BenQ M800 - mouse

'''The BenQ M800 Mouse''' is an outstanding combination of style and quality marketed at a reasonable price.

This review covers the major aspects of the mouse including extra functions, laser quality, mobility and clicks, design and service length.

The mouse came in a pretty box with an USB cable, a PS/2 adapter, installation CD and manual.

I'm a very picky person and checked out mice in four different ...
...surface, the brand name letters BenQ disappear after a while due to sweat, and friction pads on the bottom are a subject to strolling away and getting lost. However, '''none''' of these '''reduce''' the mouse's '''functionality''' or elegance. During its service, my mouse would fall from the desk, and hang in the air with the wire tugged into a sharp corner. Unlike some mice, this one is '''wired properly''' and will ignore unconscious attempts to ... more

The BenQ M800 Mouse is an outstanding combination of style and quality marketed at a reasonable price.

This review covers the major aspects of the mouse including extra functions, laser quality, mobility and clicks, design and service length.

The mouse came in a pretty box with an USB cable, a PS/2 adapter, installation CD and manual.

I'm a very picky person and checked out mice in four different IT chains before buying this one. Because I'm a desktop PC owner, the fact that it is wired was a plus (it meant no recharging). Laptop owners might find this a restraint.

LED

Its major advantage is the LED light that can be selected out of three colours: red, green and blue. The colours are functionable, for the mouse can be programmed to flash a different light at a specified rate when you get a new email, receive a message on MSN or ICQ. Therefore if you have a full-screen application running, the mouse can notify you of something promptly. Messenger applications are configured for you automatically, so all there's needed is to install the driver. Though, configuring email notifications may turn out as a problem if you don't read the manual (available both as a booklet and a CD copy). Also, a detail for people with older machines: if connected via the PS/2 adapter, it suffers from a common fault that keeps the LED on even if you turn off the computer. Switching off the power supply fixes it.

Laser

When it comes to the laser itself, the quality is satisfying. It is capable of not getting confused on low quality mouse pads and most surfaces. It works when lifted half an inch off a surface (for those that move their hardware with excessive energy). Though, you should not expect it to work properly on glass. One more thing worth mentioning is that the laser is no cheap toy in this mouse. Having bought a few failures that had extremely sensitive lasers refusing to work with the tiniest speck of dust on the optical gadget, I was relieved to see this one works flawlessly without a single cleaning operation for nearly four years.

Buttons

I am particularly content with its buttons. Pushing them is effortless, even if you press on a far edge of the button, and makes a wonderful silent sound that does not irritate the ear. The scroll wheel deserves attention, too. It's made of a material that lets it stay clean even if you forgot to wash your hands a few times (some mice tend to consume particles that later make them useless).

Design

This is where the mouse really shows its perks. The device is comfortable to hold and easy to work with. I have received positive feedback from acquaintances with short and thick as well as long and thin fingers. This is mostly due to its size and shape, selected so your palm does not feel tension. The tiny stripes on the sides serve as excellent amusement for the fingers while you wait for something to load. Finally, it just looks good! A futuristic ergonomic shape makes it suitable for both men and women.

Lifespan

Long-term (over three years) usage brings the following signs of wear and tear: the wire gets smudged if continuously put on an unclean surface, the brand name letters BenQ disappear after a while due to sweat, and friction pads on the bottom are a subject to strolling away and getting lost. However, none of these reduce the mouse's functionality or elegance. During its service, my mouse would fall from the desk, and hang in the air with the wire tugged into a sharp corner. Unlike some mice, this one is wired properly and will ignore unconscious attempts to damage it. You shouldn't forget that it's not made of metal, and does not do well if you test it with a hammer or lighter.

Verdict

This mouse has a list of pros to make it a worthy investment for both an experienced user and a novice, even though the first is more prone to employing all of its capabilities. LED notifications, easy clicking and comfortable appealing design make it a nice addition to one's hardware, technically and aesthetically. It is bound to serve you a very long time. If you are looking for a mouse that will survive a busy day every day, buy it fast. 

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