Kensington Ci85m QuickStart Wireless Notebook Mouse

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Kensington Ci85m QuickStart Wireless Notebook Mouse

CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
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Product summary

The good: ExpressCard receiver connects instantly; built-in USB cable; less than 1 inch thick.

The bad The bad: ExpressCard receiver is an extra part to carry around; not comfortable for long-term use.

The bottom line: The Kensington Ci85m's instant-on receiver works as advertised, 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.

Specifications: Form factor: External; Compatibility: PC, Mac; Battery size: AAA type; See full specs

Price range: $19.95 - $45.67

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
Reviewed on: 09/11/2007
Released on: 08/15/2007

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.

See more CNET content tagged:: Expresscard,; receiver,; mouse,; USB,; laptop computer

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4.0 stars

"Good mouse, Easy to install"

by cdebel2005 on August 31, 2008

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Kensington Ci85m QuickStart Wireless Notebook Mouse

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