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Obviously, the Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is for right-handers only. I'd also say it favours those with small hands, since when holding the mouse in the correct position with my averagely-sized mitts, my fingers extended just a little too much over the edge and the scroll wheel was a tad too far back for ideal comfort. The last ergonomic niggle is that the rear thumb button is not ideally placed, requiring you to move your hand to operate it.

Aside from this there's little to complain about. The sides of the mouse are rubberised for extra grip and comfort, and there is a huge side indent that should cradle thumbs of all shapes and sizes. There is no support for the little finger, but this is a personal preference and besides, it's something all Microsoft mice have in common.

The main left and right buttons give a solid and audible click response. The four-way scroll wheel is broad and coated in soft transparent rubber, and although it's physically notched, the scrolling is not, which automatically puts it at odds with the serious gaming community. Nor is its wheel the only aspect that gamers will frown upon: while fine for everyday use, the mouse did display occasional lag, and since it doesn't use 2.4GHz radio, wireless range is also limited to around a metre.

As far as surfaces are concerned, the Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 doesn't get along with cloth pads as the narrower base can dig into the soft surface, but on hard plastic or a desk it's smooth as silk. Microsoft's IntelliPoint software is as good as ever, with one of the handiest features being the Magnifier. Activated by pressing the forward thumb button, this zooms most things on your desktop to a preset level, for example making small text instantly larger and therefore more readable.

Overall then, is this the mouse for you? At £44, it's not exactly the cheapest rodent around, but avoiding RSI is definitely worth it, and the science behind the Natural 6000's ergonomics appears sound in theory. After a short period of usage the mouse becomes quite comfortable, and if you are already experiencing wrist problems this mouse may alleviate them. On the other hand, sensible breaks and good working practice can also prevent or ease RSI, and considering the mouse's limitations, niggles and unsuitability to gaming, it's certainly not for everyone.

Verdict

Mediocre in everything but ergonomics to other recent Microsoft mice, the company's Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is not for everyone. But for those who work with their PC for many hours a day, its unusual shape may save their wrists from pain.

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