What kind of mouse do you like to use when you are working at your desktop? Mine is a Logitech MX 1000 Laser which I’ve had for a couple of years, and it’s still going strong. I like it so much because it fits my palm, tracks exceptionally well, has multiple scrolling and button features, and it has a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
Today I am going to take a look at a mini laser mouse, also from Logitech. This one is the V450 Laser and it is specifically for notebook computers – although it will also work as a regular desktop mouse for anyone that thinks the larger Logitech mice are too big.
Although it is much smaller than its full size kin, the V450 is still a relatively large portable mouse, measuring approximately 4″ long x 2.25″ wide x 1.5″ thick – all measurements being taken at the widest points possible.
The V450 will work with any Windows? 98, 2000, Me, XP, or Vista PC with an empty USB port, and it will work with Mac? OSX 10.2.8+. If needed, drivers can be downloaded here. The V450 comes in what at first looks like one of those kamikaze plastic wrappers that always make me envision accidental cuts while attempting to open, but fortunately this wrapper has a bottom secret pull-apart panel.
Included in the package are the Logitech? V450 Laser Cordless Mouse for Notebooks, the 2.4 GHz micro-receiver (which stores inside the mouse when not in use), an installation guide, the Logitech? SetPoint? software CD (for Windows-based PC?), two AA batteries, and information on the 3-year limited warranty.
Setting the mouse up involves sliding the 2.4 GHz micro-receiver USB plug from the back side of the mouse (it will be very tight the first few times – consider yourself warned)…
…and pressing the battery release button at the rear of the USB plug’s bay.
This unlatches the catch on the top side battery compartment, where the two included batteries go.
Once batteries have been installed, the mouse will automatically power on any time the USB plug is removed, and it will power off when the plug is replaced. For those that are using the mouse with their desktop, and that will have the plug inserted in a USB port most of the time, there is a manual on or off button which can be used to help prolong battery life.
For those that don’t want to install the desktop software, rest assured that it is not necessary. The mouse is plug and play, and it will work perfectly without any the desktop installation – it just won’t have the benefit of the SetPoint software. So why would you want to install the software, let’s take a look…
SetPoint allows you to program the specific functions of the mouse’s buttons and scroll wheel.
This is where pointer speed and acceleration can be controlled.
This is the screen that indicates the charging level of the mouse’s batteries…
…and this is where the mouse’s game settings may be adjusted.
The scroll wheel on the front of the mouse is actually a “tilt wheel plus zoom”. When the SetPoint software is installed, the user can click and roll the wheel to zoom in and out. The right and left mouse buttons each give a satisfying “click” when pressed, and the rubber scroll wheel feels quite solid – not flimsy at all.
When travelling, the 2.4 GHz micro-receiver USB plug goes back in its slot, turning the mouse off and conserving battery life. According to the Logitech site, the two AA batteries may last for up to a year. Although I am sure that I would use it far too much to get that type of life, I would be satisfied to get several months of life from a single set of batteries.
The V450 works exceptionally well on any flat surface except for glass or mirrored tabletops, and the mouse is extremely responsive. If you have been spoiled by the use of a good laser mouse on your desktop, then there is no need to settle for less when using your laptop. The V450 is a great travel mouse that doesn’t feel like a cheap travel-sized substitute.
The Logitech V450 Laser Cordless Mouse for Notebooks is available directly from the manufacturer as well as from other retailers.
MSRP: $49.99
What I Like: Substantial travel mouse with laser features; tilt wheel plus zoom features; long battery life; option to turn on or off without removing or replacing 2.4 GHz micro-receiver USB plug; indicator lights so there are no status questions.
What Needs Improvement: Nothing – this is an excellent laptop or desktop mouse
It seems like just a different shaped version of the VX Revolution (except for the scroll wheel). Glad to see you are as happy with your new Logitech as I am with mine 😀
And it’s funny, I was using a Logitech MX900 (very similar to your MX1000 except not laser) up until I bought the VX Rev like you with the V450.