Product: Logitech VX Nano Laser Notebook Mouse
Manufacturer: Logitech
MSRP: $69.99 [BizRate]
Lowest Historical Price: $29 [History]

Introduction
Bluetooth has been all the rage recently with all the accessories being released, from headsets, headphones, mice, and more. Surprisingly, Logitech decided to break from the trend and make their newest performance notebook mouse using RF technology. Although a bluetooth mouse is nice to have since most new notebooks can be configured with built-in bluetooth, we were less than impressed with Logitech's latest V470 Bluetooth Mouse. RF is a tried and true technology for pointing devices, so the question is, does the Logitech VX Nano live up to our expectations?


Specs
Model: VX Nano
Hardware Platform: PC, Mac
Connectivity: Cordless (RF)
Movement Detection: Laser
Color: Black and Gray
Warranty: 3-year limited
Scroll: Up, Down and Side-to-Side
Buttons: 5 buttons



Setup
The package comes with a protective pouch for the mouse, 2 AAA batteries, a 2.4GHz receiver and the install CD. To use the mouse, install the batteries and plug the receiver in to an open USB port. There is also an on/off switch at the bottom of the mouse. Installation of the Logitech software is optional and simple. You can use it to swap button assignments, set pointer speed, set scroll settings, and to monitor the mouse battery life.

Review
Smaller is better? The most obvious thing about this mouse is the size of the receiver. The Logitech website provides a picture showing the size progression of this type of receiver, and it has come a long way. It stays so flush with the USB port that even my Dell 85Whr battery extends further than it. This means that you don't even have to put away the receiver if you don't feel like it when you shut down your computer. However, if you choose to, Logitech has also designed a slot inside the mouse where you can store the receiver. When you take out or store the receiver, it automatically turns on or shuts off the mouse, respectively.



The mouse itself looks very stylish. The ergonomics of the device are also good; it is more comfortable to use for extended periods than the Logitech V470. It isn't very heavy, which is another problem that seems to plague cordless mice. It also features a scroll wheel that can be switched from "frictionless" to click scroll with a simple press of a button. Although true frictionless operation can never be achieved, the scroll wheel on the VX Nano spins quite freely. The best part about this mouse (aside from all the other great attributes), are the pads on the bottom of the mouse. It's hard to describe the smoothness it adds to the motion. The best example I have is that while my Logitech G5 feels like I'm sliding it across a brick, the Logitech VX Nano feels like I'm sliding it across silk. It even sounds like that. Yes folks, it's THAT good.



The precision of the mouse is also excellent. As you can see, I was able to draw a perfect circle with this mouse, just like with the G5. I've tested it in various scenarios, from surfing the web for deals to gaming, and it has exceeded my expectations. One problem I did have was with the location of the forward and back buttons. They are somewhat awkwardly placed by the left mouse button.

As I mentioned before, the VX Nano has an on-and-off switch at the bottom, which is useful for conserving battery life (which is claimed to be up to 6 months). It comes with a pair of AAA Alkaline batteries, but I'd recommend getting some rechargeable low discharge NiMH cells such as Sanyo Eneloops if you plan to use it often.

Conclusion
This is probably the first cordless mouse that I have ever enjoyed using. From a design perspective, it's black, it's shiny, it's got nice curves, and it's designed pretty well from an ergonomic standpoint for a notebook mouse. From a usability standpoint, it's got great precision, it's not so small that you have to strain your hand to use it, but it has awkwardly placed forward/back buttons. Given that it is made small to be portable, it may be a stretch to consider using it as your main mouse, but I wouldn't mind using this mouse for long periods of time.

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