Kensington PilotMouse Laser Wireless Mini

The Kensington PilotMouse Laser Wireless Mini uses a laser instead of the standard LED found in most optical mice. We've seen only one other authentic laser mouse, the Logitech MX1000, and we liked it so much we made it an Editors' Choice. Though the PilotMouse is comfortable to use and performs well, at $49.99, it's rather expensive, and it lacks the functionality of the MX1000. Unless you're lusting after a laser, save yourself $10 and get the nearly identical Kensington PilotMouse Mini Wireless.

The PilotMouse Laser is a plug-and-play device, so there's no setup to speak of. Press the button toward the back of the mouse, and the battery compartment cover pops off. Insert two AA batteries (they're included) and plug the RF receiver into your USB port. Our test unit worked right off the bat, but you may have to sync the receiver and the mouse by pressing the small, black connect buttons on each. The brief user manual recommends downloading Kensington's MouseWorks software, available from Kensington's Web site, which lets you program the mouse buttons' functions.

Far too small to use for long periods, the PilotMouse Laser measures only 3.5 inches long and 2.25 inches wide--barely big enough to support your first two fingers, let alone your entire hand. This is par for the course with travel-size mice. Kensington makes the mouse a bit more comfortable by giving it ribbed rubber sides and a smooth rubberized grip on top. We like the way the receiver slides onto the bottom of the mouse, and we appreciate that the PilotMouse Laser will automatically power down. You can also turn off the mouse by flicking the small switch on its underside.