While waiting for my TR5 to arrive, I’m checking out the internet for great accessories. I don’t like to use a touchpad and will thus definitely buy a (wireless) mouse. I came across Microsoft’s and Logitech’s bluetooth mice - has anyone tried such a solution yet? Is it a reliable, fast and accurate mouse? Any differences compared to an ordinary model? As far as I understand using a bluetooth mouse would leave my USB port free.

People are using both kinds on this forum…do a quick search, i’m sure the posts will come up.

Enjoy your TR.

Erik

Yes, I did search - but I didn’t find the answers so clear. Some people always complain when a new topic is started if the matter has been discussed in an earlier thread. I personally think a much better way is not to comment at all if the only thing you have to say is : do a search.

Maybe new people have joined since the latest bluetooth discussions and maybe the old ones have some new ideas on the topic. I’d like to hear them. If noone has anything to say - I can live with that too.

I have been using the Bluetake BT mouse and I have been very happy with it.  It works very smoothly and I like not having to use the touchpad.  It is small (an advantage for me on the road) and some people have complained that it is too small.  It is also kind of ugly.  If you wanted a larger mouse, and packing it is not a problem, I would probably look at either the Logitech or MS Bluetooth mice.  I am sold on the advantages of BT mice (I would prefer a BT trackball, but there aren’t any available yet).

[quote author=“TRgirl”]Yes, I did search - but I didn’t find the answers so clear. Some people always complain when a new topic is started if the matter has been discussed in an earlier thread. I personally think a much better way is not to comment at all if the only thing you have to say is : do a search.

Maybe new people have joined since the latest bluetooth discussions and maybe the old ones have some new ideas on the topic. I’d like to hear them. If noone has anything to say - I can live with that too.

I use the Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks.  It is not Bluetooth.  I think it is some kind of RFID.  There is a little piece that goes in the USB port, and then you use the mouse part to the side or anywhere you want within a few feet.  I am pleased with it and would buy it again.  The only downside I’ve seen is that if you unplug the USB piece while in standby and then turn the computer back on, you get one of those “Send error report to microsoft” screens—i.e. it doesn’t like that. 

Good luck with your decision.

im currently using the apple bt keyboard and the microsoft bt mouse and they work great with the tr. however sometimes it takes a while for the keyboard and mouse to wake up when you first boot your computer. also the battery life on the bt mouse is crazy. each set of batteries probably last me 2 - 3 weeks of constant use(7-8hrs each day).

Well, I was confirming that there were other users of both mice (since you asked) and directed you to search since there were other threads like this. If you had searched before you would have known there were other users with both mice.

That being said, I also wished you luck with your TR…it’s not in my nature to simply reply ‘Do a search’ as you put it…

Erik

Nice politically correct answer, tifo. :D

I’m looking to go internal BT myself.  TRgirl, I’m sure you have seen the BT upgrade thread.  It is the largest thread by far on this forum.  I believe there is some dialogue there.

Thanks…I try.  8)

Erik

I bought an open box Microsoft BT mouse at Fry’s, then promptly returned it the next day.  While I was willing to put up with the huge dongle (I’d eventually get the internal TR module), the response rate was subpar IMO.  Not only was it slower than I was used to with PS/2 and the corded travel optical mouse I have, I could have sworn there were times when the damn thing missed a movement or two.  Also, it doesn’t have an on/off switch, so I can kinda see why people were complaining about its battery life.

In its place I bought an MX500.  The Logitech mouse is superb!  Bundle up the excess cable with a velcro strap and you’re good for some light travelling.  My only complaint is that the Logitech software (required to make use of the extra mouse buttons) won’t coexist with the Alps drivers, so you lose the ability to tap (although the default Windows drivers work just fine!).

I actually had a tough time deciding between the Intellimouse Explorer 4.0 (similar in shape to the BT mouse) and the MX500 because I definitely liked the way you could grasp the mouse and lift it with your thumb+ring finger, while the MX500 would bias towads thumb+pinky.  In the end, Logitech was cheaper, so I went for that.

FWIW, mouse rate checker is a great little utility for “benchmarking” mice.  The MS mouse maxes at around 85-90Hz, with frequent spikes at 1000Hz (what???), while the Logitech is a steady 124-125Hz.