Anyone who regularly uses a cordless notebook mouse will be all too familiar with the chewing-gum-pack sized USB receivers that go with them.

Losing this can make life difficult, and it can't usually be left plugged in when the notebook is on the move. By contrast, the VX Nano’s receiver is minuscule at 7mm long, meaning it can be left in situ once plugged into the USB port.

The Nano is clever in other senses: there’s no need to press a connect button each time the mouse is switched on. In its place there is a power button, which helps to achieve the claimed six months' battery life. How much is remaining can be checked using the supplied software.

The mouse itself has a rubberised feel and its symmetrical design will be welcomed by left-handed users. The trade-off is that it isn’t moulded for anyone's hand, and the unremarkable performance marred an otherwise great product. While tolerable, the glide of the pointer wasn’t as smooth as we would have liked.

On the upside, Logitech includes a soft carrying pouch, and swapping over to a desktop PC is made easier with the included USB extension. As a permanently connected cordless mouse, it is quite impressive and could save time.

Vista compatible: Yes