Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 – Aloe Green

I’ve had this mouse for a couple of weeks and am very satisfied with it. There was no software installation. I simply plugged the wireless receiver into an available USB port, put a “AA” size battery in the mouse, and turned on the computer. The mouse started working just as Windows XP finished loading.

It may be a little small for really large hands, but it fits my hand (medium-size male) perfectly with my palm resting on a mouse pad for comfort. In fact, it feels better than most I’ve had in the past (desktop or laptop). And the mouse fits into a side packet of a laptop case very nicely. As others have pointed out, the USB receiver fits into the bottom of the mouse when traveling.

The buttons are shapped well, as are the rubber side grips. The two large buttons feel solid, but the center scroll button is a little noisy and doesn’t feel as well made. But, that center button works as well as the other two.

Since I’ve only had it a couple of weeks, I don’t know how long the “AA” battery will last yet. However, I’m using my laptop mainly as a desktop, used many hours each day, and the original battery is still going strong. To insert the battery, press the silver button directly below the “Microsoft” logo and the top pops off (the release button is designed to look decorative). At that point, one will immediately see the battery holder.

The wireless feature works flawlessly. In fact, if one had really good eyes, one could operate the computer from the other side of a room. Yes, I’ve actually tried that, with the mouse moving the cursor around the screen with no problems.

I just read one of the other reviews where a lag was mentioned. I’ve seen nothing of this. In fact, after reading that review, I sat here moving the mouse slowly, quickly, tiny movements, short movements, long movements, and so on, with no noticeable lag. The cursor moves exactly as the mouse moves.

All in all, I think anyone would be satisfied with this mouse.

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UPDATE: I wrote the above in February 2005 and have continued to use the mouse since (now Aug 2006). It is still performing well and the battery mentioned in the review above lasted through about 2.5 months of routine everyday use. I have since purchased a second mouse for my desktop computer, which is also working fine after about four months. The following is in response to issues raised by other reviewers.

To Edwin A. Pell III (New York), the mouse fits identically in either a left or right hand. To reverse the buttons, open the “Mouse” control panel and select “other pointing devices” in the drop-down menu listing your laptop’s touchpad.

Again, to anyone wanting to ADJUST MOUSE SETTINGS, use the “other pointing devices” selection in the “Mouse” control panel.

To A. Mazakov (Fairfax, VA), the mouse is not sealed shut. The screws are located under the four black adhesive feet on the bottom of the mouse. Pry the feet off with a knife and stick them back on when finished with your modification.

To Denis Dolgachev (Ann Arbor, MI), you do not have to disconnect the mouse each night. The mouse enters a battery saving mode when no movement is detected for some time, allowing batteries to last upwards of two to three months (depending on usage) with a continous connection. In other words, you really only need to disconnect the mouse when you want to move or store the computer.

Those mentioning lags, delays, or choppy movement should check the “Mouse” control panel settings or for things interfering with USB devices. When setup and operating properly, there is no latency behavior whatsoever with this mouse. Movements are fine and precise. The only normal delay is in the split second when the mouse recovers from the battery saving mode after periods of inactivity.

I’m a computer junkie, i have to admit that I fall for every gadget and gimmick that comes along when it comes to computer hardware. This was no exception. I recently picked up a new laptop and thought i’d compliment it with a new mouse. Whilst shopping, I noticed this little fellow on sale and thought what a great idea… the usb transmitter snaps in to the bottom of the mouse (also shuts it off so its not burning up the battery). Unfortunately the store that I spotted it at had sold out! I asked the clerk and he said the things were flyin off the shelves. Figured it must be worth a look so I went a few doors down to a competitor and found one.

Great thing about buying hardware from the evil empire (Microsoft), is that it pretty much all works without downloading new drivers. Plugged the USB transmitter in, snapped the included single AA battery in the mouse (its located under the top cover btw if you dont like reading instructions like me), and it fired to life. Nice smooth tracking, worked on all surfaces i tested except for the actual screen of my laptop.. hehe

All I cared about was to have an ultra-portable mouse that was wireless and worked well. I got the great bonus of, good price, easy to install, great function, perfect compatability. If it had two tumb buttons for fwd/back on web browsing, i’d write microsoft a thank you letter.

My second wireless optical moue after Logitech 931152-0403 Cordless Optical Mouse. Much better than the Logitech mouse as it lighter and “soft”buttons.

Highly recommended for laptops. Even though it has a “connect” button, never had to use it. Just plug and play installation. No need to download/install drivers. Used it with Win 2000 and Win XP.

Pros ::

* Solid responsive mouse

* Soft buttons

* Cordless so no tangled wires around you

* Optical so can be used on ( just about ) any surface

* Small USB receiver

* * Used it, without any issues, with my wireless internet connection

* Easy to replace batteries

* Single AA battery

Cons ::

* Might be small for a person with large hands &/or long fingers

* NO carrying case. Even though the adapter fits *in* the mouse. It could help to have a carrying case as well.

* Not aware of any way to program the “buttons” ( for “left handed” persons )

This mouse is by far one of the best I’ve used for my laptop. The most impressive part about it all, is the battery life. I have owned this for 3 months and use it every day for hours a day, and it is still going strong. It is very responsive and I even use it for online gaming sometimes, with good response. The biggest drawback is, it does not have an auto shut off feature. If you power off your machine and forget to store the USB stick back on the mouse, the mouse stays on. I have forgetten to put the USB stick back on and the mouse has stayed on overnight. Luckily though, the battery life is awesome. All in all a good purchase if you don’t care about the auto shut off feature.

