What's a good ThinkPad mouse? Anyone using Bluetooth?

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none · #1 Post by **none** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 1:22 pm

Logitech and Microsoft say you can't have integrated Bluetooth, but do their mice really not work with it? Is it just their software that needs their proprtietary adapter... And can anyone recommend a good mouse?

sugo · #2 Post by **sugo** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:43 pm

Not where the info came from, but their bluetooth mice do work with internal bluetooth, as long as the bluetooth stack software supports HID profile.

none · #3 Post by **none** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:19 pm

Heh, the info actually came from the companies themselves. They both insist that you have to use their own supplied Bluetooth adapter, and you can't use integrated Bluetooth... I guess they're just full of Bulltooth

ZPrime · #4 Post by **ZPrime** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:02 pm

Both mice will work, the Microsoft is perfect (although I don't personally like the feel/speed of the MS mouse) and the Logitech will work but you can't remap any of the buttons (Logitech's drivers rely on you using their bluetooth hub/charger all the time).

I got sick of dicking with the Logitech, especially the fact that there's no way to turn off the power so I was recharging it every few days... so I picked up a Logitech "notebook optical mouse plus," which is the one with a cord that wraps around its base and snaps to the bottom, covering the optics.

it's nice, and even though it is small it has been working ok for me in day to day usage. I'd prefer something larger and more contoured, and I'd *much* prefer more buttons... but this isn't too bad, even though I do have to plug it in.

I wish someone would come up with a wireless mouse that can draw power from the heat generated by your hand or something.

I hate recharging and carrying batteries and crap.

none · #5 Post by **none** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:11 pm

Wait, does the Microsoft mouse use a charger or batteries? If it uses batteries, how long does it last?

rickslate · #6 Post by **rickslate** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:26 pm

Microsoft has some pretty sweet mice options. I'm not a fan of wireless mice but I'll offer my take on the wired ones. I've been a Microsoft mouse fan since the early 90s. The Intellimouse Explorer 1.0 is probably my favorite mouse of all time. Unfortunately after a few years of hard use it broke. I bought the new IE5.0 but the ridge around the track wheel is too wide and rested under my fingers so I sold it on eBay. I've since picked up a standard Intellimouse Optical but it's so poorly constructed that every edge slices into your hand... back to eBay. I've since fallen in love with the Logitech X500 mouse and that's the one I'll recommend (or the wireless version of it I guess). I'm very picky though so I'd suggest running a google search for whatever mouse you're interested in plus the word "review" to get some additional perspective.

Logitech:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/produ ... EN,CRID=19

Microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouse ... ckball=yes

Plinkerton · #7 Post by **Plinkerton** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:54 pm

I know you're looking for Bluetooth, but I just thought I'd add. I have the Logitech Wireless Notebook Mouse. I like most everything about it (though I'd like more buttons), but the wireless is just not strong enough.

If you considering one or the other, definitely pay the extra and go for bluetooth.

On my T42, with the USB ports on the left side, and the mouse on the right side, it sometimes has a little trouble, which is quite sad, considering it's only about 2 feet total distance.

So, if you can help it, don't buy that one...

none · #8 Post by **none** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 6:42 pm

Wow, all great input, any more mouse reviews are welcome!

Flightvector · #9 Post by **Flightvector** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:01 pm

I just received the latest Microsoft Intellimouse for Bluetooth this week, and I am actually quite happy with it so far. It performs just as well as fast-RF wireless and Microsoft definitely seems to have vastly improved fit and finish from previous mice with this one. Not like the Microsoft mice I've been used to seeing.

It works fine with my integrated Bluetooth and doesn't interfere with my trackpoint (don't install the cd, but add it in the bluetooth settings interface). I also feared that it would drop connections or fail to make them on startup, but nothing of this sort has been observed. I also find that the clickless scroll wheel makes it a lot easier to get to the exact portion of text that I want to reach; it is in some cases more compatible and less intrusive than the trackpoint scroll function because of its native nature (scrolling in Photoshop). In other cases trackpoint scrollig is more useful (ability to scroll non-active windows). One slight issue is that in places where scrolling results in incremental selection of items or values, the lack of incremental clicks requires a bit more intuition, but I am hard pressed to even call this an issue given the reasons I like the seamlessness. The positional uncertainty that I observed with wireless mice without Fast-RF isn't there, which has kept me far away from wireless mice until now. I don't think there isn't much more I can say about a mouse, but I would certainly recommend this on initial evaluation.

Elhabash · #10 Post by **Elhabash** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 1:07 pm

Just don't install the IntelliPoint Software, then everything works out well.

My older BT Mouse from Microsoft (The first model) ist quite bulky, but finally a mouse suited for big hands. The only problem I have is the considerable lag when moving, which is disturbing when gaming.

