 The Logitech VX Nano - *Almost* Perfect Laptop Mouse; Best For Those With Small Hands |
| Review Date: October 12, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Mark, East Coast |
The Logitech VX Nano Laser Mouse is a very good product that fills a big need for mice: a powerful and convenient wireless mouse for mobile use. You can use this mouse for your desktop, but it's really ideal for your laptop on the go. Sure you can take any mouse with your laptop, but the short receiver, small size and included travel case make this mouse extra portable.
Over the past year of using this mouse, I have come to further appreciate its good features as well as become more aware of its short-comings. This is still one of the better laptop mice you can get, but the size means it will be more ideal for women and smaller children than for men. After using it for hours at a time, I have found that even though I have small hands for a man it's just not as comfortable as some of the larger models.
PROS:
+ The tiny receiver works great! Leave it in your USB port or store it in your mouse!
+ Great optical mouse lets you use it anywhere; no mouse-pads!
+ The side grips have a nice dimpled texture for moving your mouse in comfort
+ The included buttons (L-click, R-click, forward, back, slow) are just enough for most users
+ The buttons can be reprogrammed, though only the *slow* button behind the scroll is worth possibly changing
+ The LED light on top alerts you to a weak battery and when turned on or off
+ The premium scroll wheel switches from normal to turbo with a quick press; can be used to "click" or "hyper-scroll" for normal to superfast scrolling
+ Nice convenient storage compartment for USB receiver inside the mouse
+ Convenient On / Off button for conserving battery power when not in use
+ The AAA batteries are convenient and will last a few months between replacements
+ Great comfort for those with small hands, like women and teens
+ The mouse works for right and left handers; lefties need to click the forward / back buttons with their ring finger or pinkie
CONS:
- The size of the mouse will be too small for extended use by those with medium sized or larger hands, including most men; might be OK for short stints, but over time it becomes tiresome
- The forward / back buttons are placed in a strange location on the top but still off to the side; this actually is more comfortable with the left hand than the right hand
- Logitech's Setpoint software is often the source of complaints, though it has improved with updates over the past year
- The lack of extra function keys limits this mouse from power users
- The list price is in the ball-park, but not a great value
INSTALLATION AND SET UP
This mouse generally works upon plugging it in. The software that comes with it allows you to customize the buttons, but for this mouse I didn't have a need to do that. Only the center button behind the scroll wheel is worth customizing. By default it's set to *slow scroll* mode where you move your mouse to control the direction and speed of scrolling. The rest of the buttons are standard and probably don't need to be changed.
FEATURES
This mouse is sleek and fits nicely in your hand. It's got all the standard buttons, and the scroll button is head over heels above all others. The extra *forward* and *back* buttons are now basically standard requirements.
The VX Nano uses 2 AAA batteries, which means no you can use regular or rechargeable batteries and can replace them when they fail. I burned through my first set after about 3 months of usage. I have found since then that I sometimes need to change batteries every month. Sometimes I can get about 2 months out of a set with light usage.
Even when your batteries are dying, you can squeeze out some more time by switching the batteries or turning the mouse off and on again. Turn it off when it's not in use to preserve power. The power button is on the underside of the unit. The mouse also comes equipped with a slot to store the USB plug on the bottom.
In fact, the best feature of this mouse is that USB plug, which is almost flush with the back of my computer when plugged in. Most other wireless mice have plugs that stick out 1-2 inches. This receiver only sticks out about a quarter of an inch. This is the first wireless mouse plug I don't have to worry about forgetting in my laptop. I just toggle it on and off on the bottom and go!
Unfortunately, the forward / backward side keys are in a weird spot, particularly when using this right-handed. You have to move your pointer finger over in such a way as to be uncomfortable. Left-handers can click the forward / back buttons with their ring finger or pinkie, which is much more comfortable. You can even use your middle finger if you are *left-clicking* with it, which is the same as *right-clicking* with your right hand. So if you are ambidextrous, it's better to use this left-handed.
