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 The Scoop - a MAC/Windows Machine review of Logitech's Nano September 28, 2007
Pam Tee
83 out of 114 found this review helpful
GENERAL INFO:
The Nano Mouse is a cousin to Logitech's regular sized VX model. In size it's about inch smaller than the VX, and a bit thinner. It fit my mom-sized hand nicely, and my husband hasn't complained, but I rather imagine that it could be too small for someone with really large hands.
The other shape-and-size element I noticed is that the mouse is symmetrical which means theoretically that it has no inherent lefties or righties bias. The theory falls apart somewhat as there are two programmable buttons on the far left side of the mouse: Logitech calls these Thumb Back and Thumb Forward buttons. I found them difficult enough to use as a rightie, I can only imagine it would be more difficult for a leftie.
The package includes a carrying case, batteries (the ones in the box were dead) and Windows-ONLY software. I tested the mouse on my MacBook and an ACER laptop. The mouse did work right out of the box on the Mac (once fresh batteries were inserted), but without the 'special features'. To get those to work you need to go to the Logitech site. The file you need is icc222.dmg - a quick download.
The key element is the minuscule RF dongle that goes in a USB port. [Bluetooth afficiandos are just going to have to wait.] It's so small that you hardly need to remove it, unless you use a very small tote. If you do want to remove it, there is a convenient storage area inside the mouse.
REGULAR FEATURES:
Left and Right Buttons: can be set for 1, 2, and 3 clicks as well as click-lock and right click only.
The Scroll Wheel lets you adjust increment and acceleration. Typically a small movement is one line, a big one 5 or more lines (varies, of course, with what Application you are using).
There is also an extension 'thingie' for those looking to use it with a big box machine.
COOL FEATURES:
The Scroll wheel lets you go left and right. That's right you can now nudge the pointer over. How cool is that.
One-Touch search: Behind the scroll wheel there is a button with a magnifying glass on it. You can program that button to load up a search function such as Yahoo, Google, Finder, Sherlock, or even a custom URL.
The Thumb Forward/Back buttons can be programmed to do various tasks. There are more options available on the Windows menu as compared to the bare listing for Apple machines.
PROBLEMS:
--The BIGGEST problem is that the dang mouse software locked up my MacBook. It is really difficult to do on a Mac so I can only conclude that Logitech thought of Apple as an afterthought. Boo-hiss.
--The above opinion is supported by the second annoyance which is that they didn't include the Apple software on the disk.
--The 'nudge' feature does not work in Open Office (on the Mac) - sigh - although it does work in Adobe. [Note: this feature worked with everything I tried on my Acer.]
--They also could have, for symmetries sake, included another set of programmable buttons on the right hand side of the mouse for lefties.
WINDOWS/INTEL RATING:
Four Stars [B+]. This is a nice sized mouse with some cool features. The software is a little slow installing but partially that was because the installer found an upgrade to download. I would definitely consider buying this mouse for my Acer laptop. The Zoom programmability and other programmable features work in Open Office, MSWord and Adobe and would make my life easier.
MAC RATING:
Two Stars. [D+] The Nano is a nice mouse but it wasn't designed with an Apple user in mind. The software had to be downloaded from the Logitech site and even then the presentation was inferior to that offered for Windows. Some features like Zoom are not available to us -period.
So, although the Nano has some cool, advanced 'programmable' features, I can't say that I'd recommend it to Mac users. That is, unless you are one of those vigilant sorts that can manage to remember not to let your computer go to sleep without turning off the mouse. Otherwise, it is going to trash your kernel. And I can't begin to tell you how annoying that was.
 I like to move it, move it .... September 30, 2007
Amanda Richards (Georgetown, Guyana)
57 out of 90 found this review helpful
Logitech says that their products are designed to move you, and this mouse sure lives up to that promise. Seconds after opening the beautifully packaged box, I was up and running and you can do it too. The instructions tell you everything you need to know, from how to put in the batteries (2 x AAA, included), how to turn it on (power button on the bottom), and where to insert the Nano receiver (USB port). For more features, Windows users can install the software included, and Mac users can go get the download.
Installation takes quite a few minutes, but once that's over, your mouse gets super powers, and can scroll from side to side (perfect for those extra wide pages), help you search the internet with the push of a button, and also navigate backwards and forwards between internet pages. How cool is that?
Here's all the OTHER good stuff about the VX Nano:
1. It's cordless
2. It's compact and cute, and oh so ergonomic (at least for small hands)
3. The MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel (fancy name for the wheel thing between the buttons that you scroll with) has two modes: Hyper-Fast, for when you need to scroll down long documents at warp speed, and Ratchet, for when you don't have a long, long way to run. You switch between them by simply pressing down on the wheel. (Tilting the same wheel left or right gives you the side by side scrolling once you've installed the software)
4. There's a LED light to tell you when your batteries need changing
5. There's a compartment at the bottom of the mouse to store the Nano-receiver securely. Alternately, you can just leave the little thing attached to your notebook USB port.
