The SM-9000 was tested against a couple of mice (one of a similar type and the other of a similar value) and on three different surfaces - specifically the and the Microsoft Laser Mouse 8000 and RedMouseR Two. I also used both the Ozone TRACE mousepad, a Boogiebug soft mousepad and my own desk (wood laminate) for testing.

First things first - the nano receiver was plugged into the PC and I waited a short while as it installed. This was a painless procedure and the mouse worked first time. Operating distance is certainly more than useable - I could not get it to break signal even when a great distance from the PC. The claim of a 6-10m range seems more than acceptable.



In my opinion this mouse doesn't seem specifically designed as a wholehearted desktop mouse. It's size is far more suited to mobile applications where the ability to use it in a compact space and fit it into your laptop bag is paramount. That said it's certainly not uncomfortable to use and is fine for me despite my fairly large hands. Indeed, I actually took it to work for some extended testing over the past week and with around 6 hrs use per working day has posed no fatigue or strain issues.

Usage in general is actually quite pleasant and for a laser mouse it actually feels quite 'optical mouse' like. It tracks smoothly and accurately and I've yet to confuse it during quick sweeps... even on 'wood effect' laminate desk tops.

Be it office usage or gaming the SM-9000 does a great job. Only during intense action in games where large, fast but pin point action is required (COD4) does the Nexus' compact size become a bit of an issue. It's not a deal breaker at all though - just something that a slightly larger mouse would cope better with.

The SM-9000 really is a great little mouse but there are of course parts I could see a potential improvement in. The first is that the nano receiver is a tad awkward to remove. It's not that there's resistance simply that the receiver is difficult to get a purchase of. The next and only remaining issue in my eyes is the distinct lack of forward and back buttons. These in my mind aren't far off the importance of the main left/right buttons and scroll wheel - these buttons are the life blood of web surfing and their absence is a bit of a disappointment. The sheer number of times I went to use them and found nothing actually surprised me.