SysOpt > Features > Networking & Peripherals > The Dynamic Duo: Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and 7000 Review

The Dynamic Duo: Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and 7000 Review- Page 4/4
May 5, 2008
By Peter Jozefowicz

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and 7000 follow very similar design philosophies, and these are priced similarly as well. The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 runs approximately $50, while the 7000 is $20 more expensive at around $70. You do get something for the money, as the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 is larger than the 6000 and it sports a dedicated charger. On the other hand, the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is able to handle double-duty on both the desktop and notebook, but you do have to make sure you have a spare set of batteries around.

Choosing between the two Microsoft mice may come down to your overall usage patterns. For pure desktop use, we recommend the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000. Having a charging dock is worth the $20 extra, and it is very convenient to dock the mouse, and have it charge whenever you're not using it. You don't have to worry about constantly changing batteries, or having them die on you. The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is still a very nice mouse, especially for those who require a dual-function mouse, and Microsoft claims an average of 6 months of battery life for a set of AA batteries. The unit's flexibility does come at a cost, as there are superior mice designed specifically for notebooks, like the Logitech Nano.

So, is the $20 price difference justified? We believe it is. The Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 mouse is lot more convenient when it comes to managing battery life, and does extremely well in its native desktop environment. Because of that, the 7000 is simply a better everyday mouse, but those who flip between desktop and notebook environments will appreciate the two-mice-for-the-price-of-one design of the 6000. Both models are competitively priced, and you really can't go wrong with either one.

Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 v2.0 Pros:

• Very comfortable
• Easy to set-up
• 2.4 GHz Wireless RF
• Stable wireless connection
• Very smooth scroll wheel

Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 v2.0 Cons:

• AA batteries, have to replace them
• No charging dock
• Mouse feet not smooth on surfaces like wood

Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 Pros:

• Charging dock
• AAA rechargeable battery
• 2.4 GHz Wireless RF
• Stable wireless connection
• Very smooth scroll wheel

Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 Cons:

• Higher Price
• Mouse feet not smooth on surfaces like wood

The Verdict: Microsoft has released two very similar mice, but while the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 is a mainstream desktop model, the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 offers the flexibility of notebook-desktop usage.

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