Targus Ultra Mini-Mouse Review
Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Laptop Mouse - Meh, But Cute Factor
Too tiny for the human hand, this laptop mouse is a product to file under "great idea, lousy execution".
Seems like a natural idea - make a tiny laser mouse for business travel. The Targus "mini mouse" is cute and has a fluid design. It's ergonomically shaped, has a retractable cord that gets out of the way and comes in a small drawstring bag. The mouse slides easily into carry-on bags and briefcases. It's even won an Editor's Choice award from Laptop Mobile Solutions.
A great idea for a mouse...if your hand is the SIZE of a mouse. It's hard to get comfortable with this laptop device. Upon rigorous field testing, the Targus mini mouse is even too tiny for small female hands, much less large manly meathooks, if you have them.
Dimensions are 3" x 1.4" x ).9" and weighs 1.5 oz. It's cute, but a normal sized mouse can travel in a carry-on for little more space and weight, at the same price point.
The retractable cord also gets tangled - frequently. It's necessary to fuss with the cord to 1. get the cord length correct for use, and 2. for pulling back in to the housing. Sometimes it won't retract at all and just makes a big mess of itself.
Anything good here? Has a scroll wheel, of all things - an amazing feature on a mouse of this size. Kudos on the optical sensor design, of course - no one wants a roller mouse anymore. Great dual button action. USB port for plug and play action is convenient.
The mouse admittedly fits in nicely on tiny airline tray table tops. So this is a useful product for frequent plane, train and bus commuters - people who really need to fit a mouse into small spaces.
There are other small "mice" for traveling, but this one is the best since it's at a good price (around $30-40) and has the buttons expected on a modern, normal-sized mouse (for right and left clicking). Other small mice can't even come close to Targus version.
If space is so tight that a mini-mouse is the next best choice to going mouse free on a trip (the horror!), then the Targus really does rule its niche.
Recommendation for Business Travelers - You probably won't really use this mouse, since it's rather uncomfortably awkward to wrap your hand around it. Buy a second mouse of your preferred brand and size; keep in your laptop travel bag - that should be plenty. Pick up the Targus if space or weight really is super tight. Would make a cute gift. Also might be nice for children's smaller hands.
