Logitech V200 Laptop Cordless Mouse is NOT Cheesy!!!!!
Written: Jan 19 '08 (Updated May 01 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Perfect for that person with a laptop on the go and despises touchpads.
Cons: None when you consider the value.
The Bottom Line: You really can not go wrong for the price, functionality, features and durability. You could pay more for one, but what does it do this one will not?
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| mongomad1's Full Review: Logitech V200 Red Cordless Notebook (931428) |
If you have read my reviews as far as PC hardware, you may say I am a bit of a cheapskate. Nay, I am more of a Clark Howard enthusiast that really enjoys technology and having things that perform as well as pricier models/brands at a much more reasonable price!
Nothing more epitomizes this philosophy than my Logitech V200 Optical Mouse. You could not get more from a mouse that is designed for your laptop, though I suppose it attaches nicely to a PC, but then you need a wireless keyboard to stay with the "in crowd". Social pressure will not allow just a wireless mouse, I assure you. You are setting yourself up for a virtual wedgie by friends and family alike. ;)
Reason for Purchase
My company laptop, which I despise not only for its exorbitant price, but also for the fact it likes to have issues at inopportune moments and has a touchpad with only a single click button. That gives away the brand to those vicious, highly loyal followers of the fruit named component in question.
Since I utilize Windows XP Pro in a dual boot format on this fruity device, right clicking is required. Yes, the touchpad allows this - two fingers on it, then click. This is not exactly a great solution since another button should be there, an oversight by engineering though they got the Intel part right. Well, I particularly do not care for touchpads based on an unusual injury to my dominant hand, so I needed a very smooth way to rightumus clickius. My navigation abilities, and the smoothness thereof, could easily sway a customer in my line of work as well as extend the ridicule I already endure by co-owners.
Since the purchase of this cordless, optical mouse, I am now able to tolerate the overpriced paperweight a bit more, assigned to me by THE MAN. Also, I did not pay an arm and a leg plus still get loads of functionality as well as 100% dependability, to date. I just knocked on wood as a precautionary measure, though I have confidence in the Logitech V200 Optical Mouse.
Physical Features
As you remove it from its packaging, you feel like you just stole something by switching price tags or something. For under $50, how can this thing look so cool AND it be built so sturdy? You are just beginning to understand what you have. Quickly, I placed its two required AA batteries in the compartment on top of the device. This in itself is innovative in my eyes.
Most wireless mice/mouses have the battery compartment on the bottom, at least the ones that I have owned and seen. By placing them in the top, gravity’s effects do not challenge the strength of the plastic piece holding them in place. In that scenario, if the little piece that snaps in to hold the batteries breaks, welcome to frustration galore as you often are rolling over batteries with a stationary on-screen pointer looking back at you and I swear the pointer displays a smirk, very quickly so that you often will not see it.
However, with the engineering by Logitech, you notice if said compartment is loose since the entire top piece, from the small gap behind the scroll wheel to the near tail end of the mouse, comes off for easy installation and changing of “battries”. Your very use keeps it secured. Also, a professional duct tape job could fix any issue with this, since no functionality would be lost or hindered in the least. This is when you will appreciate its silver color even more! Note: I see where they now come in red and possibly other colors. Now you know why silver is BEST!
The USB plug-in snaps in place on the bottom when you are not using it and is secure enough so that it will not free itself under most conditions. Mine stays in a briefcase that is regularly tossed here and there, based on the mood I am in or clumsiness, and it still has not come detached (nor broken any other piece on it).
A circular piece on the USB plug-in’s surface presses in on a button that signals the optical light device, causing it to turn off the juice, preserving your batteries’ life. A mouse that is in the business of saving lives, could you ask for more? It does boast an “up to 1 year battery life”. Not a bad deal, if you ask me. I can say I have had mine over six months and I am on the original batteries.
The only minor complaint with the USB connector is that it prevents the mouse from sitting flush while it is on there. This lessens the surface area that would absorb a blow, making it a bit more susceptible to breakage. With even half proper care, this is not a big issue at all. I have put that to the test for sure.