6. The package includes a nice Logitech zippered case to keep your mouse snug as a bug in a rug.
7. You can use it on your desktop machine too. It comes with an "extension cord" that you plug into the USB port of your CPU, and insert the Nano-receiver into the little gizmo at the other end, and you're all set. I didn't even have to evict the regular mouse that was already living on my mouse pad.
Believe me, after you've gone Nano you'll never want to go back to cords again.
I Like To Move It Move It
I Like To Move It Move It
I Like To Move It Move It
You'll Like To (MOVE IT!)
Amanda Richards, September 30, 2007
Not enough superlatives! (One problem with a MacBook) September 23, 2007
Debbie Lee Wesselmann (the Lehigh Valley, PA)
38 out of 50 found this review helpful
If you've ever had to replace your computer mouse, then you know that Logitech covers a wide range of the market, from wireless to corded, from tiny to ergonomic, from no-frills to bells-and-whistles. The VX Nano Cordless was designed specifically for use with laptops, although it can be used on desktops.
The "Nano" refers not to the size of the mouse (it is *not* one of those ultra-portable mini mice) but of the wireless USB transmitter. When plugged in, the transmitter extends a mere 1/4 inch; you can leave it attached, slip your notebook into your case, and carry it away without worrying about snapping it off. If you choose not to leave it attached, the mouse itself has a storage compartment underneath that locks in place so you don't lose it. The mouse itself is 3 3/4 inches long, with contoured, rubberized sides for a comfortable grip. The mouse might prove to be too small for large hands, although most people won't want anything larger for their laptops. It beats the mini mouse I have and rarely use.
The tracking sensitivity of the mouse is excellent, and the scrolling feature is lightning quick. Although you can plug in the Nano and start using it right out of the box, you need to download the installation software to take advantage of the more advanced features such as internet search (really cool!) and browser back/forward at a touch. (Mac users have to download the appropriate installation software at the Logitech site, while Windows users can use the enclosed CD.)
The VX Nano comes with two AAA batteries, a soft case, a Windows installation CD, and an adapter for desktop use. The adapter is primarily for computers that do not have a USB connector at desk level; it consists of a USB connector at the end of a cord, with a port for the transmitter. The port is lightweight and can be easily skewed by accident, but its flat bottom keeps it from tipping over. I have an older Mac desktop, with a low-speed USB port on the keyboard, and I was able to plug the transmitter directly into the keyboard to use the mouse.
This device works as well on my MacBook as it does on a Windows laptop. Going online to download the Mac driver doesn't take any longer than it does to slip a CD into the drive and install from there. The only flaw I discovered occurred when I opened the back of the mouse while the transmitter was still plugged into my laptop's USB port, which turned off the mouse power; my laptop displayed a message that it needed to be rebooted, and the screen was completely frozen, disabling the normal restart/shut down menus. I learned quickly that I had to remove the transmitter *before* opening the storage/battery door.
I own two other Logitech mice, but this is by far my favorite. However, no-nonsense laptop users who plan to navigate documents only might find this mouse too pricey. I, however, have already packed mine in my laptop case, where it will travel from home to work and back again.
 BE CAREFUL!!! RECEIVER GOT STUCK IN USB PORT!!! February 8, 2008
Jonathan (NY)
26 out of 35 found this review helpful
This would have been a great mouse for me, except for one MAJOR problem.
The VX Nano's receiver got STUCK in my computer's USB port. Some USB ports have prongs that angle outwards on the left and right side on the inside of the port in order to keep devices snug. Logitech was not so smart in that they put holes on the sides of the receiver's jack that line up with the inward facing prongs. So when you put the receiver into USBs that are designed like this, they go in, but will not come out, because the holes on the left and right of the receiver catch the inward-facing prongs.
I know this, because I finally had to use pliers to pull the receiver out and when I did, the prongs in my USB ports were facing the other direction - one even broke off. Luckily the USB port still works, but the receiver snapped off the metal USB piece. The receiver is now separated from its USB connector Sending this thing back to Amazon. So frustrated.
CHECK YOUR USB PORT BEFORE YOU PUT THE RECEIVER IN - MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY PRONGS ON THE LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE THAT MIGHT LOCK YOUR RECEIVER INTO YOUR USB PORT!!!!
