Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse (right hand)

PC multitaskers who want navigation shortcuts in the palm of their hand will appreciate the Logitech MX610 laser cordless mouse. Though good mice such as the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 are available for less than the MX610's $59.99 price, none offers its combination of cordless functionality, laser optical engine, media controls, and visual alerts.

Setup of the MX610 laser mouse was simple, and Logitech gets props for providing two AA batteries. We popped them into the mouse, plugged a tiny USB receiver into our PC, and the mouse worked right away. You'll need to install Logitech's included SetPoint software to take advantage of the MX610's e-mail and instant-message (IM) alerts, however. SetPoint is easy to navigate and includes a wizard that walks you through different setup options. We took the QuickTour and learned that you can set the e-mail-notification button to do nothing, to light up when you get new messages, or to open a particular file or Web page. SetPoint also lets you select your preferred IM and e-mail clients, the length of time the notification lights stay on, and whether to ignore certain IM senders.

The black-and-silver MX610, designed for right-handed users only, is shaped so that your hand rests in an upright, neutral position for better ergonomics. Two volume buttons, a mute button, and the e-mail and IM buttons are lined up on top of the mouse; two programmable buttons are placed further down on the side for easy thumb access. The rubbery scrollwheel moves smoothly and also lets you scroll horizontally. There's a small on/off button on the bottom, and the mouse shuts off automatically when the computer shuts down or sleeps. A battery-indicator light on top of the mouse lets you know when you're running low on power.