I recently decided that it was time to get a replacement to my dead USB mouse, which I used when I moved my laptop to conference rooms, prospect and customer sites and while traveling. I had put off replacing it, since the 
laptop provided by my employer has both a track pad and keyboard nub pointing device and I figured that I could get by using one of those when I had to undock from my desk. However, I have come to the conclusion that pointing devices that are built into the laptop are fine for general UI navigation (starting apps, opening files and the like), but not so much for hard-core navigation inside an app or through a document. Enter the Logitech VXNano.
I went to a variety of stores to find a mouse that met my needs–
- Compact
- Cordless (more about this at the end)
- Programmable keys
- Ergonomic
- Inexpensive
I know that some of the requirements here conflict, so I was prepared to make sacrifices in one or more areas to accommodate others.
After narrowing my choice down to a model from Microsoft, I was headed to the checkout when I spotted the VXNano on an aisle cap. It had all of the features that I was looking for (plus it was made by the same manufacturer as my home mouse/keyboard, so there would be less software to install) and it was ON SALE!
After a quick comparison of the features of the Microsoft and Logitech mice, I put the MSFT one back and headed to the checkout with the VXNano.
I have been using the new mouse for a few weeks now and I have discovered that it has some great features that could only have come from listening to user feedback. There are a few gripes, too, but they are tolerable.
First, the praise:
Tiny USB Receiver
The nano part of the name refers to the minuscule USB adapter that you plug into your computer. This mouse comes with one that only sticks out of the USB slot about 1/4 inch. This allows you to leave it in your laptop without fear of it getting lost or worse, broken.
Super-fast Scroll Wheel
For those of you who have tried to find what you were looking for in a long document or web page, you know that the scroll wheel can be excruciating slow. The scroll wheel on the VXNano has a flywheel-like capability that lets you more easily zoom up and down a document or screen. I have already saved countless minutes scrolling up and down in Bugzilla with this feature.
Ambidextrous and Ambidigitous Design
Despite my efforts, I still get pain in my hand from hours of mousing. The form factor of the VXNano allows me to use either hand (I switch to minimize the repetitive impact of mousing) and to use either my index or middle finger to click and scroll. I boon for lefties and those who suffer from RSI.
Travel Pouch
This really just a nice touch. It is a neoprene mesh zipper pouch that cushions and protects the mouse when it is in your laptop case or backpack. One of the novel design elements is that the zipper is installed inside-out. The zipper pull is still on the outside of the pouch, but the teeth of the zipper are on the inside, which makes the opening look non-existent when closed (except for the zipper pull. It’s not a functional feature, but from an en aesthetic perspective, it’s a nice touch and one that reinforces the manufacturer’s commitment to design.
And now for the gripes:
USB Receiver Storage
If you don’t keep the USB receiver in the computer, it stores in a little hatch underneath the mouse with the battery. This means that you have to open the battery hatch. Other mice have the receiver stored in the base of the mouse (as opposed to underneath). It would make more sense not to have to open the battery compartment every time that you need to retrieve the receiver.
Unattached Battery Door
Since I have to open the battery door every time I retrieve the USB receiver, it would be nice if it were attached so that there wasn’t a chance to drop or lose it.
As I mentioned, the gripes are not big enough to overcome the strengths of the feature set and design, but maybe they will take them into account in the future.
Note about my cordless requirement
When considering a replacement mouse, I had thought about whether I wanted a corded or cordless mouse. My main concern was air travel. A wireless mouse would not be permitted on commercial airline flights. What I ultimately decided was that the percentage of time that I would be working on an airplane was considerably less than all of the other scenarios and thus it made more sense to go wireless.