Bed Time Reading! (Logitech Cordless Mouse)

Member Name: DkrEddie

Product:	Logitech Cordless Mouse
Date:	02/05/02 (234 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wireless is great - no snagging/tangle., Fully customisable, Shape

Disadvantages: Slightly jerky curser movements, No Mac OS X driver/software

I purchased the Logitech Cordless Mouse just before Christmas to go along with my new Apple iMac computer.

I was slightly hesitant at the compatibility with the Macintosh platform, but after plugging it in and installing the supplied driver and software I am delighted to say I have not had one problem with it. The mouse drivers work with Mac OS 9.x.x but the mouse still functions in Mac OS X (although with reduced customisation and no 'Web Wheel' function)

In OS 9 you can use the default settings which allows you to use the Scroll wheel as what I can describe as an 'on screen internet remote control' (Web Wheel as they describe it) it allows you to visit your most common sites, search engines or you can even add other URL's such as ftp:// meaning it's not just limited to accessing websites. The right button was configured as Control+Click. (this is the mac equivalent of a normal windows right click) If you would rather have the buttons perform something else then you can configure any of the 3 buttons to do a keyboard shortcut (combined with a mouse click if you desire) or simulate pressing a function key (could be used to open your most used application) You also have the options to control 'Mouse Tracking' (Speed), 'Double-Click Speed', 'Scrolling Increment' (how much you need to move the scroll wheel to go up and down a page) and 'Smart Move' which snaps the curser to the default button on a save dialogue or alert message.

The receiver looks like half an oval with a rounded top and a flat base. It is very small and can be hidden away out of view (mine is behind my iMac) There is a 'connect' button which needs to be pressed when its first used or when you change the batteries. There is also a small connect button on the base of the mouse unit which you must press with the end of a pencil or a paper clip.

One of my few negative impressions of this mouse is that
on screen movement is ever-so-slightly jerky compared to the iMacs stock optical mouse. This is barely visible and after a few minutes of use you forget about it.

I was very impressed with the feel of the mouse. I am ambidextrous and sometimes I choose to give my right wrist a break - This mouse is designed to fit nicely in both hands. The mouse is quite heavy towards the back (where the batteries are stored) and when you pick up the mouse to transfer it to another part of your mouse pad (when you run out of space) the rear often falls down slightly.

The wireless range is more than enough. I can operate my computer upto about 5 meters away from the base unit (which comes with a nice length of cable so you aren't restricted about where you place it on your desk or surrounding shelves) Its entirely possible to change a CD track, increase/decrease or stop and start a movie from my bed. Making this double as a nifty little remote control. the system is not prone to interference, nothing on my desktop gives it any trouble. My mobile phone used to cause trouble with some mice but the only way I could make it interfere with this was to place the mobile directly on top of the it and make a call.

When it comes to cleaning and maintaining I have found that typical battery life is around 3-4 months for me, with 2 or 3 hours of use a day on average. Triple AAA batteries can be found pretty cheaply although it is possible to use rechargeables. The ball mechanism is easily accessible on the underside - Just push up a little panel and you have access to the batteries and the rollers for cleaning. There is no locking mechanism if you intend to use these on a work or college network, but then why lock the ball in place when the entire mouse can be taken?

Overall a very nice mouse with a comfortable feel and grip. It is very nice to experience wireless mouse use - I could never go back to using a wired mouse now. No more running
over cables or getting tangled. The Scroll wheel and 'Web wheel' function are very useful and although the software for Mac OS X is non existent (at this time) the Mac OS 9 software is straight forward and allows for full customisation.

Summary: