CNET Editor's rating: 6.5 out of 10
Reviewed by
Dan Ackerman
Review date: 09/21/07
Release date: 09/18/07
The good: No USB receiver required, ambidextrous design, thumb button included.
The bad: Squat shape not comfortable for long-term use; not as thin as other laptop mice.
The bottom line: For mobile mousing without the hassle of a receiver, Microsoft's Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 fits the bill as long as you don't mind its somewhat lumpy design.
Not content with simply controlling the software side of your PC experience, Microsoft also wants to be your peripheral provider of choice, offering a variety of mice and keyboards. One of three new laptop mouse models, the $49 Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 can operate without the need for a USB receiver, thanks to the built-in Bluetooth technology found in most (but not all) laptops today.
At 3.5 inches long, it's smaller than a desktop mouse but not as thin as, say, the Kensington Ci75m. The Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 is easy to hold--it curves up to meet your hand--and is 1.5 inches tall at the thickest part, in a design Microsoft calls "ergonomist-approved."
While Microsoft wants you to install its custom driver software, the mouse functions perfectly well without it, and our Bluetooth-enabled laptop was able to find and lock into the mouse within seconds. Power is supplied by two AAA batteries (included in the package), and there's an on/off switch on the bottom of the mouse to save power when, for example, it's sitting at the bottom of your laptop case.
Unlike many of the other laptop mice we've seen, this model includes a welcome side button for your thumb, which most Web browser software recognizes as the universal command for going back a page.
For smaller hands, the Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 could even be a good desktop mouse, but in our average-size paws, it might become uncomfortable if we had to use it as our only input device. But for short-term laptop use, its curved design is an improvement over flat models we've tried. Still, it's short and rounded, and really not the most elegant mouse design we've seen.
Intro:
This Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse is a laser, wireless mouse.Compared to other wireless mice on the market, it is midpriced at around $45.This unit is available in gray only.Backed by a three year warranty.
Noteworthy Features:
Has laser movement detection, which is somewhat more advanced than some similarly priced mice.This device's resolution of 1000 dpi is very high in comparison to typical pointing devices.Offers a scrolling, battery indicator, and high definition laser technology.(Using a scroll wheel reduces repetitive motions and makes it easier to quickly scan documents and web pages.)
Weaker Features:
None noted, given available product data.
Suitability:
Suitable for users wanting to avoid tangled wires.
Value:
Overall, this mouse's features are in line with its price.
Suggestions:
(1) If you are connecting to a laptop, you may want to consider a mouse that has a USB interface instead.(2) You might be interested in comparing this with a mouse that received Editor's Choice on CNET.
6 out of 10 - Good Great... Unless You Want to Reassign Buttons
This mouse works as advertised on a ThinkPad notebook running Windows XP. Bluetooth pairing was painless, and I'm pleased ...
This mouse works as advertised on a ThinkPad notebook running Windows XP. Bluetooth pairing was painless, and I'm pleased with the smooth functioning of the mouse, not to mention the elimination of the transceiver unit--one more black box I'd have to schlep around.
Size and shape are matters of personal preference, and I would agree with those who suggest trading off some comfort (which would mean a larger size for my hand) is an acceptable compromise for portability. Overall, this mouse has a quality feel and seems to be well made; it has a nice heft to it, and the buttons and wheel provide solid, reassuring tactile feedback.
My biggest beef with this mouse is the lack of a dedicated or inclusive driver. It does not come with a driver disk, and it is not listed among the supported models in the latest Microsoft IntelliPoint software. (I have no idea to what CNET editor Dan Ackerman is referring when he writes "Microsoft wants you to install its custom driver software.")
Please don't misunderstand: this mouse works fine out of the box under Win XP (and, presumably, Vista). You'll only want a new driver if you're not happy with the default button assignments.
I called Microsoft technical support about this omission, and they confirmed that anyone who wants to reassign button functions is SOL... for now. The tech rep would not confirm whether a future version of IntelliPoint would support this mouse, but I remain hopeful.
As of this writing (8 November 2007), therefore, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this mouse. As soon as the software side of things catch up, I'll be singing a different tune.
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by HKApple (see profile) -
November 9, 2007
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
4 out of 10 - Mediocre Terrible scrolling wheel
The scrolling wheel is terrible. After using this for a couple of hours I had to give my fingers a ...