A mouse is such a basic computing tool it is easy to assume all such devices are pretty much the same. In other words, how much functionality is there in the first place to improve on? In the case of the BX3-0000x, apparently a lot.

First and foremost, there’s the wireless feature, which follows the standard rule of less (wires) is more (ease of use). Then there is the smaller size, which increases mobility and storage value. Smaller isn’t always better, of course. I have a micro MS mouse that I have used for close to a year, but it borders on being too small for my tastes. However, the size of the BX3-0000x is perfect as far as I’m concerned.

In judging most computing devices, the bottom line for me is usually how easy it is to set up and start using. No worries here. The “getting started” brochure is actually a waste of time and material, because with my Dell notebook and XP operating system, I simply plugged it in and never gave it a second thought.

What really sets this product apart is its strikingly simple and intuitive design. It starts with the wireless aspect (I will never use a wired tracking device again if I have any choice in the matter), the USB receiver that snaps into the bottom of the mouse when not in use (no more frantic groping around the bottom of my laptop case), and the power-saving feature that automatically turns off the battery when the receiver is attached.

At less than $30 with rebate on Amazon, this adds up to a great value purchase, too. The only problem is that both my daughters and my wife each want one now.

My second wireless optical moue after Logitech 931152-0403 Cordless Optical Mouse. Much better than the Logitech mouse as it lighter and “soft”buttons.

Highly recommended for laptops. Even though it has a “connect” button, never had to use it. Just plug and play installation. No need to download/install drivers. Used it with Win 2000 and Win XP.

Pros ::

* Solid responsive mouse

* Soft buttons

* Cordless so no tangled wires around you

* Optical so can be used on ( just about ) any surface

* Small USB receiver

* * Used it, without any issues, with my wireless internet connection

* Easy to replace batteries

* Single AA battery

Cons ::

* Might be small for a person with large hands &/or long fingers

* NO carrying case. Even though the adapter fits *in* the mouse. It could help to have a carrying case as well.

* Not aware of any way to program the “buttons” ( for “left handed” persons )

I’ve tried three or four wireless mice and have never found one that I like at all – they’ve either been floaty and unresponsive, or included ridiculously bulky wireless base stations that completely defeat the purpose of having a wireless mouse at all.

This little Microsoft mouse solves these problems very well – it has razor-precise responses and communicates with the computer through a relatively small USB stub. The mouse itself is small, but not by any means uncomfortable. The USB stub snaps into the back of the mouse when it’s not in use, which is a great idea and makes it truly portable (about the size of a small digital camera).

The only problem is that the mouse doesn’t have an on/off button on it, which makes me worry about battery life. The mouse does switch off whe the stub is snapped in (it has a tiny pressure switch like you’d find on a telephone), but there’s no way to turn it off when you leave your desk is you don’t unplug the USB connector. Maybe this doesn’t actually effect the battery life very much (I’ve only had it for a few days), but I would have appreciated a manual on/off (and, as another reviewer already said, a carrying case).

All in all, though, this is a great wireless mouse for portable or stationary applications. Microsoft may have its problems as a corporation, but nearly every Microsoft mouse I’ve purchased has been great, like this one.

EDIT, March 2005 – I complained about the lack of an on/off switch, but this mouse has lasted for MONTHS on the initial battery. It seems to go to sleep when you’re not using it, so there’s no need to worry about switching it off to conserve battery. Truly an excellent mouse, I would give it five stars had I known this initially.

One of the only downfalls of Macs, in my opinion, is that they only come with one-button mice. However, contrary to popular belief Macs DO support right-click, a very handy tool, I’m sure we all agree. All you need is a two button mouse that hooks up through USB and there you are.

This mouse is especially great because of its portability. Obviously, being wireless helps in that regard, but the really neat thing about it is its snap-in reciever, which is about the size of a nail clipper, used to hook it up to the computer. This means that you don’t have to fool around with a giant reciever when carrying your laptop around. In fact, there’s not even any need to take it out. It doesn’t add any extra weight.

The quality of the mouse is top of the line. It’s small, and feels very comfortable in your hand. It even has grooves in it for your fingers!! I’ve never had any problems with freezing, loss of signal, etc., and the battery life seems very good.

I highly reccomend this mouse for MacBook users like myself.

I purchased this mouse about a year ago because I travel a lot. I am very happy with it for many reasons.

1. Only requires 1 battery

2. Switches off when not in use and receiver is inserted

3. USB receiver fits into the mouse so you don’t have to carry two pieces

4. It’s small but not too small (and optical and wireless of course).

Improvements I’d like in the future but aren’t needed.

1. The battery cover and release button seem a bit weak, but I never had a problem with it though so I’d say it’s negligible.

2. Would love a 4th back button!

Complaints

1. The USB receiver is a bit flimsy. It was designed to pivot in case you need better reception, but I always thought it looked like a weak point. After 1 year, I have found that to be true. The receiver now has a weak connection due to the swivel point and if I bump it, the light flickers due to the bad connection and the mouse stops responding. I have to unplug it and put it back in to fix it.

I do realize that I don’t treat my electronics as nicely as I should and I have to pack up the mouse every day and travel on planes every week, but I’m still dissappointed that it’s starting to fail after just a year. However, considering my situation and treatment in mind and the fact that I otherwise love the mouse, I still give it 4 stars.