Kensington Ci85m QuickStart Wireless Notebook Mouse

Kensington is known for pumping out an endless array of tech add-ons, from iPod docks to laptop cases. Most are perfectly functional, but not exactly stylish, which makes this new line of travel mice (including the larger Ci70 LE and the slim Ci75m) especially interesting. Physically similar to the 0.7-inch-thick Ci75m, the $40 Ci85m is the first ExpressCard wireless mouse we've seen. Instead of a USB dongle, the mouse instead connects to an ExpressCard/34 receiver. The advantage is the purportedly instant connection, but the fact that you have to carry around an extra part (the ExpressCard itself), makes us less fond of this mouse than its USB-powered cousin, which can hide its receiver in a slot on the underside of the mouse. It's an intriguing concept, but unless you have a specific reason for wanting an ExpressCard mouse (we can't really think of one offhand), stick to the slightly cheaper USB model.

For a travel mouse, being easy to carry and use is a key feature. We liked the Ci85m's small size and slim profile. While modern desktop mice typically include at least an extra thumb button or two, the Ci85m has just the basics--left and right buttons and a scroll wheel. The cover (held in place with three tiny magnets) easily pops off, perhaps a little too easily, for inserting the two AAA batteries (thoughtfully included), or accessing a tiny built-in USB cable that lets you use the mouse without the wireless receiver. The cable measures 25 inches in length, which should be more than adequate. On the bottom of the mouse, a small sliding cover exposes the laser. Sliding it closed shuts off the mouse to preserve battery life.