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June 1 2007
Targus Laser Wireless Desktop Mouse (AMW14US) I have been looking for a new mouse so, when the offer came to review this one, I jumped at it. The Targus Laser Wireless Desktop Mouse comes in a nice open view box that, along with the mouse, contains The USB wireless receiver, USB charge cable, a USB extension port, 2 AA batteries, and a user’s guide. The list price is $49.99 but you can find it for under $40.00.
I am used to the soap bar sized mouse that came with my computers in the past so I find this, and others of the new generation of mouse products to be LARGE. One reason is all the buttons for special features that are included. The Targus Laser mouse has 8 buttons, is shaped like a humpback whale, and carries 2 rechargeable AA batteries in its belly. The batteries are easy to install. An eight hour charge period is needed before you use the mouse. I used the USB charger cable connected directly to my Desktop PC overnight to complete the charge. Charging the mouse can also be accomplished by connecting the included charge port to a USB port on a computer and, using the other USB cable, connect the port and the mouse. The mouse can be charged while being used in this fashion but that tends to limit your freedom. It is a help if you have work to do and find the mouse batteries have died. It also is good if your computer is on the floor as the charger port doubles a USB port connector so you get a good signal to the mouse on your desk. Keep in mind that charging will not continue when your computer goes into sleep mode. It is be best to turn off the power management function to allow continuous charging. If that doesn’t work for you I suggest buying several extra sets of batteries Note: Targus warns you to use only heavy duty NiMH batteries
The Right and Left mouse buttons are flush with and cover most of the top of the unit and are easy to get used to. The white wheel button on the top of the mouse functions as a scroll button and the middle mouse button much the same as your basic mouse. There are small silver buttons on the left side of the unit that perform internet page forward and page back when pressed while the other one allows you to move from one open program to another. The extra buttons require Windows 2000 or XP to function. Although it is not stated in the manual the Targus website indicates the mouse is Visa ready.
Using the mouse I connected the wireless receiver to a USB port and the computer found the mouse immediately. I started moving the mouse around on the mouse pad and the pointer skipped around the 17 inch screen like it was crazy. I had to go into control panel and change my usual movement setting to a much slower one. After that the mouse performed perfectly.
All the buttons worked as advertised. I have XP on this computer so was able to test all functions. The mouse does go into sleep mode when not in use to conserve battery power. You need to click the left, right, or scroll buttons to wake it up. It is possible to use this mouse with a notebook. I tested it on my ThinkPad review unit and it worked perfectly. It connects in the same manner as described above. If you have a touch pad on your Notebook you may have to make a few changes to tell the notebook you are using the Laser mouse instead of the built in pad. If you only use your notebook on the road this mouse may be too large for you to carry around or use in an airplane seat. After your system recognizes the mouse you need to synchronize the mouse and the receiver by pressing a button on each of them. The manual explains this process. Remember not to point the laser light at anyone. This light is not visible as it is with other laser products so be careful. This mouse works on almost any flat surface. That is a major plus.
One problem is the size of the mouse. I could overcome that with time and usage. My tiny wife did say her little hand would not fit around the mouse so she will not use it. It would also be nice if you could assign different functions to some of the 5 added buttons. Like open Word, send a letter to the fax, or open Outlook Express. Overall the Targus Laser Wireless Desktop Mouse is a delight to work with. I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a mouse that is free of a connecting cable. For more details on this and other Targus Products Click Here
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