Ladybug

The GM-W9C is the latest model in Gigabyte's line of RF wireless mice and it comes in three colors, leather black, leather red and pearl white. The mouse we received was the leather red model. The color finish seems to be sprayed on, giving the mouse a smooth, velvety touch. However, this makes the mouse more susceptible to scratches and color wear. Similar to the GM-W6C mouse reviewed earlier, it is designed for portability to fit the needs of people on the go. The mouse is of the standard three-button variety with a middle scroll wheel.

Side view of the GM-W9C. Stylish curves and large oval 'gem' design in the middle makes the mouse look like a fashion accessory.

Underbelly of the mouse. RF connect button also acts as power off/suspend button.

Both the optical sensor and RF transmitter are powered by two pieces of AAA batteries. Gigabyte has provided a set of Ni-MH rechargeable batteries with the mouse and you can conveniently charge them through the included DC cable for the USB receiver. One of the perks of this mouse is that it is compatible with a standard Nokia phone charger as well. This little feature certainly puts people with Nokia phones at an advantage, having one less cable to carry around. The battery compartment can be located by sliding open the cleverly integrated top cover.

Compact USB RF receiver for the mouse.

The USB receiver also doubles as an on-the-fly battery charger (cables included).

DC jack on the mouse for charging batteries. It accepts standard Nokia chargers as well.

Sliding out the casing reveals the battery compartment.

Alert LED built into the left side is a charging indicator and a low battery alert.

The mouse operates at a 27MHz RF frequency, which has a very limited range of around one meter (1m). Considering that it is most probably designed for use with notebooks and laptop systems, this limitation is not much of a factor. Gigabyte has decided to include a USB extension cable as well, useful if you need to plug into a standard desktop PC or if you do not have direct or convenient access to a USB port. There is a possibility that close proximity with other RF devices might cause interference, but the GM-W9C can change its RF ID with a push of a button.

A USB extension cable is provided to additional length and a DC cable for battery charging.

One thing to note is that Gigabyte seems to be shrinking the size of their mice. The previous GM-W6C is already quite small compared to a standard mouse, but the GM-W9C is even more diminutive. Looking more like an insect than a rodent, the mouse is only around the length of your middle finger and is small enough to fit in one's palm. Because of its size, the USB receiver cannot be stored in the mouse itself, which is a feature is the GM-W6C. Luckily, Gigabyte includes a handy gift/travel bag where you can pop in the mouse, receiver and cables.

The GM-W9C is so small, it fits in your palm.

Installation, if it can be called such, was a breeze. Just plug in the USB receiver, click the activation button and you're done. No drivers are needed and Gigabyte claims the same plug and play compatibility will work with Windows versions from 98SE to XP.