In addition to the right click and left click, you also have a scroll wheel that not only does what you expect by its name, but it also clicks and tilts left and right. The mouse on my home PC is ergonomically designed for the contours of the hand more than this mouse and the one at home also has two additional buttons. The latter is no improvement over this model since the added buttons only serve to cause problems as they are clicked accidentally far more frequently than when desired. So, I would say that this little jewel by Logitech has the bells and whistles that are desirous by the majority of users. Also, it does not have unneeded/useless buttons whose sole function is to cause you irritation.
I have yet to place this mouse on any smooth surface where it did not respond well and as expected.
Included Software Features
The specific software this device comes with is SetPoint. The latest version is 4.24.99 as of the writing of this review, 01/19/08. It is very basic in its functionality. You can switch it to left handed, always fun to do to a right-handed co-worker, choose from a variety of things the Scroll Wheel Click can do for you as well as the left and right tilts of the wheel.
The options for the Scroll Wheel Click are:
Zoom
Autoscroll
Universal Scroll
Keystroke Assignment (can be multiple so you can get rid of the three finger salute – Ctrl + Alt + Del)
Document Flip (for those working on photos I assume)
And then more under an “Other” option:
Close
Copy
Do nothing
Double Click
Drag Lock
Generic Button??
Left Click (my choice)
Maximize
Middle Button??
Minimize
Page Down
Page Up
Paste
Redo
Start Menu
Unassigned (what is the difference between this Generic Button, Middle Button and “Do Nothing”? Must be for Mac O/S.)
Undo
Left Scroll and Right Scroll can perform their obvious roles or:
Cruise Up
Cruise Down
Forward
Back
Keystroke Assignment
And all the functions the Scroll Click can do under “Other”.
You also can select speeds for which the cursor/pointer travels and all the scrolling options. The cursor/pointer setting are on the second tab down, where you can also enable Smart Move (where the mouse will snap to an “OK” when a dialog box opens) and pointer trails for you children of the 60’s. The last option is control of the acceleration. As you move the cursor/pointer with the mouse it will go faster and faster when you keep it in the same direction. For you gamers, there is a tab devoted specifically for your use as well.
The final tab shows your battery life. Mine says “Good” right now, with the levels in two icons of batteries showing three quarters full. There is also a button on this tab for “Help” which acts like most other Windows Help Files. I do notice they are not necessarily specific to your device, which is a little silly, but I am sure it saves on time to create them!
In Conclusion
This mouse, though not shaped like a race car or possessive of tough looks from some futuristic design, simply gets the job done. It has enough features to enhance your work and/or Internet browsing experience. It is a far sight more useful than most touchpads. Picking one of these up for under $30 is a steal of a deal.
I purchased mine at Radio Shack, which I rarely buy anything computer-related from them based on their lack of selection, but I did so because the price was so low. Yes it was an impulse buy as I was there to get a 25' (I think that is the length I bought) A to B USB cable, far cheaper than anywhere else had them.
Looking at their site now, the Logitech V200 Optical Mouse is an in-store item only for $29.99. I am sure there are similar deals around. They will look much more beautiful when you price other makes and models with equal capabilities! Considering everything, this is at least a Four Star deal.
Size/Tech Specs
It is about 4.25" long, 1.5" at its highest point as far as tall, and about 2.25" wide. The USB Plug-in is 2.25" long, .25" thick and .50" wide. It is hot swappable so that you do not have to stop the device before removal in Windows.
System Requirements
PC
Windows 98, 2000, Me, XP, or Vista
USB port
CD-ROM drive
Mac
Mac OS X 10.1.2 or higher
USB port
Installation software online/not included
Package Contents
Logitech V200 Cordless Notebook Mouse
2.4GHz wireless micro-receiver
CD with SetPoint software
2 AA batteries
Installation guide
CD with Windows software
3-year warranty
If this review was informative, please feel free to visit my other Computer Hardware reviews:
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Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 25
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Epinions.com ID:
mongomad1
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Location: Actionville, FL (Jacksonville)
Reviews written: 58
Trusted by: 65 members
About Me:
I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous.
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