I bought this particular product for the trip from the UK, to the US. The touch pad on most laptops is a stopgap device for most {to judge from the whinging I hear}. Travel mice are only good for about 15 min for most people before they want to pitch the thing out the nearest window. How ever, a full size Mouse on a airplane truly isn't an option either. The I-pen is as portable as a Highlighter Marker. Fully as useful/ functions as, any two button mouse. Additionally it requires NO additional software if used in that mode. The only gripe I have is that I've currently found no workarounds to use it' s more esoteric abilities {Like making written notes ON a web page, saving it and then being able to send it.} that work for my Linux machine. If you only use it for productivity during travel, the price is well worth what you get. If you can use it for more it's a steal.