T4x: Retractable Optical Mini Travel Mouse Options

[crashnburn]

Before the moderators flame me for posting in the T4x forum, I'll request that please consider the following. I am trying to gauge these from the VIEWPOINT of a T4x user. That size, that mindset, that usage.

I am going to be using this T42 through the following modes of usage:

1. While doing the extensive travel on the road
Travel to & usage in / at the following:

Client Sites
Client Meetings
Conference meetings
Coffeshops
Sandwich Shops/ Delis with WiFi (Panera Bread.. I like them just for that)
Airports
Airplanes

2. Sometimes in the office (few times)

3. Working from Home

In my bed with those pillows behind me and the big fat book / case logic cover with loads of CDs
On my Home Office Desk

Given the nature of the lifestyle & the work and using the T42 in all these places I'd like to figure out what works best for you people.

I have the following experiences:

- So far Ive extensively used a non-retractable pocket mouse

Pocket Mouse http://us.kensington.com/html/4399.html

Its the perfect shape & size for me from my usage so far. Very happy with it..

Except when I have to roll & wrap it up with the cables. I dont know if we get retractable power cables / adapators for the laptops but I would like to have a retractable cable for the mouse.

I am not super keen on the Wirelss mice due to the following hassles:
- Battery Usage. I like the rechargeables, but those are too large
- The RF/Wireless Dongles. I liked one small Bluetooth mouse and picked it up but still havent used it.

What would be the perfect amazing product...

Bluetooth Pocket Mouse with Rechargeable Batteries, that can also be used as a corded mouse with a Retractable (Optional: USB-to-MiniUSB) Cable that doubles up as its charging cable.

So, I went out and picked up a bunch of portable mice for evaluation.

Here are the following & my experiences of trying them out for a couple of minutes 2-10 mins each this evening.

1. PocketMouse™ Mini http://us.kensington.com/html/4397.html

It has the same shape but a smaller size than my mouse.
It has retractable that I like.

But I am missing that COZY palm/hand support from my previous mouse because its too small.. maybe smaller for my hand or MY habit / being used to the other one.

2. PocketMouse™ Pro http://us.kensington.com/html/5566.html

It has the retractable cable I like.

It looks nice and prospective but I did not see it in the store. Also from the site it looks like THE SHAPE is different. Also, its size/ dimenasions are not specified so I cant compare to MY mouse.

Any feedback on this appreciated.

Side Note:

PilotMouse Mini Bluetooth® Mouse
http://us.kensington.com/html/6367.html

Mouse•in•a•Box® Optical Elite
http://us.kensington.com/html/4011.html

I'd be curious to hear about these mice if any experiences here.

But, thats a side note from my retractable cable mouse.


3. MicroInnovations Laser Travel Mouse
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Innovations ... B000BS70PE

-Laser Sensing Technology
-Retractable USB Cable
-Rubberized Design
-Compact Design

Its size its nice like my mouse but its shape is a little too boxy. Not as rounded as the Kensington. Ofcourse this could be my perception as to how the other one fit in my hand. It fits well, just feels a little boxy and not so 'huggable' .

Pretty smooth movement and I noticed GOOD mouse to screen displacement (great for flights and limited space mouse usage)

4. Targus Mini Kaleidoscope Optical Retractable Mouse
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... =AMU0503US

WOW! It feels amazing under my hand. It's got these cool changing colors light. (I hope I can disable that for serious work with clients). Maybe they wont mind.

Now this one has the retractable cable
Has an amazing feel in my hand. Curved body that melts in my hand. Probably even better than MY mouse.

Its movement is SUPER SMOOTH thanks to this plastic thing under the mouse (every mouse has them.. but this one feels way better).

Unique patented design radiates 7 continuous fog lights when powered
Brighten up your desktop with a mouse that changes color continuously when powered
Mouse on the go: Small and compact design allows you to use this mouse wherever space is limited—on an airplane tray, desk or home office
Retractable cord: Avoid extra cable cluttering your workspace by adjusting the retractable cord to the desired length

5. HP Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... AUM009Y09U

Seems like it might be too small. Hmm...