I also plan to fix a little On/Off switch right besides the battery case to save battery when I am not using it. Should not be much of a problem, but for now I just take out one of the batteries.

BigCatAndy · #11 Post by **BigCatAndy** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:56 pm

Hello,

none wrote:Logitech and Microsoft say you can't have integrated Bluetooth, but do their mice really not work with it? Is it just their software that needs their proprtietary adapter... And can anyone recommend a good mouse?

actually, some time ago I bought at eBay Logitech MX900 as a notebook mouse. It's not a notebook mouse!

It's heavy and consumes energy like a steel oven.

I sold it. Yesterday I received my Bluetotth mouse by Lenovo (actually, it's very fresh - announced in April 2008). After 2 days of use I still like it.

It fits my palm, nice (matches the design of Thinkpad), stylish... Earlier I had the wired version of IBM Thinkpad mouse. This BT-version is just slightly increased (due to two AA batteries) in size, and I have no feeling of something new.

I cannot make any statement about battery life, but that MX900 of Logitech would need 4 fully charged AA batteries/accumulators for 3-4 days. I think, that Lenovo mouse is better in this sense.

Cheers,
Andrey

Tim M · #12 Post by **Tim M** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 2:25 pm

I've been using this model of mini Bluetooth mouse by IOGEAR for about three years now. It runs off of AAA batteries that can be recharged through the USB port. However, this takes a long time, so I usually just keep a fresh pair of NIMH AAAs in my wall charger for a quick swap-out (typically twice per week).

The mouse works fine with the WIDCOMM stack, but if the mouse has been dormant for a while, you do have to wait a few seconds after wiggling the mouse for the cursor to become active on screen.

-Tim

Nick Y · #13 Post by **Nick Y** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:16 am

Tim M wrote:...It runs off of AAA batteries that can be recharged through the USB port. However, this takes a long time, so I usually just keep a fresh pair of NIMH AAAs in my wall charger for a quick swap-out ...

Me too with a Trust 'laser' mouse; uses the T43 or T41p bluetooth.

http://www.trust.com/products/product_d ... item=15352

Radioguy · #14 Post by **Radioguy** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 7:45 pm

Isn't the ThinkPad BT mouse just the Targus BT mouse in the TP colors?

#15 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 4:55 am

Someone on this forum recommended the Logitech V470. I got one and it's the best travel bluetooth mouse I've ever used. Good range, battery lasts forever, on/off switch, works great with the Thinkpads default bluetooth stack, smooth, accurate, and doesn't lag after starting up from resting..
Newegg has them for $27.99 after rebate. Offer good until 10/20/2008.

#16 Post by **jdhurst** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 6:19 am

I tried a bluetooth mouse, and then finally settled for a LogiTech VX Nano. It is not bluetooth, but the receiver is so small it lives in the laptop all the time. No installation required (zero). The mouse is tiny and it can be turned off. The wheel can be unhooked from its clicker and you can scroll through a thousand lines of a spreadsheet with one spin. I carry it with me everywhere.

I am not knocking bluetooth in any way. ... JDH

BigCatAndy · #17 Post by **BigCatAndy** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 9:42 am

Hello,

Radioguy wrote:Isn't the ThinkPad BT mouse just the Targus BT mouse in the TP colors?

I don't know about Targus BT mouth. There is no such a mouse in Europe.

Cheers,
Andrey.

davidspalding · #18 Post by **davidspalding** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:53 am

I've used wireless mice since the Logitech "cat paw" Wireless Mouse 2.0 in ... 1990? 1991? (Bought it at Comdex, Atlanta, on my way off the floor. No wait,... called them the following Monday to order one.) Used to love their "mouseware" drivers and utilities. . My last was a Trackman Voyager (small notebook trackball) that died when a wire broke, and was too short to re-solder. I miss that puppy.

I've used Microsoft wireless mice for years (still have an old Cordless Wheel Mouse for Serial & PS2 in a box here at work), and prefer the simplicity of the IntelliPoint software. I've found that the more recent "plug-ins" for the Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 and the Notebook (optical) Mouse 3000 work with my desktop Wireless Laser Mouse 5000, so I often use their smaller plug-ins on the back of a MiniDock or Port Replicator II instead of the big doorstop receiver. Why move to the older optical mice? I don't like the teeny tiny, "smooth scrolling" wheels on the newer mice. I've given my 6000 away because even on the lowest setting, the scrolling was too fast, without "bumpy" detents.

The price for Microsoft 3000s on Amazon is pretty cheap. I was tempted by that New Egg rebate on the Logitech, but then realized that I probably would have to install MouseWare for it, but retain IntelliPoint software for my other mice ... I discovered in the ancient past that it wasn't good to mix the Logitech and Microsoft drivers and utilities.