I found the placement of those buttons to be less than ideal when using either hand. They are so small that it's difficult to find them, and after not using them much it's easy to forget they are even there when you need them. They do work a little better left-handed, but in general I wish they were bigger and not so far off to the side.
CONCLUSION
This is a very good mouse that is great for mobile computing. The discrete USB plug makes it convenient for laptop users on the go. The small size means that over time those with medium or large sized hands will want to step up to a larger version. Some may decide that the nano-receiver is not worth the smaller mouse and choose the Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse or the Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse instead. Logitech has been adding to their lineup of mice that use the smaller mini USB receiver. That includes the Logitech V450 Nano Cordless Mouse- Black and the Logitech V550 Cordless Laser Mouse, among others. So unlike at the time I got the VX Nano, you do have other options.
Enjoy!
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Not enough superlatives! (One problem with a MacBook)
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| Review Date: September 23, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Debbie Lee Wesselmann, the Lehigh Valley, PA |
If you've ever had to replace your computer mouse, then you know that Logitech covers a wide range of the market, from wireless to corded, from tiny to ergonomic, from no-frills to bells-and-whistles. The VX Nano Cordless was designed specifically for use with laptops, although it can be used on desktops.
The "Nano" refers not to the size of the mouse (it is *not* one of those ultra-portable mini mice) but of the wireless USB transmitter. When plugged in, the transmitter extends a mere 1/4 inch; you can leave it attached, slip your notebook into your case, and carry it away without worrying about snapping it off. If you choose not to leave it attached, the mouse itself has a storage compartment underneath that locks in place so you don't lose it. The mouse itself is 3 3/4 inches long, with contoured, rubberized sides for a comfortable grip. The mouse might prove to be too small for large hands, although most people won't want anything larger for their laptops. It beats the mini mouse I have and rarely use.
The tracking sensitivity of the mouse is excellent, and the scrolling feature is lightning quick. Although you can plug in the Nano and start using it right out of the box, you need to download the installation software to take advantage of the more advanced features such as internet search (really cool!) and browser back/forward at a touch. (Mac users have to download the appropriate installation software at the Logitech site, while Windows users can use the enclosed CD.)
The VX Nano comes with two AAA batteries, a soft case, a Windows installation CD, and an adapter for desktop use. The adapter is primarily for computers that do not have a USB connector at desk level; it consists of a USB connector at the end of a cord, with a port for the transmitter. The port is lightweight and can be easily skewed by accident, but its flat bottom keeps it from tipping over. I have an older Mac desktop, with a low-speed USB port on the keyboard, and I was able to plug the transmitter directly into the keyboard to use the mouse.
This device works as well on my MacBook as it does on a Windows laptop. Going online to download the Mac driver doesn't take any longer than it does to slip a CD into the drive and install from there. The only flaw I discovered occurred when I opened the back of the mouse while the transmitter was still plugged into my laptop's USB port, which turned off the mouse power; my laptop displayed a message that it needed to be rebooted, and the screen was completely frozen, disabling the normal restart/shut down menus. I learned quickly that I had to remove the transmitter *before* opening the storage/battery door.
I own two other Logitech mice, but this is by far my favorite. However, no-nonsense laptop users who plan to navigate documents only might find this mouse too pricey. I, however, have already packed mine in my laptop case, where it will travel from home to work and back again. |
Best mouse I've ever owned
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| Review Date: August 12, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Zachary M. Beggs, Texas |
After being disappointed several times by Bluetooth models, I decided to give this one a try. Strangely enough, the primary reason I selected this mouse was because of the tiny receiver; I chafed at the thought of having a monstrously large piece of cheap plastic sticking out of my MacBook. Shallow, I know, but at least I admit it. Overall, that aesthetic quirk of mine ended up being my most beneficial flaw, as the VX Nano is the most incredibly reliable, accurate, and practical mouse I've ever owned.
