So I had an extra $50 that Amazon gave me for buying an HD DVD player and was interested in getting a new mouse for my computer. For my day-to-day computing needs, I’m a laptop user all the way (and have been since 2001) but still prefer a mouse attached over a touchpad. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t help but try out Logitech’s VX Nano cordless mouse.
Just like it looks in the picture above, the USB adapter is small enough that you can plug it in once and just leave it plugged in even when you pack up your laptop. I should say, though, that it does stick out ever so slightly. So if your laptop bag is a bit of a tight fit (mine is), then you might need to be careful when taking it out so that the adapter doesn’t get snagged on anything.
But that’s a small price to pay for the added convenience. Otherwise, the mouse itself is great. It’s small but not too small. (I think its shape works well.) It has a few extra buttons that can be customized via the software it comes with. Speaking of which, the software isn’t too bloated. It installs quickly and is fairly straightforward and easy to use.
The sensitivity/precision is very good (much better than my previous mouse) and is easily customizable. Even the scroll wheel speed/sensitivity can be adjusted. And the mouse comes with batteries and a nice little carrying case. (I’m always a fan of products that are prepackaged with obvious things I would use.)
I only have one minor quibble. The scroll wheel doesn’t work as a middle button. For years now I’ve been used to pressing down the scroll wheel of most any mouse and having that work as a middle button. (Its most popular use for me is in Firefox as a “open in new tab” click rather than the left click “open in existing tab” or the right click “show me a menu.” I like having all three options with three buttons.)
But there is a workaround. What’s interesting is that the scroll wheel is actually two more buttons. If you push it to the left, it clicks. Or if you push it the right, it clicks. This is instead of pushing it down as a click. So I customized both of these clicks as the middle click I’m used to. I guess it’s just a little bit of an adjustment in movement from down click to side click. And I can see how some might like the added flexibility of having two customizable buttons in the scroll wheel.
In any event, overall I think it’s a great little gadget. I give it a 9/10.
Related Link: Logitech VX Nano Mouse
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Just for anyone that doesn’t know the reason the scroll wheel doesn’t work as a middle button is that it is used to change from normal scrolling mode to “near frictionless” so it spins for several seconds with one flick allowing you to scroll long documents quickly.
Thanks, Stewart. I guess I didn’t realize that “middle button” and “near frictionless scrolling” were mutually exclusive. But I’m glad you mentioned the scrolling feature. (I find it useful.) I suppose I’m just a demanding consumer that wants it with my middle button!
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the article! I’m a new vx nano user myself (though the equipment has been out for sometime) and this somehow eluded me.
As a heavy center-button user, the workaround sounds great. However, one question: how do you customize that action? I see the customizations in the logitech program; however, I don’t seem to find which “task” to create for the buttons that would allow it to be used in the same way as a center button.
I’m an IT consultant, so while I’m embarrassed to ask for help on such a “simple” matter, no need to dumb it down.
It’s an old post and I know it’s a long shot, but i’d greatly appreciate any help.
And thanks for the post!
annnnd found it already. My eyes had just skipped over the text for the “Middle Button” task.
More sleep and less coffee are in order.
Thanks anyway!