Digital Trends

Logitech V550 Nano September 3rd, 2008 | by Nick Mokey

Build Quality

We’ve consistently been impressed with the quality and feel of Logitech’s hardware, and the V550 Nano is no exception. After installing two AA batteries, the mouse takes on a solid, hefty feel, with smooth plastic components that fit together nearly seamlessly. In its clicking mode, the mouse wheel delivers firm detents, and in its free-spinning mode, it zips around like it’s on a well-oiled bearing. Unless you built this thing out of solid steel, you couldn’t ask for a much more solid-feeling device.

If you’re a little worried about sliding such a relatively heavy piece of hardware onto a button that’s essentially glued onto your notebook lid, don’t be. The 3M adhesive Logitech uses to attach the button has some serious grip. We found we could lift the weight an entire three-pound laptop by clinging to the nub alone, and the mouse grabs onto it firmly with a satisfying click - it’s not going anywhere.

Software

Although the V550 doesn’t actually require any drivers to use its most basic features, users can unlock a host of features and customizability by installing Logitech SetPoint, a small, unobtrusive software package. The number of sheer options it offers might be overkill for average users, but the clean look and intuitive design make it so easy to play with that everyone from hardcore gamers to moms should be able to find their ideal setups.

Accessories

We probably would have scoffed at the idea of “accessories” for a mouse before we pried open the Nano’s bubble packaging and found a number of useful extras hiding inside. The most practical was a cradle-shaped USB extension that lies flat on a desktop and makes it easy to use the V550 with a desktop computer without crawling under a desk: just pop the receiver in when you sit down. And if you decide not to use it for its intended purpose, it’s always handy for flash drives and other commonly disconnected USB accessories, too. That’s just plain thoughtful. 

We also appreciated having clips in silver and black to match different notebooks, alcohol wipes to prep the lid before attaching them, and a special twisting tool for removing clips from your notebook without damaging the surface.

Conclusion

If the idea of mating your mouse with your notebook every time you carry it somewhere really seems like a handy feature, the V550 won’t fail to disappoint. Just keep in mind that notebook bags may get in the way and prevent you from using the feature as much as you had imagined. While the Nano’s price of $59.99 may seem high, especially for a notebook mouse, Logitech has loaded this mouse up with features to justify it. Throw in some useful accessories and superior build quality, and we would definitely call it a fair.

Pros:

• Sturdy clip and mouse quality make the V550 feel solid, safely attached
• Scrolls fast, slow, and sideways
• SetPoint software is a breeze to use

Cons:
 
• Hyper-scrolling makes it impossible to use the scroll wheel as a button
• Certain notebook bags will render the docking feature more or less useless