The box contains the mouse, a carrying case, the receiver, batteries, and Windows software. As noted in previous reviews, Mac users such as myself have to journey to the Logitech website to download software for the mouse -- though it's hardly required, as it will work as soon as you plug in the receiver.
Since I'm in print/graphic design, I was particularly worried about its tracking abilities. My fears were groundless, as this mouse is about as accurate as they come. It offers pinpoint control, so working on those fine details in photos or layouts is a breeze. The mouse clicks with a good feel and sound, and the medium size offers more control than the diminutive Bluetooth models on the market; additionally, you won't feel as though you're moving a paperweight around the desk, grunting all the while.
One feature that really blew me away, however, was the hyper-fast or free-spin mode of the scroll wheel. At first, I considered this a novelty, but quickly grew to believe it to be one of the mouse's best features. This is particularly true when I find myself working on a large document. The free-spin allows me to zoom through pages in record time. If you work on large layouts or documents, or if you have the patience of a two-year-old doing the potty dance (both apply to me), you'll love this feature.
Battery life is incredible, and that's a great bonus. Indeed, I had given up wireless peripherals in the past because they seemed to use enough juice to power Ohio. The VX Nano, however, is a sipper; in seven months of very heavy use, I've changed the batteries once. The receiver fits snugly in any USB port, and I've never even bothered to take it out when transporting my laptop. The back/forward page features are convenient, though I have found they don't always work.
Indeed, all the mouse's features are not available to Mac users such as myself. This hasn't concerned me, as most are things I would likely never use. So, when I consider all the other factors, I have to give the mouse the highest possible rating; Mac users need not fear this product at all.
One caveat: the mouse will wake up your Mac from sleep mode. I can thank my cat for discovering this. If the mouse is placed where it's likely it will be bumped, you might consider turning it off before putting your Mac to sleep. Or, you might just consider putting up baby gates to protect it from felines. Your choice. |
A joy to use
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| Review Date: July 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: C. Greenwood, |
I really like the free wheeling mode of the wheel - with it I can really zip up and down long pages.
And the button right below it, the window list button, is a big time saver, too. Since my netbook has such a small screen I like to have my windows maximized, which means there is no edge of a window to click on when I want to switch apps. This button calls up the running apps list, with the most recently used one right under the cursor - nice.
The size is smaller than the average desktop mouse, which obviously makes it easier to pack in my accessories pouch, yet I don't notice it being small when I'm using it.
The USB receiver is very small, and some people have suggested that it be left plugged into your laptop, even when not in use. While you could do that, I prefer to remove it and keep it in its storage place inside the mouse, since I fear it could still get bumped while carrying my computer in my bag and get damaged, or damage my computer's USB port.
It is a bit pricey, but for something that enhances my netbook productivity so much I find it worth the higher cost. |
Despite it's size, the VX Nano is the best mouse you've ever used
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| Review Date: April 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: kyle erha, fall river, ma |
i first came across the nano when helping my sister pick out a new mouse for her laptop. my girlfriend's mom had the revolution which i thought was a pretty decent mouse at the time, but the nano had just come out and seemed to be a small little upgrade from the revolution so my sister went w/ the nano.
my first impressions were not the greatest. the mouse is small. that's just about anyone's first thought when seeing and touching it, and it's hard to see anything other than that at first. i use a logitech mx 1000 on my computer, which is by all accounts a huge mouse. but it's comfy and roomy, and my favorite mouse to date. but shortly thereafter, my girlfriend got a nano for her laptop, so i was forced into using it fairly regularly. w/in weeks i found it almost impossible to use my mx 1000.
the nano is lightening quick and more responsive than any other mouse i've ever used. even cranking up the sensitivity/pointer speed on the mx 1000 leaves it feeling sluggish.
the size of the nano quickly became a non issue. once you use it a few times, your hand adjusts to the size. my hands aren't freak show huge, but they are on the larger side of things(the only reference i can think of is that i can palm a basketball) and the nano fits just fine in my hands.
