HP Wireless Mouse X4000

The HP Wireless Mouse X4000 ($26.99 list) brings some color and style to the Wireless X4000 model line, with HP's "Expressions Collection" adding some flair to an otherwise standard wireless mouse. For the user looking for wireless functionality, long battery life, and a splash of color, the HP Wireless Mouse X4000 may be just the accessory.

Design
While the X4000 originally came in either staid black or boring blue, HP has recently revamped the line with the "Expressions Collection," a selection of designer models, each featuring bright-colored graphics across the top of the mouse. The designs each have catchy names: Heavy Metal, Scrap Metal, CowaBunga, Poppy, Cupcake, Zebra Fade, Color Patch and Stashe. Our own review model has the CowaBunga design. It's similar in many respects to the Studio Series Artist Edition of the Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 Studio Series Artist Edition ($29.99 direct, 3.5 stars).

The X4000 is a wireless mouse with an ambidextrous design. Instead of a thumb-rest style groove on either side, the X4000 instead has an overhang that lets the mouse button surfaces extend over the tip of the thumb. Rubberized texturing along the back and sides of the mouse make for a comfortable grip. The mouse measures 1.5 by 2.6 by 4.2 inches (HWD), which felt a bit small in my hands, but was comfortable enough in day to day use. The mouse weighs only 4.2 ounces?a tad heavier/lighter than the 6.1 ounce HP Wi-Fi Touch Mouse X7000 ($59.99 list, 3 stars) but on par with most other wireless mice.

Features and Performance
The X4000 connects wirelessly via 2.4GHz wireless signal. An HP Link-5 USB dongle plugs into a USB port and functions as the receiver for not only the mouse, but up to four additional HP wireless products. This is similar to the proprietary Logitech Unifying Receiver seen on the Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 ($49.99 direct, 4.5 stars) and Editors' Choice Logitech Couch Mouse M515 ($49.99 direct, 4 stars). Unfortunately, these sorts of multiple device receivers are only compatible with devices of the same brand.

The X4000 is compatible with Windows (Windows 7, Vista, and XP) and has plug and play functionality, with no additional drivers to download. Unfortunately, Mac and Linux users are out of luck. The X4000 powers off of two AA batteries, and HP claims up to 30-months of battery life. Naturally, this claim could not be verified during our short testing period.

In day to day use the HP Wireless Mouse X4000 performed without issues when used on a desktop or mousepad, and even worked well when used on unusual surfaces, ranging from carpeted floors to yellow legal pads. With a laser sensor, the only surfaces that might cause any problem are reflective and transparent surfaces, such as glass or clear plastic.

While the HP Wireless Mouse X4000 may not have the couch-surfer-friendly features of the Logitech Couch Mouse M515, but it does offer a stylish mouse with straightforward functionality for an affordable price. Like the Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 Studio Series Artist Edition, the Expressions Collection of the X4000 is likely enough to appeal to anyone shopping for a mouse under $30.

COMPARISON TABLE
Compare the HP Wireless Mouse X4000 with several other computer mice side by side.

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