Laptop and Travel Mice

Smaller, more compact laptop and travel mice

If you mainly use a laptop at home, you'll probably find a full-size mouse most comfortable. A full-size mouse (such as those discussed above) is large enough that you can actually rest your hand on it. By contrast, a travel mouse or mini laptop mouse is smaller; many are so small that you can't actually cup your hand around the mouse body -- you sort of rest your fingers on top and click or scroll. Still, reviewers say some mini laptop mice are more comfortable to use than others.

The Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse (*Est. $70) is the best laptop mouse, especially for travelers. Logitech has gone to new lengths -- or, more precisely, lack of length -- in miniaturizing the RF receiver. When plugged into a port, it protrudes so little that it can be left there permanently, so users needn't worry about losing, breaking or snagging it while on the road. The USB receiver can be stored in the underside of the mouse to spare the batteries (two AAA). Features include a frictionless wheel that can scroll 30 pages on a spin or be switched to more precise scrolling. CNet.com reviewer Michelle Thatcher says the VX Nano "represents the ultimate in portability for mousing on the go."

Though Nano refers to the receiver, the mouse itself is small and some say that those with larger hands might not find it comfortable to use. However, others find the size to be no concern at all. For example, Eric Grevstad of HardwareCentral.com found it so nimble that he switched it to his desktop for regular use after his review period was over. The VX Nano is shaped so that it can be used by lefties as well as righties.

If you prefer a larger laptop mouse, a pair of nearly identical mice from Microsoft bears some consideration. Except for styling, the chief difference between the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (*Est. $45) and the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 (*Est. $60) is that the latter is rechargeable and includes a charging base. However, most reviews say that if you don't mind the slightly higher weight of the 6000, and the slightly higher long-term cost for batteries, the price difference between the two makes the 6000 a better value.

Like the VX Nano, these mice have a small USB (though not as small as the one with the VX Nano) that snaps into a compartment underneath the mouse so it's harder to lose while traveling. Experts say that the Microsoft 6000 is comfortable to use. Its 1,000 dpi laser means you only need a few inches of spare space next to your notebook to use the mouse effectively. Reviewers, including ExtremeTech's Jeremy Atkinson, say that it performs as well as most of the best general-purpose mice when it comes to its desktop manners. HardwareCentral.com's Eric Grevstad says it shouldn't be that hard to find room in your briefcase for a mouse that's only two inches bigger than some notebook-specific alternatives. "As such, the 6000 is a first-class candidate to be your only mouse -- to use both when you're at your desk and when you're mobile."