The R7 does remind me of the Logitech G7 in more than just name.  In fact, the R7 is much smaller and more light weight.  And the R7 still has two thumb buttons too!  It is clear from the emphasis on power savings and the smaller lighter design the R7 Power Saver is a terrific choice for a traveling laptop user.

Power Savings:

      Although the R7 Power Saver Mouse is primarily designed to appeal to power sensitive buyers, it is quite difficult to test power savings over time.  The R7 boasts it can be used continuously for over 138 hours on a single set of AAA batteries.  In contrast the Logitech LX5 and Microsoft Mini Mouse 4000 mice tested can be used for 122 hours and 87 hours respectively.

The Software:

     The R7 software included includes a soft copy of the manual and can easily be downloaded from the A4 Tech website.  Version 7.80 is the latest version as of this review.

The version included on the CD is Version 7.72 and the installation is both easy and quick.

     The completed installation adds two icons to the tray.  the left icon shows the currently selected function of the thumb buttons.  The black mouse icon opens up the mouse properties.

     The mouse properties looks very similar to the default mouse drivers with a few notable exceptions.  First the thumb buttons can be used as standard buttons or as "Office-Buttons."  Also the Lucky Jump Button labeled "Office" on the mouse can be seen.  The #2 and #3 buttons are the only ones configurable with the Office-Button option enabled.

No change to the Pointers tab or the Motion tab. Click for a closer look if you desire.

     Not much to see here on the Wheel tab.  The MS-Intellimouse compatible mode is off by default.  I never noticed a difference with it on.

Nothing to see here.

     Ah now things get interesting.  With the 4/5/6 Office-Button option enabled you can choose what hot key commands are available in your applications and default windows.  There are 8 active at once with over 24 different functions to choose from.

And finally the About tab.  The direct link to A4 Tech is useful as is the link to RSI information.

      This menu shows the many different options you can assign to the Office button shortcuts.  I found the forward and backwards function still get the most use in the office here.

     Choosing a programmed hotkey is pretty easy.  When you press the Office button on the mouse the above menu appears at the pointer location.  Move the mouse pointer to the desired function and click.  The task bar icon will change to  show the active function's icon for easy reference.

Conclusion:

      Despite our inability to prove the R7 is a top power saver we believe the A4 Tech claims to be true.  That makes this mouse a top choice for the laptop user or anyone desiring a wireless mouse in this price range.  I used the A4 Tech while building this web page and during an evening of Shadowrun online, I found the smaller size easy to get used to and pretty responsive. My only problem with the R7 was it wouldn't track dependably on my glass mouse pad.   With competitors top rechargeable mice costing 2 to 3 times the price of the R7 it is an attractive choice for a casual gamer and a nice upgrade for a business user.  A4 Tech also offers a line of gaming and performance mice for those with a need for more power.