Credit: Microsoft

Another addition to Microsoft’s updated product line is the company’s Wireless Optical Mouse 3000. According to Microsoft, "The Wireless Optical Mouse lets you personalize your desktop with a selection of several eye-catching colors. Its ergonomic design gives you plenty of comfort, Tilt Wheel Technology provides easy convenience, and longer battery life lets you work without interruption."

As always, Microsoft touts a comfortable ergonomic design with its Tilt Wheel technology for effortlessly scrolling through webpages horizontally and vertically. Two things that really stand out with this mouse is the longer battery life and something called "Smart Receiver". Microsoft now claims to have a three times longer battery life than any of its previous mice, which is certainly a pleasant element to the overall product. The Smart Receiver technology is there to recognize signal interference and help users reduce it. Logitech implemented a 2.4GHz wireless standard to remedy signal interference issues, increase signal strength and distance. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s concept doesn’t appear to be all that viable when compared to Logitech’s recent update.

The suggested retail price for the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 3000 is $44.95.

Initial Thoughts: It’s great to see Microsoft introducing products at such affordable price points. Knowing Microsoft’s history with mice, we doubt ergonomics would propose any serious issues. The longer battery life and Smart Receiver technology simply add to the affectionate features of the company’s newly announced mouse. All in all, Microsoft may just have a solid product in the market. However, we’ll wait until the final performance results before making any recommendations.