out of the box the buttons aren't configured the best (having the middle button change programs, and NOT act as a middle button), but they are all fully configurable. once set up properly the mouse really shines. having the middle button as an actual button, and not a wheel click, is a luxury i didn't know i wanted until i had it. again, going back to my mx 1000 is a clumsy affair.
the scroll wheel, in either mode, outshines all others i've used as well. the frictionless is a great mode when you want to jump to the top or bottom of a document/web page quickly. it's a huge leap from the old up/down scroll buttons.
the receiver is almost comically small. it's ron popeil "set it and forget it" small. in either a laptop of a desktop it's just nice to have a receiver plugged into your usb port that you don't have to worry about getting caught on.
the one negative i could find in the nano is that it doesn't have rechargeable batteries in it. but as a "portable" mouse i can understand that there is no rechargeable base to be found. toss in two aaa rechargeable batteries of your own and you're all set. or use regular batteries, it doesn't really matter, because the battery life in this mouse is ridiculous. like six months of 10+ hours a day of use ridiculous. the logitech software will keep track, in days, of the remaining battery life, and i've found it underestimates as well. i've gotten down to three days of life and stayed at three days for... three days. this may be the most energy efficient piece of technology i've ever used.
all in all, as weird as it is to gush over a mouse, this mouse is worth gushing over. it's ideal for laptops or desktops and outclasses everything else available. unless you've got shaq sized hands, i cannot see anyone being anything less than happy w/ this mouse. i wouldn't recommend any other. great work logitech. |
Slick little guy
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| Review Date: October 26, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Alastair L. Drong, Bloomington, IL USA |
I've never really been sold on wireless mice. For laptops, the receivers were always too large and threatened to break off or damage your USB port and they just didn't make sense to have on a desktop. After all, why should I need a wireless mouse when the cord is never in my way? This little guy, however, changed that. The receiver is so small that I don't have to worry about breaking it and now that I've used a wireless mouse, I see just how much more maneuverable it really is.
One person stated in a two-star review that the mouse doesn't turn itself off when you stow the receiver in the mouse. This isn't true. The mouse does turn itself on and off automatically when you take out or insert the receiver respectively. The key thing with this mouse, however, is that the receiver is small enough that you might forget that it's still plugged in when you stow your laptop away or walk away from your desktop for a long duration, so you'll need to remember to turn it off periodically. The mouse does come with a nice case (I'm not sure I really needed to pay for that invisible zipper) in which I'll be sticking a note card that says, "mouse off?" to remind me to check.
This is, by far and away, the most comfortable ambidextrous mouse I've ever owned. The most comfortable mouse I've ever held is the MX Revolution, but If you're a lefty, this is a great option for you. However, anyone considering this mouse needs to try it before you buy as this mouse is not meant for people with large (possibly even just average) sized hands. I'm sure this is on purpose and part of Logitech's definition of portable, but I've rather small hands for a guy and I defiantly wouldn't want this mouse to be any smaller.
One thing I always take into consideration when opening a gadget for the first time is the packaging (read: I hate blister packs that have to be cut open and ripped apart which subsequently decide to return the favor by cutting and ripping open a nice wound on your hand), and I have to say that Logitech really did it right. Everything folds open, slips or pops out without too much effort.
The 'center click' is where I wish I could give this mouse 4.5 stars instead of 4 or 5. On a traditional mouse, you get a center click button by pushing vertically down on the scroll wheel. On this mouse, however, pushing down on the scroll wheel toggles your scrolling style between a fast scroll (think: holding the front of a bike in the air and giving the front wheel a spin) and traditional 'click' scrolling. This feature is great; it's wonderful to be able to zoom from the top to the bottom of the page with a single stroke and not need to reach for the keyboard. However, the center click button is the one in the middle of the mouse with the magnifying glass icon on it. Mozilla and Firefox users will agree that this is a poor position for regular use and probably would be better located in front of the scroll wheel instead of behind. Despite this, the button is still rather accessible to your index finger.