The Logitech VX Nano - *Almost* Perfect Laptop Mouse; Best For Those With Small Hands October 12, 2007
Mark (East Coast)
22 out of 23 found this review helpful
The Logitech VX Nano Laser Mouse is a very good product that fills a big need for mice: a powerful and convenient wireless mouse for mobile use. You can use this mouse for your desktop, but it's really ideal for your laptop on the go. Sure you can take any mouse with your laptop, but the short receiver, small size and included travel case make this mouse extra portable.
Over the past year of using this mouse, I have come to further appreciate its good features as well as become more aware of its short-comings. This is still one of the better laptop mice you can get, but the size means it will be more ideal for women and smaller children than for men. After using it for hours at a time, I have found that even though I have small hands for a man it's just not as comfortable as some of the larger models.
PROS:
+ The tiny receiver works great! Leave it in your USB port or store it in your mouse!
+ Great optical mouse lets you use it anywhere; no mouse-pads!
+ The side grips have a nice dimpled texture for moving your mouse in comfort
+ The included buttons (L-click, R-click, forward, back, slow) are just enough for most users
+ The buttons can be reprogrammed, though only the *slow* button behind the scroll is worth possibly changing
+ The LED light on top alerts you to a weak battery and when turned on or off
+ The premium scroll wheel switches from normal to turbo with a quick press; can be used to "click" or "hyper-scroll" for normal to superfast scrolling
+ Nice convenient storage compartment for USB receiver inside the mouse
+ Convenient On / Off button for conserving battery power when not in use
+ The AAA batteries are convenient and will last a few months between replacements
+ Great comfort for those with small hands, like women and teens
+ The mouse works for right and left handers; lefties need to click the forward / back buttons with their ring finger or pinkie
CONS:
- The size of the mouse will be too small for extended use by those with medium sized or larger hands, including most men; might be OK for short stints, but over time it becomes tiresome
- The forward / back buttons are placed in a strange location on the top but still off to the side; this actually is more comfortable with the left hand than the right hand
- Logitech's Setpoint software is often the source of complaints, though it has improved with updates over the past year
- The lack of extra function keys limits this mouse from power users
- The list price is in the ball-park, but not a great value
INSTALLATION AND SET UP
This mouse generally works upon plugging it in. The software that comes with it allows you to customize the buttons, but for this mouse I didn't have a need to do that. Only the center button behind the scroll wheel is worth customizing. By default it's set to *slow scroll* mode where you move your mouse to control the direction and speed of scrolling. The rest of the buttons are standard and probably don't need to be changed.
FEATURES
This mouse is sleek and fits nicely in your hand. It's got all the standard buttons, and the scroll button is head over heels above all others. The extra *forward* and *back* buttons are now basically standard requirements.
The VX Nano uses 2 AAA batteries, which means no you can use regular or rechargeable batteries and can replace them when they fail. I burned through my first set after about 3 months of usage. I have found since then that I sometimes need to change batteries every month. Sometimes I can get about 2 months out of a set with light usage.
Even when your batteries are dying, you can squeeze out some more time by switching the batteries or turning the mouse off and on again. Turn it off when it's not in use to preserve power. The power button is on the underside of the unit. The mouse also comes equipped with a slot to store the USB plug on the bottom.
In fact, the best feature of this mouse is that USB plug, which is almost flush with the back of my computer when plugged in. Most other wireless mice have plugs that stick out 1-2 inches. This receiver only sticks out about a quarter of an inch. This is the first wireless mouse plug I don't have to worry about forgetting in my laptop. I just toggle it on and off on the bottom and go!
Unfortunately, the forward / backward side keys are in a weird spot, particularly when using this right-handed. You have to move your pointer finger over in such a way as to be uncomfortable. Left-handers can click the forward / back buttons with their ring finger or pinkie, which is much more comfortable. You can even use your middle finger if you are *left-clicking* with it, which is the same as *right-clicking* with your right hand. So if you are ambidextrous, it's better to use this left-handed.
I found the placement of those buttons to be less than ideal when using either hand. They are so small that it's difficult to find them, and after not using them much it's easy to forget they are even there when you need them. They do work a little better left-handed, but in general I wish they were bigger and not so far off to the side.
CONCLUSION
This is a very good mouse that is great for mobile computing. The discrete USB plug makes it convenient for laptop users on the go. The small size means that over time those with medium or large sized hands will want to step up to a larger version. Some may decide that the nano-receiver is not worth the smaller mouse and choose the Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse or the Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse instead. Logitech has been adding to their lineup of mice that use the smaller mini USB receiver. That includes the Logitech V450 Nano Cordless Mouse- Black and the Logitech V550 Cordless Laser Mouse, among others. So unlike at the time I got the VX Nano, you do have other options.
Enjoy!
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