Home > Consumer Reviews > Targus AMU0503US Mini Kaleidoscope Optical Retractable Mouse

It's cool to look at AND functional -- how often does that happen?

It's the size of a credit card, and weights only 2.5 oz (71 grams.)

Things I noticed:

- I simply plugged it into the USB port; Windows found it and it worked instantly and flawlessly!

- The wheel has good grip on it (unlike my last Targus mouse.)

- When it is just sitting there, the 7 colours fade in and out. Now, I was thinking this would be distracting and too bright, but I found that they are actually soft and subtle. It so "Mac" (I have no other way to describe it.)

- In the design traditon of the new Mac products, this mouse is a nice steel grey with a very slick, polished surface that feels nice. The buttons are nice, too.

- The sensitivity seems to be higher/better than my previous mouse. But, I would rather have to turn down the sensitivity than have to turn it up (only to find it's at the max already.)

- As the colours rotate through, they stop rotating when you use the mouse, and resume when you stop.

- The retractable cord-thing WORKS! And quite well. I was worried about it when I purchased it, but I now think it's one of the best features.

If you are looking for a travel mouse, or one that will make other coworkers jealous, this mouse is for you.

Here is a bullet list with my pros and cons for this mouse (with explanations!)

Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing - the colors are changing almost constantly and it really gets the attention of others. It cycles between red, green, blue, and if I remember correctly, purple.
- Small - but not TOO small that you'll lose it somewhere in the clutter of a laptop bag or accidentally sit on it at some point or another. I think this is the perfect size and fits nicely into your hands.
- Retractable USD cord is convenient - when I first got a laptop mouse, I had to wind the cord around the mouse (which is bad because that one stopped functioning when the USB broke off.) With the retractable cord, it's easy storage and eliminates any time when packing it away.
- Plun 'N Play - there are no real drivers to install or any program discs that you need to worry about.
- Sturdy workmanship.

Cons:
- The USB gets tangled - if you accidentally pull a little too hard one way or another, it's liable to tangle and move the little pulley that they use on the line.
- There is no way to open it in case it does stop functioning to "fix" it. But then again, most people (like me) would just get a new mouse in that case anyway.
- Buttons tend to stick a little - especially the left and right mouse buttons. If you get any dirt or grime whatsoever on the mouse, the buttons will get lodged in some way shape or form.
- The mouse pointer can be erratic at times, moving to random corners of the screen. Sometimes, it will oscillate in place when you're not even touching it.
- It lasts just under a year - I bought this particular mouse in May of 2006 and it died on me this past April. It's lasted longer for me than for others, but it still doesn't last as long as I want it to. The first mouse I had lasted me a good 3 1/2 years in college... and that's with an exceptional amount of abuse!

Anyway, to sum up my laundry list: get this mouse if you're looking for something pretty and comfortable. If you're looking for durability, you're taking a gamble with this particular model.

I was a little skeptical when buying this mouse.. I wasnt sure whether or not I would like the colors, or just be really annoyed, but I have to say, its a pretty cool little mouse. The colors are very vibrant (I'm going to post some pictures) but not too bright to where it will distract the user. It is a retractable mouse, and the cord is quite short, so desktop useage will be limited for many people, but its perefect for a laptop if you want something big enough to actually be able to use, but small enough to store easily in a carrying case. The mouse moves pretty fast across the screen without a great deal of movement. Some people like this, some dont. Personally, I like it better than my desktop mouse, which needs a great deal of movement to get it across the screen. Its good for laptop users with limited area to move the mouse. Overall, I would say this is a great mouse to buy, especially for a kid, but adults will enjoy it too.

The title says it all. My second one also died just over a year. But, while I had it, it was like a Christmas tree all year round on my desk.

I am struggling to consider buying another one. shall I buy another?

Works great and is a very comfortable size. The play of colors...beautiful, yet not overpowering. I wanted to add some coolness to my computer area and this Targus mouse exceeded my expectations !