Quick note to Mac users: There's one tiny note on part of the packaging saying that you need to get the Mac software from the Logitech website for the mouse to work. Don't know if this is 100% true or not, but seeing as Logitech doesn't advertise this fact especially well, I thought I'd mention it here. |
Very nice wireless mouse
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| Review Date: December 27, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Richard Archer, Maui, HI |
| I'm using on a Intel MacBook and it works beautifully. The USB receiver is tiny and can be left connected during transportation. The mouse and scroll wheel have a nice "solid" feel. I programmed the 2 left buttons to enlarge and decrease the display (a nice feature for older eyes). I have come to appreciate the quality of Logitech products (I use several). |
Logitech Offers BIG Things From This Small Device
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| Review Date: March 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: M. Pickering, MI, USA |
Logitech has long been an industry leader in wireless computer keyboards and mice (among other things). I have tested most of their desktop and laptop wireless mice over the years and have usually been quite impressed with the majority of them. A notebook/laptop mouse, also referred to as a travel mouse, is smaller (usually 1/3 to ½ smaller in size) than a standard desktop computer mouse. They usually come in three flavors; corded, USB cordless, and Bluetooth cordless. Current USB cordless travel mice usually use a radio frequency of 2.4 GHz, and require the installation of a dongle in one of your open laptop USB ports. Although this is a fairly straight forward process it creates a potential hazard, as you have this rectangular dongle (roughly 1 ¾ inches) jutting out of the back or side of your laptop computer, making it easy to damage the dongle or your USB port if not careful. Due to the protruding dongle, you must remove the device and store it away (usually stores inside the mouse itself) between uses. Well Logitech understands this inconvenience and has answered with the VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse.
The VX Nano is a brilliant combination of style and function. The biggest (or I guess you could say "smallest") advantage of this new model is the unique USB micro-dongle, which gives true meaning to the word "Nano" used in the model name. This new USB dongle measures only ¼"-H x ½"-W x ¾"-D; about the size of a nickel. Once inserted into a USB port the dongle sticks out only ¼ of an inch. Compared to the typical dongle, which sticks out one and three quarter inches, this new micro-dongle looks like a tiny bump. No more worries about snapping off the dongle or damaging a USB port when moving your laptop around. In fact, this new micro-dongle is so small that you can simply leave it installed in the USB port when you put your laptop back in its carrying case. There is absolutely no need to remove the dongle whatsoever. If desired the dongle can be snapped into the underside of the mouse, behind the battery compartment door. I find this new, remarkable design simply amazing.
While the VX Nano's dongle may be small, this cordless mouse is BIG on features! Just look at all of the great things packed into this little device:
- Hyper-Fast Scrolling: Weighted and nearly frictionless scroll wheel allows you to scroll through long documents and web pages in a flash!
- Forward/Backward Buttons: Allows easy navigation of the Internet at the push of a button.
- Five Programmable Buttons: Allows full customization of the mouse's controls via the included SetPoint software.
- Laser Precision: Outperforms ordinary optical mice, allowing smoother cursor control on virtually any surface.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 6 months of use on two AAA batteries.
- Ultra-Portable & Attractive Mouse Design: Slim & Sleek, which slips easily into any laptop bag.
- Storable Receiver: Easily store the nano-receiver inside the mouse when you need to free up a USB port.
- Works with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS-X (10.3.9 or later)
The VX Nano cordless laser mouse is very stylish and fun to use. The weighted scroll wheel can be switched between free-spin and detent mode. This allows the user to spin the scroll wheel and zip through long documents, spreadsheets and web pages, or to gradually roll with a more conventional, controlled movement. To switch the scroll wheel mode you simply push down on the wheel, which provides a solid "click" tactile feedback. The included SetPoint software installs effortlessly. Once installed you can adjust the sensitivity of the mouse's movements and scrolling speed, customize the 5 programmable mouse buttons, and view the current level of the mouse's batteries.
