We would forgive you for thinking that you've got a sense of déjà-vu when clicking to read this review, for Microsoft has launched a number of mice with the Laser 6000 tag over the last 3 years.
First there was the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, then there was the Microsoft Wireless Natural Laser Mouse 6000 and now the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (v2).
The bastard child of the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000, the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 offers virtually all the same features without the rechargeable option.
The Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (catchy isn't it?) comes in grey rather than black, but is still a right-handed mouse with a low profile, a number of buttons that are all customisable and of course a four-way scroll wheel in the centre.
Lightweight, the top half of the design is identical to the Laser 7000, it's only when you turn it over do you see that rather than pack in the recharging slot, Microsoft has opted to allow you to store the 2.4GHz USB dongle into its underbelly.
The design is a very different sculpting to Logitech's MX Revolution offering priced also around the £50 and will no doubt suit some but not others. Personally compared to my Logitech MX revolution it was a little on the flat side with my two furthest right fingers trailing off the mouse rather than cupping it like a ball.
Set-up without the use of software is as easy as plugging it in. You can use the Laser 6000 on both Mac and PC without the software if you can't be bothered, however using it with the software will give you extra features and more control.
Those extra features boil down to two main elements and include being able to access Vista's Flip 3D feature or Expose on the Mac with the press of a button, or the ability to magnify the screen when needed. The PC version allows you to hone in on a part of the screen while the Mac offering just lets you zoom into the whole screen (you can do this with any Mac by holding Ctrl and scrolling your mouse wheel). Alternatively you can opt to have the five buttons programmed to do what you want.
Our quick take
In use and the software and mouse performs well with a good level of sensitivity (it can be turned down if is too sensitive) and comfort, however unless you are planning on using this to travel with you will miss the rechargeable option over the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 offering.
As to whether we prefer it against the equally priced MX Revolution from Logitech? Not really. Like the Laser 7000, the scroll wheel never seemed to give us enough scroll and the additional tog wheel and search button as found on the Revolution were surprisingly missed.
The Microsoft Laser 6000 is a good mouse that performs well, its just there are better and more feature-packed offerings on the market for the same price, including from Microsoft itself.
Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 v2 - 3.5 / 5
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To recap
The Microsoft Laser 6000 is a good mouse that performs well, it’s just there are better and more feature-packed offerings on the market for the same price