This falls into the category of something you might not know you need—until you try it.
Sure, your laptop or netbook has some type of built-in pointing device—a small joystick in the middle of the keyboard or a touchpad below the keys. Some laptops offer a combination of both.
But when I need to do some serious work on the road, I pull out my Targus Wireless Optical Stow-N-Go Laptop Mouse.
You probably wouldn’t use this when you’re sitting in a crowded airport terminal. But I hook up this portable mouse when I set up my “command post” at the hotel to check e-mail and websites, do some writing on the word processor and use other programs. It’s become a travel essential.
This mouse is small and light enough to carry easily, but fits my hand well. The rodent has no tail. It works with a small wireless receiver that plugs into a USB port, so there are no wires to get in the way.
Since the mouse has an optical sensor, you can use it on just about any surface without a pad. It moves smoothly and has a scroll wheel for navigating through web pages.
There’s also an adapter that stores the receiver in the mouse so it doesn’t get lost. The mouse runs on batteries. Be sure and carry spares when you’re traveling or pack a recharger.
The only things I would like to see that it’s lacking are side buttons for going forward and backward.
I’ve used an earlier version of this mouse for several years and it’s been a reliable addition to my travel bag. All I’ve ever had to do is change the batteries. Targus claims a set of batteries will last up to six months, depending on usage. The list price for this pointing device is $31.99.
So you don’t have to give up your mouse when traveling. The Targus Wireless Optical Stow-N-Go Laptop Mouse can make your laptop or netbook a whole lot easier to use on the road.
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