Motor Mouse Mini Cooper

If you follow Dragon’s Den you will have seen or heard of Motor Mouse.  Patti & David Bailey presented Motormouse to the Dragons in the final episode of the 2009 series, which saw James Caan invest in the idea.

The product idea is a wireless computer mouse in the shape of a model/replica car.  Motor Mouse recently sent me this Mini Cooper wireless mouse to test out.

It comes in a presentation box with front flap – it has been designed as a gift.  Inside the box you get the mouse itself along with batteries, USB receiver, mini mouse mat and soft carry pouch.  It immediately strikes you as a very nice gift for someone with a love of the Mini Coopers or just quirky office tech – it’s really nicely presented.

This mouse (and the whole Motor Mouse range) is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, and has the “world’s smallest 2.4G wireless receiver” and so is discrete when plugged in.  The batteries go in the opening boot (nice touch!), the receiver goes in one of your computer’s USB port, and you’re away.

The quality of this product is definitely there.  It’s a really good copy of the modern Mini Cooper (a classic Mini is also available, as well as a London Taxi, and a generic sports car), and seems to be manufactured in good quality plastic which has a high gloss finish.  The tyres are even actual rubber.  The bonnet is split down the middle for your left and right mouse buttons, and there is a “spare wheel” scroller in the centre of the bonnet which doesn’t look out of place (although I don’t see it catching on in the design of the next version of the Mini!).

Here you can see the Motor Mouse alongside my normal mouse – you can see the size is about the same and the proportions are just right.  It’s not too big or cumbersome to use, but the shape means it’s not as ergonomic as a normal mouse for precision work (I have found this is not useful for photo editing, for example).  Having used it for normal computer tasks (including blogging, of course) I have got used to the more angular shape than you’d normally expect from a mouse.

As a mouse to keep with your laptop or netbook this is perfect because it’s wireless and has that handy carry pouch which will prevent it from getting damaged (or losing that tiny receiver if you choose to take it out when not in use!) – and that little mouse mat really does come in handy when you’re sat on the sofa… but I reckon it would also look ok next to your desktop computer at home or at work.  It certainly is a quirky cheerful techy accessory!  There is even a decal sheet that you can purchase to go with this so you can have the iconic union jack or chequerboard roof – or create your own number plate – although I think they should include this with the presentation box as standard.

I have to say, though, that my husband (self-confessed techy geek and car-lover) really doesn’t like this mouse.  He thinks it’s silly and a bit childish.  So it’s not suitable for just anyone – be careful who you buy one for!  Maybe he’d prefer the Marmite one?!  (Yes really!)

This particular Motor Mouse costs £28.08 +VAT (they quote ex-VAT prices online – it adds it at the checkout along with delivery charge once you have selected your country).  Take a look at the Motor Mouse website for the full range.