The scrolling wheel is terrible. After using this for a couple of hours I had to give my fingers a rest. The wheel is clunky and each clunk moves the screen too far so when you want to move down slightly you can't. I also agree with another reader that it clunks on the way down and then doubly clunks on the way up.
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by munizaga (see profile) -
March 22, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Great Mouse!
It is not a travel sized mouse, it is a bit thick. However, since I am on the road so ...
It is not a travel sized mouse, it is a bit thick. However, since I am on the road so much, I did not want a small mouse. I spend 12-14 hours a day on the computer. I need something to support my hand. This mouse does.
The buttons are great. I love the thumb (back) button. This back button does work in (Vista) Windows explorer as a back button...not just in an internet browser. VERY COOL!
I am a journalist. Something that becomes annoying is the pounding away of the keyboards and the clicks of mice from hundreds working in the same news deadline room. This mouse does not make a sounds when you click. The scroll wheel is pretty loud.
I have mine linked with a Kensington USB Micro Adapter on a HP computer. All I had to do was load the batteries and turn it on. It paired effortlessly!
I have never had a disruption with the bluetooth. It works with ease.
The mouse is very accurate.
This mouse comes with a neoprene travel case.
I was very concerned with spending the $50 for this, but I think it was WELL worth the money! I am very pleased with this product!
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by 1ramzel (see profile) -
June 22, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Perfect for those who use their notebooks as mobile workstations
I've owned Microsoft's Notebook 800 mouse and used Logitech's Nano, and they both have the same flaw ...
I've owned Microsoft's Notebook 800 mouse and used Logitech's Nano, and they both have the same flaw for mobile workstation users who use the scroll function to zoom and pan -- programs like CAD and Rhino, etc. The 8000 has an infinite scroll wheel that makes CAD zooming unbearable because it never stays zoomed at one magnification. The logitech has the other problem, that those it's scroll wheel can either be infinite or notched, it's nerfed the middle button's functionality so you can use it to click/pan! Both are a pain to use for these applications.
The 5000 aint perfect, but if you want a wireless bluetooth mouse that wont drive you up the wall, it's one of the best around.
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by anta.baka.chupacabra (see profile) -
May 7, 2008
8 out of 10 - Excellent great mouse all around, but a bit clumbsy feeling in the hand.
I was thrilled to find a microsoft notebook laser mouse with bluetooth in the store one day randomly. They must ...
I was thrilled to find a microsoft notebook laser mouse with bluetooth in the store one day randomly. They must have read my mind. I was wishing for one of these last year but me being a brand-loyal consumer, was wary of the bluetooth mice I saw on the market. Microsoft answered my prayers with this little guy, the bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000... or did they?
First off, it was very easy to install... in fact... i didn't at all! The computer found the mouse within 3 seconds and was up and running right away, which I found to be amazing. I then wondered what the "connect" button underneath the mouse was for since it was one step ahead already. The only complaint I have is the ergonomics are a little awkward at first. I can't comment on battery life because i've only had this mouse 2 weeks so far... but works perfectly.
The other issue i have with this mouse is it's rattly. The scroll wheel is very loose and rattles around when you move the mouse. This i personally dislike alot, as it cheapens the feel of the construction, which I might add is very high quality plastic. Don't mind the OVERSIZED Microsoft logo on the back, it rubs off with light sanding. Thanks for reading my review; I would definitely recommend this mouse. It's cheap, small, light, and very easy to connect and use.
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by someone_there (see profile) -
March 1, 2008
5 out of 10 - Average Good Concept but Bluetooth Unreliable
The idea of a cordless mouse that could work without a plug in receiver seemed like a great idea but ...
The idea of a cordless mouse that could work without a plug in receiver seemed like a great idea but unfortunately I have problems with the bluetooth communication between the mouse and my Dell Inspiron 1520. The mouse cursor regularly freezes up for several seconds and sometimes the bluetooth signal cuts out completely, requiring a reboot. Checking for sources of radio interference, updating my bluetooth software and updating my BIOS have not helped with this problem.
This mouse is a good product when it's working as intended, but I would be very reluctant to buy another bluetooth mouse or keyboard.
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by alasta22 (see profile) -
February 29, 2008
2 out of 10 - Terrible Worked great for a few weeks
Worked great with my MacBook Pro for a few weeks and then just died completely. Tried new batteries and other ...
Worked great with my MacBook Pro for a few weeks and then just died completely. Tried new batteries and other things and it sits there lifeless - not a peep out of it! I've never had good luck with any sort of wireless mouse so its back to wired for me.
