After using a wired Logitech G5 gaming mouse for a while, and never trying a wireless mouse, let alone a Microsoft one, using these two mice for the first time changed my harsh opinion on wireless mice. The Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 v2.0 and Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 share the same basic design, with the 6000 sporting a silver upper shell with black base, while the jet-black 7000 goes for a more chrome accent look.

The main difference between the two comes down to end usage, as the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 is set up for desktop systems, while the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is a bit smaller and is designed for both desktop and notebook users. The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and 7000 both use High Definition Laser Technology (1000 DPI) on a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency (30 foot range), and even include the same driver bundle. Many of the other basic features are similar, and the two Microsoft mice definitely share a common lineage.

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and 7000 share an ergonomic design, complete with soft-touch outer shell and buttons, designed to give a "natural" feel to the mouse. Both offer a Windows Flip 3D Key function, which displays a 3D view of all open windows, a Magnifier that allows enlarge and edit detail features through a point-and-click interface, and a 4-way scroll wheel. These are both five-button + scroll wheel configurations, with customization available through the Microsoft IntelliPoint drivers. At the top of the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and 7000 is a battery life indicator, which is an LED that glows green when powered and red when the battery is running low.

By now, you might be wondering if Microsoft simply changed the colors and released two different models. But there are some differences, and these relate to how the two mice are positioned in the marketplace. The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is a bit thinner at 4.87" x 2.75", compared to 4.77" x 3.23" for the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000. While both include a USB mini-receiver, the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 can snap this into its base, for easy transport.

The most glaring distinction between the two models is the battery type, with the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 running on 2x AA batteries, while the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 is a rechargeable unit that runs on a single AAA 1000mAh NiMh battery. This is a great feature, since you can replace it easily, and it can use a standard AAA battery in a crunch. The 7000 also includes a low-profile charger, which doesn't take a lot of space, but does have a mouse-sized horizontal footprint. The on/off functions also differ, with the 6000 turning off once the USB receiver is snapped in, while the 7000 has a more conventional on/off switch.