WHAT’S INSIDE

Not much to this mouse. With the BT500+ is a CD (with utilities for non-XP/OSX users), a quick setup guide, a small black bag (not pictured), and a USB charging cable (Figure 1). The bag is called a "nonwoven fabric pouch", has a pull-string, and is approximately the same size of the mouse itself.

(all images link to higher resolution)

Figure 1: The Utility CD, quick setup guide, and the USB charger.

As for the mouse, it currently comes in one color.  White. There are a total of three buttons (left, right, wheel), and a unique looking split scroll wheel. Rather, the wheel itself isn’t split, per se, but it has a clear middle area through which you can ascertain the charging and/or pairing status of the unit (Figure 2). The buttons have a nice, solid "click" to them, and have about the same "feel" as my current Logitech MX1000.
Figure 2: Top shot of the BT500+.
From the bottom of the unit, you’ll see four small nubs (one of which I’ve already had to adjust back into its slot), the pairing button, the On/Off switch, and the optical opening (Figure 3). The BT500+ rates in at 800 dpi, which, coincidentally is also the dpi of my MX1000. While the accuracy gave my little problems (unless I had left the area for a bit and had to allow the mouse to reconnect), the On/Off switch was almost too small to get my large fingers connected with.

Figure 3: The bottom of the BT500+.

POWER UP

Popping off the top lid, we can see where the rechargeable AAA batteries reside (Figure 4). With moderate use, the battery life was more than acceptable – especially considering that it is a Bluetooth mouse.
Figure 4: The battery port.
The recharge port of the BT500+ is found on the nose of the mouse (Figure 5). Yes, it does look like a mini-headphone jack, and no, you won’t hear any squeaking if you plug a pair of headphones into it.
Figure 5: Close up of the charging port.
Thankfully, you can still use the mouse if it is plugged into the USB power. It doesn’t disable the Bluetooth and turn it into a standard USB mouse – so you still won’t be able to use it on your commercial plane flight. When charging, the mouse glows red, and green when fully charged.
Figure 6: The BT500+ charging via USB.

ITTY BITTY

Compared to a standard wired mouse (which I normally carry on long trips), the BT500+ is noticeably smaller. Almost too small, however, for my huge hands to use for extended periods of time (Figure 7). I did find myself taking more breaks from using the mouse with the BT500+ than with a "normal" sized mouse.
Figure 7: The BT500+ compared to a Logitech wired mouse.

PURCHASING

You can purchase Bluetake’s BT500+ directly from their store for $49.95.

PROS

• Great battery life
• 800 dpi
• Easily pocketable

CONS

• A little on the small side (for my hands)

OVERALL
IMPRESSION

So, has the BT500+ earned a place in my gear bag? Matter of fact, it has. Simply for the reason that it takes up so much less space than any other mouse I own. Would I use it on a daily basis? Probably not. My hands are just a little too big for that. An excellent mouse, especially if you already have a Bluetooth enabled laptop or computer – and certainly better than your average laptop point device. Taking all things into account, we give Bluetake’s BT500+ Bluetooth mouse the following score:


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