6. Targus Notebook Optical Mouse with Retractable USB Cable
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... u=PAUM004U

Dual-purpose ergonomic design: Large enough for comfortable desktop use, yet small enough for the mobile user
Optical sensor technology: Latest optical technology provides improved accuracy and precision movement
Optical sensor technology: The most accurate optical sensor ensures perfect response to mouse movements
Retractable cord: Retractable USB cable provides cable management for ease of travel

7. Targus Notebook Optical Mouse with Retractable USB Cable
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... ku=AMU02US

Dual-purpose ergonomic design: Large enough for comfortable desktop use, yet small enough for the mobile user
Optical sensor technology: Latest optical technology provides improved accuracy and precision movement
Retractable cord: Retractable USB cable provides cable management for ease of travel

8. Targus Notebook Retractable Laser Mouse
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... ku=AMU18US
20 Times More Sensitive – Targus laser technology has 20x more tracking sensitivity than typical optical mice, for greater accuracy and improved use on shiny surfaces
Cable Management – Pull on the connector and mouse ends of the cable and adjust cord to perfect length; perfect for travel
Universal Connectivity – USB connection for hot swap capability; no driver required; plug and play convenience


Side Note: Distraction by this mouse.

Its wireless & rechargeable through a USB cable (no cradles needed). I wont go for this one but if they had a Bluetooth one like that.

Targus Rechargeable Stow-N-Go Wireless Optical Mouse
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... ku=AMW07US
Targus 10-Channel Wireless Mini Optical Mouse
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... ku=PAWM30U
Targus Notebook Wireless Rechargeable Laser Mouse
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... ku=AMW15US

Targus Notebook Wireless Rechargeable Optical Mouse
Wireless freedom – RF wireless technology provides a clean, uncluttered workspace free from cables
Dual-purpose design – Large enough for comfortable desktop use, yet small enough for mobile use
Power management – Recharge via the USB charge cable; mouse functions during charging to ensure uninterrupted operation

Targus Bluetooth® Laser Mouse - IS THIS MY DREAM MOUSE (I guess my work wont sponsor it yet.. )
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... ku=AMB03US

Bluetooth and does not need batteries ??

Functionality – Eliminates the need for a separate receiver, works seamlessly up to 33-feet away with a Bluetooth® enabled PC or Mac
Convenience – Light design and carrying pouch makes this mouse easy to transport
Has the ability to change from 800 dpi to 1,600 dpi onthe- fly for heightened sensitivity – excellent for gaming
Includes a scroll wheel for easy navigation
Batteries recharge while mouse is in use, so no more dead batteries

Does it charge by motion based technology?

Targus Bluetooth® Media Notebook Mouse
http://www.targus.com/us/product_detail ... ku=AMB02US

Convenience – Light design and carrying pouch makes this mouse easy to transport
Functionality - Designed for Bluetooth® enabled notebooks for use without a receiver
Media mode enables users to operate a media player with the mouse which controls play, pause, track and volume
The mouse also features 800-dpi optical sensor for precise mouse movements
Includes a scroll wheel for easy navigation

OK.. All that excitement about the BT mice.

But lets focus on the Retractable Cable ones. Do let me know your thoughts on te same.

Thanks.

Note from Moderator: The mod team doesn't flame other forum members, but they do move threads to the proper conference.

[Mofo Jones]

I have one of these for my mousing needs. It's small, has a 3 foot cord that wraps around the unit and seems to work just fine. It's not fancy, but it has a decent response and is comfortable enough. It's smaller than a standard size mouse so that might be a concern for you.

[jdhurst]

Good post. I use my T41 much like you do. I have found after lots of use that the built-in TrackPoint works best for me (not speaking for anyone else). That is one reason (amongst many) that I like IBM ThinkPads so much. ... JDH

[daeojkim]

Great post crashnburn. That is a lot of mouse to review.. !!!
But like jdhurst said, once you get used to trackpoint it is really hard to go back to any other device. I had even bought a Logitech bluetooth mouse (V270) and then I realized that I was using the trackpoint far more often and more useful.

besides every other features that are great on Thinkpads, trackpoint alone would convince me to stay with Thinkpads. So easy to use, so accurate.

Sorry... for the ramble.. had few glasses of wine... gotta love med school...

[JaneL]

Speaking of TrackPoints, has anyone voted in the favorite cap poll in Lenovo's new blog? I'm a Soft Dome person, myself!

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=30387

[GomJabbar]

To the OP - You need to stop mousing around so much!
Sorry, couldn't resist.

BTW, informative post.
I am like jdhurst. I have used mice for awhile, but lately I just use the Trackpoint. I think it depends somewhat on the type of work you are doing whether adding a mouse is really an improvement. For just browsing websites without much typing, a mouse does come in handy.

[crashnburn]

He he.. I appreciate the feedback from the Mods. yes no flaming.. just content appropriate moving to a forum that might not be frequented by the people I need to target for feedback.

The mouse becomes essential for a lot of diagramming. I cant find the trackpads or trackpoint being as fluent for diagramming.