Digital Trends

Logitech VX Nano September 2nd, 2007 | by Jason Tomczak

Setup and Use

The VX Nano mouse doesn't require much setup. Once removed from the packaging, there are only two things you need to do - install the batteries (included) and plug the tiny USB receiver into an available USB port on your computer. If your operating system is recent enough (Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Vista, etc. or Mac OS X 10.3.x and higher), the VX Nano mouse will automatically be recognized and will begin to function as a basic mouse. If you want to take advantage of the advanced features of the mouse - the 5 programmable buttons, for example - Logitech includes specific software to control these functions. If you're using a Mac, you'll have to download the Logitech Control Center software (currently version 2.2.2) from the Logitech website. This forced download is a bit of an inconvenience.

Setting up the Windows and Mac software is very easy. Pop the CD into your computer (or download the software from Logitech.com) and follow the simple instructions. Full installation takes less than 1 minute.

Once the software is installed, run the software to configure the custom buttons on the mouse. For example, when I configured my mouse, I set the top "One Touch Search" button to open Google.com when pressed. Not too shabby!

Setup Screen

All the other buttons, including left and right click, can be customized. Most computers will run with two or more mice, so a mouse like the VX Nano could be configured to control a whole host of custom functions, while another mouse - perhaps a second VX Nano - controls normal mousing functions. As a test, I set up the VX Nano right and left click buttons to control my LCD screen brightness. Instead of normal mouse clicking, now the VX Nano controls my screen. There are lots of ways to play around with the VX Nano using the Logitech software.

As far as comfort is concerned, the VX Nano is pretty light, but not in a cheap way. It feels substantial and solid in one's hand, and the plastic housing and accents are properly smooth and grippy where they need to be. The mouse is a bit smaller than the average desktop or wired mouse, and certainly a lot smaller than some pro-level gaming mice.

The scroll wheel is very smooth. Logitech abandonded the clickity-notchity feel of earlier scroll wheels, making the VX Nano scroll wheel feel silky smooth when scrolling back and forth. On occasion, the left-to-right action of the scroll wheel looked jerky and shaky on the screen. For Photoshop, video editing and horizontal web scrolling, this would prove very annoying. It was the only tangible flaw found when testing the VX Nano mouse.


Conclusion:

The VX Nano laser mouse is a great little mouse for all kinds of uses. It's excellent for laptop users who want a wireless mouse but don't want a bulky USB receiver. It works equally well with any desktop computer. With the 2.4GHz wireless technology used, the mouse and receiver do not need to be in direct line of sight - the mouse can be on a desk and the receiver could be under the desk, behind books, etc. This helps simplify your work space.

The VX Nano may also appeal to technical users, thanks to the 848 nanometer laser's accuracy. Casual gamers may like it for basic use, but it really can't be classified as a full-fledged gaming mouse.

While the basic left-click, right-click and scrolling functions of the VX Nano are no different than any other mouse, the laser, 2.4GHz signal and super tiny receiver make it an attractive option, even at $70 USD.


Pros:

• Super small receiver
• Amazing wireless range
• Portable with carry pouch
• Extended battery life

Cons:

• Receiver easy to lose
• Horizontal scroll-wheel action is sloppy