Also consider the MoGo PC Card Bluetooth mouse the charges in your PC Card slot.... Haven't tried it but it is terribly tempting for office/meetings work.

Paul Unger · #19 Post by **Paul Unger** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 6:45 pm

Another vote for Logitech. I have two: a V450 and a VX Revolution. I like them both for different reasons. V450: more compact; VX Rev: more 'ergo'. Both are wireless (not BT), and both have impressive range (+5m). Both also provide excellent battery life (I use NiMH rechargeables; V450: 2x AA; VX: 1x AA).

asiafish · #20 Post by **asiafish** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:42 am

I've actually had great luck using an Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse with a T42 and T60p.

usernotabuser · #21 Post by **usernotabuser** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:06 pm

I just received my MoGo X54 presenter. I'll post how it goes if people are interested.

It's the little bluetooth one that fits into a ExpressCard/54 slot to charge/store.

usernotabuser · #22 Post by **usernotabuser** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 3:20 pm

Had a PM or two asking me about my experience with the mogo cardslot mouse. Excuse the double post but I wanted to make sure they saw my reply here.

Anyway, it fits securely into the slot on the left palm rest of my T61, and that is where one of my few complaints (this early on anyway) lies. It does not go all the way into the slot, but hangs outside the slot about the thickness of two U.S. quarters. I suppose this is to ensure you can fish it out if your extract button fails. It also allows the status LED to protrude and show charge/connectivity status. Anyway, that's a really minor complaint, please don't think I'm unhappy. It is rather stiffer than it has to be to eject too.

Use has been great so far, but I've only tried it on flat, hard surfaces. It is a bit of an odd sensation due to the fact that the mouse is a good bit smaller than a credit card (surface area, not thickness of course, It's as thick as the slot). So you place the little kickstand on the bottom of the mouse in position to invert it slightly (works rather well actually) and place your two mouse fingers gently in the divots made for them. Then I simply move my wrist slightly to control the cursor. It should be noted that I keep my sensitivity very high in general to save effort/time and this seems to work well with this device's design. The middle click is a bit odd to reach but totally functional, the scroll feature is a "pressure sensitive" kind of area and is quite jumpy, but at least it has scroll. There is one more button that is "back" I believe, I haven't used this much and don't expect to, but there is one button that may be able to be assigned to another task, if you're into all that.

Last, it does have a "Presenter mode" that is easily swapped into via pressing the sync button. This allows remote control for Powerpoint slides via the mouse buttons, forward/back some other features. There's also a laser pointer built into it as well. I don't expect to use this much, but it's a nice perk if I ever need to run a presentation on a projector or something. No idea if you could do something else with it. I would expect normal bluetooth ranges.

Oh, syncing with the onboard bluetooth was a snap. Also, it comes with NO additional hardware / software. Since it charges in the slot it needs no other cords. It's one of those devices you just have to trust to "work", and it has so far. So no real complaints here.

Oh, people will ask "what is that?" because of the odd form factor. That may be a downside for some, but not people here I think.

Let me know if there's any other questions.

xxPaulCPxx · #23 Post by **xxPaulCPxx** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 11:28 pm

http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-SlimBl ... B000VE4MM2

This is my favorite mouse at the moment. Not only does it work like a regular wireless mouse on a desk, but it also works like a trackball. This is handy when you are in a cramped space, like an airplane or on your couch without a flat surface.

Love it love it love it.

Aroc · #24 Post by **Aroc** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:18 am

I use a Logitech V470 bluetooth mouse, same as Harryc. Mine's the white model, and a coworker has the blue model of the same. I use it with a Lenovo T43, T61p, X61s, Dell D430, and Apple Macbook (2.4 C2D black). BT doesn't require installation (zero). We don't use the Logitech SetPoint software that comes with the mouse (although, you could if you desire. However, none of it is required for operation). I don't have nay problems using the default BT stacks that the Lenovo, Dell, and Apple use. Since it's BT, I don't have to worry about an Ir or RF dongle hanging off of the computer. Although those dongles have been getting smaller as of late.

davidspalding · #25 Post by **davidspalding** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 8:56 am

I neglected to point out (it's not exactly a portable mouse), but I've used a Wacom Bluetooth 6x8 Tablet (which comes with a mouse) for a couple of years. Mostly for art work (Photoshop, graphics), but it also comes in hand for living room use. With an onscreen keyboard, I can control the laptop on the coffee table while sitting back on the couch.

What's a good ThinkPad mouse? Anyone using Bluetooth?

What's a good ThinkPad mouse? Anyone using Bluetooth?

Re: What's a good ThinkPad mouse? Anyone using Bluetooth?

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