Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (2008)
Starting at: $25.00
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Justin Yu
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: Useful and intuitive magnifier; increased mobility--the transceiver attaches to the undercarriage; innovative ergonomic additions include double finger grooves and textured scroll wheel.
The bad: Contoured shape requires wrist angle adaptation, smooth vertical rocker lacks precision; side buttons lack a tactile click.
The bottom line: The Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is travel-friendly and more comfortable than your standard point-and-click, once you get used to a few design quirks. If you're looking for an accurate wireless mouse and don't mind replacing batteries once a year, then the Microsoft Wireless Mouse 6000 is the way to go.
The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 ($49.95) is Microsoft's newest addition to its line of laser-guided mice. This model has an ergonomic design, customizable buttons, Microsoft's Magnifier and Flip 3D features, and a snap-in USB transceiver, a nod to you laptop users who like to travel with mice. All of those features make it a comprehensive desktop mouse that's also travel-friendly. The ergonomic design takes some getting accustomed to, and we don't love the scroll wheel. However, if you can get past those two minor flaws, we would recommend the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, especially if ... Expand full review
The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 ($49.95) is Microsoft's newest addition to its line of laser-guided mice. This model has an ergonomic design, customizable buttons, Microsoft's Magnifier and Flip 3D features, and a snap-in USB transceiver, a nod to you laptop users who like to travel with mice. All of those features make it a comprehensive desktop mouse that's also travel-friendly. The ergonomic design takes some getting accustomed to, and we don't love the scroll wheel. However, if you can get past those two minor flaws, we would recommend the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, especially if you like some continuity in your input devices at home and on the road.
The 6000's initial setup is as easy as most plug-and-play hardware. The box includes the mouse, a USB-only transceiver, and a pair of AA batteries. If you're interested in longer battery life, Microsoft also offers an alternative version, the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 ($69.95) that features a rechargeable battery and indicator light.
For software, Microsoft includes its Intellipoint 6.2 software for both PC and Mac. The easy-to-use software lets you set button assignments, scroll and click speed, and also provides help files. If you don't have the CD with you while you're traveling, you can still use the mouse with your computer's internal settings; no external drivers are required.
For you hard-core desk jockeys looking to relieve your tired wrists, Microsoft designed the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 to relieve pressure from your right wrist (sorry, southpaws, there's no left-handed version). The ergonomic design is not as severe as Microsoft's Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, but we still found this new model slightly uncomfortable and counterintuitive at first. The mouse forces you to move it with your entire arm as opposed to just your wrist. This motion feels alien at first, but Microsoft says it's better therapeutically in the long term. We recommend positioning the mouse closer to your body than you normally would to offset the unfamiliar grip.
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Justin Yu covers headphones and peripherals for CNET. When he's not scouring eBay for useless ephemera or eating hot dogs for breakfast, he spends his time making fun of Internet culture every morning on The 404 podcast.
User Reviews
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Most recent user reviews
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"Too squirrelly, doesn't respond right." By Cherib1153
Pros: I love the shape-very comfortable. I like having a forward button.
Cons: Not precise. It was better when new, but now it's almost out of control.
Summary: The pointer moves even when I'm not touching the mouse. I will try to go down, the pointer moves up.
"Don't buy this Mouse" By Uckyksg
Pros: When I first got this mouse I thought it was nice, not great
Cons: Wife never liked this mouse from day one. I have had this mouse less then a year. It is now not functioning properly. If you use it all day long it will use up batteries rather quickly.
Summary: When using this mouse you use the whole arm and not just the wrist. Takes some getting use to. I wouldn't buy this product again.
Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Compatibility: Mac PC
- Battery size: AAA type
- Interface required: USB