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by bjeffers52 (see profile) -
February 19, 2008
1 out of 10 - Abysmal Macs outta luck despite product claims.
Mouse loses its connection with Powerbook (OSX Tiger) every time the computer goes to sleep. Though it maintains its "pairing" ...
Mouse loses its connection with Powerbook (OSX Tiger) every time the computer goes to sleep. Though it maintains its "pairing" when the PC wakes up, it fails to move the cursor. It is necessary to set it up as a new device again. Obviously this is an unworkable arrangement. Unfortunately there is no support information, driver, etc. of any kind on the Microsoft site for this product. Thus I'll be returning it.
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by 900hp (see profile) -
December 2, 2007
2 out of 10 - Terrible Worst Mouse Ever!
Hi, I'm from Singapore and I bought this mouse on 16 Nov when it was first released in Singapore. ...
Hi, I'm from Singapore and I bought this mouse on 16 Nov when it was first released in Singapore. I liked the look, colour, and design of this mouse, and the Bluetooth function worked flawlessly, but this is the worst mouse I've ever bought. What's the reasons:
1. Before opening the package of this mouse (and any other Microsoft Mouse), you cannot tell if the scroll wheel is smooth and frictionless, sticky and rubbery but lack tactile feedback, or with the tactile feedback that most mouse provides. This mouse provides the tactile feedback type scroll wheel.... In comparison, all Logitech mouse provide standard and consistent tactile feedback, except for the new MX/VX Revolution/Nano with MicroGear Scroll Wheel which can switch between smooth frictionless scrolling and tactile feedback scrolling. And you can tell that by looking at the box! Try it with any Microsoft Mouse you see on the shelf....
2. The scroll wheel is a hugh disaster! The spring loaded tactile feedback is so strong that within an hour of use, my finger is already in pain. Also, this scroll wheel has several design flaws. Firstly, scrolling down is relatively quiet, but scrolling up produces a distracting and annoying 'tack', 'tack', 'tack' sound that'll drive you nuts! Also, at a certain position when scrolling down, the scroll wheel will get stuck and I need to use even high force to 'jump' over the stuck position. This causes the web page to suddenly jump past the point I want to scroll to. I've used mouse from cheap unbranded make, I've used Logitech's mouse, I've used Labtec cordless mouse, and even A4Tech's mouse, but they all have a consistent and comfortable scroll wheel tactile feedback and never have such manufacturing flaws.
3. The Back button cannot be re-assigned to another function, even when I installed the latest Microsoft IntelliPoint 6.2 software. I couldn't even find support for this mouse from the list of mouse that this software supports! Although the mouse does not require any software to work on its own, installing the Microsoft IntelliPoint software provides features such as customising the scroll speed, and providing indication on battery strength. However, even choosing another similar mouse (the list of supported mouse in Microsoft IntelliPoint does not even have this mouse) with a customisable Back button does not allow me to customise this mouse's Back button. It's stuck to standard IE Back function!
4. Finally, the support from Microsoft totally sucks! Within a day of purchase, I used the microsoft support web site to complain about the mouse. I keyed in my mouse's product ID and it shows that the mouse I purchased qualified for on-line support. I then type out my unhappiness (as above) and demanded for warranty support to either repair, replace, or refund my purchase. I received an e-mail confirmation stating that Microsoft will reply to me on my submission in 1 business day. Guess what? 2 weeks later and I didn't even hear them fart! They have failed terribly on their on promise on customer support! (Microsoft, are you hearing us? We're the ones who paid your staffs' salaries, even your top managements' salaries and bonuses!)
I've used and liked Logitech products but has never experienced such poor design like microsoft's. Wonder what engineer they employed to design their hardware.
By the way, I threw in this mouse for free (even though it cost me SIN$74.90) when a buyer bought my laptop. Guess no hard feelings for me since I HATED this mouse so much! If I used it for another day, I'll damned sue Microsoft for finger injuries.
Microsoft see this? You ignored my compaint for the past two week and now I'm coming back to haunt you in ways you've never imagined. And don't contact me over my submission only now after you've read this review, cause your over 2 week's of fart definately stinks! I'll post my SIN$74.90 worth of review everywhere I could to nail your ass shut!
Buyers beware! Judge for yourself if my experience is the truth or I'm just trying to make a **** at microsoft....
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