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APRIL 2, 2008
Lenovo ThinkPad Bluetooth Laser mouse What’s to love about a mouse? Read this and see.
I get to look at many different types and sizes of mouse products. Some are way too big for my hand. Others are so small I cannot use them for anything. Lenovo sent me their ThinkPad Bluetooth Laser Mouse for review and, like the bear in the story, I find it not too big and not to little but just right for notebook use.
The included instructions were in about 15 languages but the quick start instruction sheet provided 10 drawings with little red arrows that explained the steps well enough so that even non-readers should have no problems. If that is not enough I suggest you copy the manual from the CD to your computer prior to attempting the install. Just click on EXPLORE the CD instead of INSTALL.
The mouse opens like the hood of many cars so the 2 included batteries are loaded from the top rather then the bottom. There is a tilt wheel for horizontal and vertical (4-way) scrolling and the usual left and right buttons. The mouse can be set for left or right handed use. Also on the top is a light that turns on to indicate a search for a Bluetooth equipped computer when searching to make a connection. On the bottom side are the on/off switch, a reset button, the laser light, and the release button that allows you to open the battery housing. This is a very sturdy and well made product. It is kind of cute. It even feels good to the touch.
I fired up the Lenovo ThinkPad loaner and ran the install software from the included CD. It created a restore point (that always worries me) and all went well. I then turned on the mouse and received a message that it connected with the ThinkPad. There is also a manual connection option if the auto one does not work for your system. A small icon for changing the mouse properties was placed on the quick launch toolbar. It opened the Mouse Properties box for making changes in the default mouse settings. The ThinkPad TrackPoint and TouchPad on the ThinkPad can be disabled or enabled as well as tweaked from a tab called UltraNav within this set of controls. For this test I just left them on. The Mouse Properties module is very comprehensive. It also provides a low battery alarm as well as battery power remaining information that can be set for the use level you want to allow the batteries to reach before giving you an audible and/or a visual alarm. I like that as I am always forgetting to turn off battery operated products. This mouse also saves batteries by switching to a low poer mode during times of non-activity.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Bluetooth Laser mouse is a good addition to my Notebook traveling tools. It fits my hand well, is easy to connect to any Bluetooth equipped computer, and moves smoothly across the screen. Although its price point of $49.95 is slightly higher than comparable mouse products it is well worth the difference.
In the box One ThinkPad Bluetooth Laser Mouse Warranty book Laser Safety Manual One CD containing installation software and a User’s Guide Two AA batteries
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