The mouse measures 4 inches long, 2.4 inches wide, and just over an inch thick; roughly the size of a bar of soap. It has a slim profile, which makes it sit fairly low, with a slight forward tilt (from palm side to the front buttons). It fits very well in an average sized adult hand, but may be a little awkward for those with very large hands. Lefties will be happy to know that the design of this mouse is shaped for both left and right-handed users. The 800 dpi resolution of this model is typical of a standard-use mouse. The VX Nano also comes with a handy neoprene padded case, which provides a safe home for the mouse when not being used.
Overall I am extremely pleased with the Logitech VX Nano cordless laser mouse. It fits my average sized man-hands very comfortably and has all of the features that I desire in a portable travel mouse. The real clincher for me is that micro-sized USB dongle, which I leave in my laptop at all times. My only real complaint about this mouse is the price. I paid $59.99 for mine, from a local retailer, but it can be had for a little less from several on-line merchants. You can surely find much less expensive mice on the market but I think you will find your investment in the Logitech VX Nano to be money well spent. It is definitely the best portable travel mouse that I have ever used and I highly recommend it. =o)
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Satisfied
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| Review Date: March 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: KamiKazeKenji, Above the Clouds |
| When my old cordless mouse broke I was surprised when I got this - the receiver is SOOO small! I mean it's expected of technology from me but my old one.. the receiver is bigger than the mouse itself! A pain in the arse it was. And it drained batteries so fast.. I've been using this for two months now and the battery that came with it is still goin strong! just one thing I should warn customers though: The mouse is very sleek and small.. people with bigger hands may find that uncomfortable.. it wasn't a problem for me though. It just took some getting used to. Overall I'm very satisfied with this mouse. |
Actually works well with Mac
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| Review Date: August 25, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ronald Epstein, NJ |
Having just bought the Logitech MX Revolution mouse for my Mac
Pro, I was sort of sceptical about buying the VX Nano for my
Macbook Pro notebook.
I had some very negative issues about Mac support with the Logitech
MX. Many of the functions (including search and advanced scrolling)
would not work on the desktop.
I went ahead anyway and purchased the VX Nano for my Macbook Pro.
When it arrived, I was pleased to find that it was quite compact
and very comfortable in my hand. This didn't look anything like
the cheaply made notebook mice I had used in the past.
Though the box does indicate that this mouse is Mac OS X compliant,
one would not know it by the software provided. As is always the
case with Logitech product, the CD that is provided in the package
only includes Windows drivers. Mac users (who Logitech doesn't like)
have to go through their website to find the Logitech Control Center
installation file.
The best part of this mouse is its tiny USB receiver. What has
been claimed by Logitech is actually true -- you plug it in your
USB port and forget about it. The USB hub becomes almost invisible
after installed. The mouse runs on two "AAA" batteries.
The mouse works wonderfully on my Macbook Pro. I was actually able
to go into the Logitech Control Center and assign it specific search
functions. I press a button and GOOGLE or YAHOO search comes up. I
can also program it if I wish to bring up FINDER.
I found the mouse to be very responsive on an ordinary tabletop
taking away the need to have a mouse pad. The scroll wheel works
extremely well. A simple roll of the wheel can get you from top
to bottom of page in seconds. Also a huge plus is the fact that
this mouse automatically powers itself off when not in use.
The only thing missing here is a travel pouch. For some reason I
had thought one would be included. Despite the fact there was none,
I was able to neatly pack the mouse in my laptop bag.
I have owned a wide array of Logitech products including their
top-of-the line keyboards, webcams and mice. None of them have
worked perfectly with Mac. Logitech is just not a mac-friendly
company. This is the very first product I have bought from them
that actually works perfectly under OS X.
I highly recommend the Logitech VX Nano for anyone that wishes
to ditch their trackpad for the comfort of a mouse. |
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