I needed to get a new mouse or desktop set (keyboard and mouse) because the Microsoft Wireless Intellimouse Explorer 2.0 was working erratically — I had to work hard to use the buttons. I tried upgrading the software, putting in fresh batteries, and pushing the connect buttons. Nothing worked. Time for a new mouse.
First, I tried just replacing the mouse with Microsoft Comfort 3000. Ha. It was not more comfortable than the Intellimouse and my arm immediately became numb. So back to the store.
Next, I tried the corded Intellimouse. The cord drove me crazy and I couldn’t get it situated where it didn’t feel like it tugged whenever I moved it. I guess I’m sensitive to the slightest movement or change in how something feels.
Finally, I decided to chuck the whole thing and get the Logitech LX 700 keyboard and mouse set after reading up on different ones. The mouse doesn’t work for me — it feels backwards compared to the Intellimouse.
But the keyboard has nice features not on the Microsoft keyboard. The keys have a nice feel when tapping on them. On the left are three buttons: close window, enter, and switch programs. I immediately liked those. Above these is a sort of a mini-trackball with two buttons except it rolls up and down instead of all around. It also clicks sideways. This is not a substitute for the mouse as I couldn’t get around with it while the mouse was charging.
The mouse comes with rechargeable batteries and its own charger, which is also the home base for the wireless. At first, I thought it would not work well because every time it needs to be charged, I’d have to stop using the mouse while it charges. But it doesn’t take long to charge and it’s better than trashing batteries or constantly switching out rechargeables.
The Logitech, like Microsoft, has programmable buttons. Except, when I program a button to open a folder, it opens it in the view I don’t like (shown on the left). I prefer the Folders view (shown on the right). It’s another click to get to that view.
I also don’t like the messages when I click on a programmable button. It’s like seeing old DOS messages (“downloads” below is an example). When I first loaded the Logitech (prior to installing the software) and changed the volume, it had a more modern look. That disappeared as soon as I installed and upgraded the software. So I turned off the on screen messages.
Microsoft’s keyboard has a nice, smooth feel on its hand rest while Logitech’s is plastic. Microsoft’s mouse also had the same smooth feel with just enough friction so your thumb didn’t slip. Logitech has a smooth plastic feel, but better than the Microsoft Comfort 3000, which was slippery as heck.
I liked Microsoft’s scrolling buttons better as they were smooth like oil while Logitech’s and others clicked.
I got my first low-battery warning and the battery icon flashed in the system tray. The mouse went home for the night so its batteries get recharged. The next day, it was charged. But how am I supposed to know that? When it goes on the charger, the light immediately turns green and stays green. To make matters worse, the flashing system tray warning continued to flash even though the software indicated the batteries were fully charged.
Microsoft’s desktop set didn’t last anywhere as long as Logitech’s as I had a wireless Logitech set prior to the Microsoft. It was one of the earlier wireless desktop sets and yet, it lasted longer than the newer one.
I tried searching Logitech’s support forums about the screen message and the open folders annoyances, but nothing there. I haven’t decided if I want to stick it out with the Logitech and see if my arm gets used to the mouse or order a replacement mouse and put comfort first.
I submitted the rebate so that means I’m keeping the Logitech set since my hand finally got more comfortable with the mouse.
I bought a Logitech Wireless Mouse over a year
ago because I thought a wireless mouse would work
great. Not that mouse. After a couple of weeks I
got very agitated with it mainly because even tho
I had set it up to double click when I pressed the
scroll button that function never worked.
So into the trash it went. I then bought a Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouise 2.0. I like it
much better, but the double click feature is only
a sometime workable thing. I think what I listed
is my URL. But CoolMon tells me that is my IP Address.
Hey Meryl – I’ve been using this Logitech Cordless Trackball for about 4 years.
My only concern is they are going to discontinue making it as it is the most comfortable one I have used – the ergonomics are fantastic. The single “user configurable” button is limiting but it always seems to work.
It took me a bit of time to get use to a trackball and I know I am a bit slower manipulating it compared with a mouse. To compensate I use more keystroke combos. The main plus…no more arm pain. To me the few seconds I gained with the mouse weren’t worth it – then again I’m an old fart so this seems a reasonable swap.
~matt
Meryl,
I also use a trackball for the comfort. I have found it doesn’t take all that long to get used to. My wife does not care for it very much, but I find the convience of not having to move the mouse all over my desk (at times) outweighs any extra time it takes to figure out.
When my right hand first began to go numb I moved my mouse to the left side. Not every mouse works left handed, but you only need one that does. (corded Intellimouse) Bought a Wacom tablet for graphic editing and I find I can navagate all day with my cranky right hand (so do others of various arthritis forums!)
Clyde, I loved the Microsoft Desktop, but it just quit working less than a year after I bought it. I had a nice rebate on the Logitech, so it was a good buy. We’ll see how it works out. I might go ahead and order a replacement mouse for the Microsoft.
Oh, the Logitech had me press specific keys and buttons to ensure that it doesn’t get interfered with other wireless products. Maybe it’ll work better. That’s a feature all wireless keyboards/mice should come with now.
Matt and Richard, I actually tried out the trackball while at the store… I was tempted, but decided that I couldn’t spend the asking price right now. Maybe next time.
Thomas, I’m a lefty. I tried, but I just couldn’t get used to mousing with my left-hand. Besides, my desk has a special place for the mouse on the right.
Why bother with the hassle (batteries, signal) of a cordless anything? My wife and I have used corded Logitech trackballs “forever”. You can’t beat the ergonomics and comfort and since it doesn’t “move”, little real estate is needed and the cord is a non-issue. But the response is guaranteed and so is the comfort. My arm doesn’t move, even my wrist doesn’t. Only my thumb and a couple of fingers. We can go for hours and hours and never feel the slightest strain.
I hate mice and could never understand how they ever became popular.
To each his own.
Paul
I agree with the other Paul. I have used a Logitech Marble Trackball for about 7 years now and will NEVER go back to a regular mouse. I can use the trackball for hours on end because I only move my thumb and two fingers. No more wrist and battery problems. Try it, you will like it. Forget Micrsoft trackballs, they don’t last.