouse (where you'd rest the back of your palm) which is annoying, but a black or silver sharpie will cure that. What I really like is that while I've used many wireless notebook mice (recently a Bluetooth Logitech V270 Notebook Mouse) there is no lag with a wired mouse. Most wireless mice act as if they are strung out on caffeine and are too jittery for me. The Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 is a very nice compliment to my PowerBook. I think most folks who like a smooth running desktop-sized mouse would enjoy this mouse for it's size and portability.