The MX1000 is a leap ahead of the MX700, in the way a new Porsche replaces the previous models. In it’s time, the MX700 was second to none, but once I got my hands on the MX1000, the MX700 suddenly lost some of its luster. There was no break-in time required, the mouse just fits. I was liking this new rodent already. I decided to bring this new toy straight into the workplace, where it would be used about 8 hours a day, everyday. If there were weaknesses in this mouse, I would find it here.
As picky as we geeks are about our mice, what could possible turn me over so quickly? Let’s begin with the outside of the mouse, with all of the eye candy and new features.
The MX1000, at first glance, does not look much different than the MX700. Both mice share the same fluid design, with a two-tone color scheme. The shape of the MX1000 has been massaged slightly, conforming more to the hand in a natural resting position. The thumb rest has been enlarged, cradling the thumb in a deep groove along the edge of the mouse. The base of the thumb rest is large enough for to entirely support the thumb, an odd feeling at first, but comfortable nonetheless. The opposite side of the mouse follows a smooth curve that fits perfectly under the average user’s hand. A new battery life indicator is nestled between the thumb and forefinger, with three tiny lights showing the remaining charge of the mouse’s batteries. This seemingly minor feature is actually a significant improvement over the MX700. Knowing how much life is left in the mouse can mean the difference between death and victory when gaming.
The main left and right buttons are huge, actually being part of the colored insert on the top of the mouse. Pressing anywhere on the surface, from the tip of the mouse to about 2” down the insert will do. The buttons are light to the touch but not overly sensitive like the old Razor Boomslang.
The mouse wheel now allows side scrolling, a nice option but one that I don’t use very often. User with 14” monitors will probably rejoice, though. The wheel has a nice rubber feel, and gives a firm click as it is scrolled. Flanking the scroll wheel are cruise up and cruise down buttons (auto scrolling).
The final three buttons are tucked into the thumb rest. Two browser buttons, forward and back, and an application switch button, round out the total of eight buttons on this mouse.
Overall, most of the buttons are placed well, and are easily reached without moving the hand from the mouse. I had some trouble reaching the thumb buttons, namely the forward and application switch, although it could be just the way I tend to hold the mouse. My hands are not small, mind you. You know what they say about guys with small hands. He can’t reach all the buttons on the mouse. Right.
Ergonomically, the MX1000 is better than the already superb MX700, and light years ahead of the thousands of generic mice that flood the shelves of any computer outlet.
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