Entered CNET Catalog: 10/15/2003
SKU: F8T041-B
Manufacturer: Belkin International, Inc.
Manufacturer description
Belkin brings you new products using Bluetooth technology, the interface that gives you fast, simple control of your computing devices-without cables. Long a leader in peripherals and accessories, Belkin Bluetooth Wireless Optical Mouse is a great way to add wireless input convenience to your computer. It allows you to navigate your desktop with optical precision from anywhere within 10 meters of your desktop or laptop computer. Designed to fit in the right hand, the Bluetooth Wireless Optical Mouse enhances your efficiency with both ergonomic comfort and advanced features. It sets up easily and requires no separate desktop receiver. Simply use the Mouse with a PC enabled with Bluetooth technology, which supports the HID profile. Belkin's included Bluetooth USB Adapter enables your desktop or notebook computer with Bluetooth technology, allowing you to connect up to seven other Bluetooth devices.Product summary
The good: Bluetooth connectivity; easy setup; sleek design.
The bad: Substandard battery life; Bluetooth features are confusing; pricey.
The bottom line: Belkin's mouse is a decent choice if you're looking for an input device with Bluetooth connectivity, but there are better options.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 11/10/2003
Belkin has jumped right on the Bluetooth input-device bandwagon along with Microsoft and Logitech. Unfortunately, the $80 Belkin Bluetooth Wireless Optical Mouse doesn't maintain Belkin's reputation as an inexpensive input-device manufacturer; we found Microsoft's IntelliMouse Explorer for Bluetooth for as little as $65.
Pricing aside, the Bluetooth Wireless Optical Mouse performs adequately. Due to the Bluetooth software's installation, setup is a bit sluggish (our test routine took 20 minutes), but the step-by-step guide is clear and simple. Once set up, our test unit interfered with our CPU's restart process, but tech support immediately remedied the problem. Thereafter, the mouse operated with no trouble.
This mouse looks sleek, too, with its smooth, metallic design. It could, however, use some ergonomic improvements. We would have appreciated more of an indent in the casing on the right side, for example; our pinkie fingers tended to slide off. And we wish it had a longer battery life; this is estimated at a paltry 25 days, compared to an average of 90 days with most other wireless mice and the standard-setting six months with Microsoft's new wireless devices.
If you want your PC to be Bluetooth enabled but are seeking something a bit more functional than a Bluetooth adapter, this mouse will do the trick. The mouse's Bluetooth capabilities withstood our tests, flawlessly transferring files between our computer and other Bluetooth devices, such as phones and PDAs. But figuring out how to do so was a bit confusing. Although the mouse conveniently transferred contacts and business cards directly into our desktop's main address book, image files ended up in an obscure folder rather than the more logical Bluetooth Exchange Folder, which Belkin's software automatically installs during setup.
In the end, the Bluetooth Wireless Optical Mouse is an acceptable choice, but you'd be wise to first consider the ambidextrous Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer for Bluetooth.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5out of 5 user reviews
Works Greats Blue works up to 30 yards with receiver
Pros: The size is actually really nice since my hand is quite big and very comfortable. Had it for 4 years now and is still going strong. Has been through rain and shine including the occasional drops on hardwood floor still works like new. Macbook 06 Blac
Cons: Only draw back is no on and off switch in which if you take 1 battery out it should be okay when you know you wont be using it for a while. To some people the bulky design is a bit too much. Takes just a few seconds for blue tooth to catch at start.
out of 5 user reviews
Decent bluetooth mouse
Pros: Some consider this a big mouse but I find it very comfortable. The extra buttons make expose in OS X work like a champ!
Cons: The tracking is not as precise as I would like, and battery life is atrocious with no on/off switch. OS X integration could be better - battery life indicator, easier pairing...
out of 5 user reviews
Delivers Excellent, Reliable, Uncomplecated Performance.
Pros: Un-complicated, reliable. Very easy to install, Unsurpassed level of compatability with standard HID Bluetooth Profile across operating systems
Cons: No off switch to conserve batteries when not in use.
out of 5 user reviews
Works with more OS's and Profiles than Microsoft's
Pros: Smooth Tracking (800dpi), easy to setup, good ergo-design, supports bluetooth connections to phones and PDAs
Cons: none
out of 5 user reviews
Awesome Mouse!
Pros: Ergonomic, easy to install, includes Bluetooth dongle,(Microsoft's Bluetooth Mouse DOES NOT INCLUDE a DONGLE)
Cons: none
