Meet the PilotMouse Laser Wireless Mini mouse from Kensington.  This is the smaller brother of the equally long-windedly named PilotMouse Laser Wireless Pro mouse featured elsewhere on this site.  As often happens with family member, there are some similarities but also a number of differenced between these two models.

Not surprisingly, with its Mini designation, this smaller model is aimed more at the notebook fraternity especially those who are regularly on the move.  In most cases, any differences between the two wireless mice will be as a result of the mobile aspect of the Mini variety.  However putting differences aside for a moment lets deal first with the similarities.

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Both mice have the same black and blue livery, although the Mini's silver accoutrements are less evident, with ridged rubber side panels.  The same non-visible Laser optical technology is built into both models.  Power is provided by two AA batteries (supplied) although the storage location has moved from the base to the back of the unit.  Kensington estimate you should get twelve month use from a set of batteries.  Connectivity is via a USB receiver and various customisation options are available when using Kensington's MouseWorks software.

This brings us to the various differences between the two models.  Whereas the software is supplied with the larger Pro version of the mouse, those purchasing the Mini variety will need to download the MouseWorks software from www.kensington.com.  Hopefully this is not a trend that will be taken up by other manufacturers who need to supply software with their hardware.

Size, as you would expect with a mouse designed for the mobile user, is a consideration.  The Mini mouse is smaller by approximately 30mm in both length and width plus by around 15mm in height.  While some might find this mouse a little on the small size it should suffice for most users.  There is also a weight reduction in the region of 50g.

Unlike the larger Pro model, this Mini mouse is suitable for both right and left handed users but there has been a reduction in the number of buttons available.  The Mini mouse has just the standard two buttons and wheel arrangement.  In order to help conserve battery power, Kensington has included an on/off switch located on the base of the mouse but this switch feels rather flimsy and is not clearly labelled.  However you do get a groove on the base of the mouse that can be used to house the USB receiver when the unit is in transit.

Overall I was less impressed with the Mini mouse's performance than that achieved by the Pro version.  It coped adequately but I felt more in control when using the Pro mouse.  Pricing has been set at £24.99 for a mouse that will run on Windows 98 and later or Mac OX X.  However to use the downloadable customisation software you will need Windows XP/2000 and Mac OS X v10.2.8.  At the time of writing this mouse is not yet featured on Kensington's website.

http://uk.kensington.com/html/6655.html