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Logitech Gives A Mouse A Laser

Kaveh writes "Looks like Logitech has introduced a successor to its popular MX line of cordless mice. In addition to a more ergonomic design, lithium ion battery, tilt wheel (read horizontal scrolling), and battery indicating LEDs, this mouse introduces laser technology. According to the Logitech this allows the MX1000 to be 20x more precise than optical mice, not to mention work on any surface, including a mirror! Check out the 3DGPU forums for pics and more info."

27 of 511 comments (clear)

  1. LASER by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    With the Dr. Evil finger quotes: Cool, a mouse with a "LAAAASER!!"

  2. Oh, they mean computer mice by ndogg · · Score: 5, Funny

    I really was hoping for mice with frickin' lasers on their headers. Darn.

    --
    // file: mice.h
    #include "frickin_lasers.h"
    1. Re:Oh, they mean computer mice by Bob+Cat+-+NYMPHS · · Score: 5, Funny

      On their headers?

      Man, you been coding too long. Go outside for a while.

    2. Re:Oh, they mean computer mice by TheContact · · Score: 5, Funny

      // file: mice.h
      #include "frickin_lasers.h" ...

      I hope I've made your day. :)

      --

      Yume ni ikiteiru.
    3. Re:Oh, they mean computer mice by sharkey · · Score: 5, Funny

      The Yellow face, it BURNSSSSS us!

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
  3. A mirror? by Hawkxor · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I've been waiting for this. On my table with a glass plate on top, I have to use a mouse pad for my optical mouse, but I don't need one for my regular mouse. This technology actually serves the purpose an optical mouse should.

    1. Re:A mirror? by peipas · · Score: 5, Informative

      I am holding the box for the MX1000 in front of me right now and it begs to differ in fine print after an asterisk:

      "The laser sensor will not work on surfaces that reflect, like mirrors or glass."

    2. Re:A mirror? by FlipmodePlaya · · Score: 5, Informative

      From the forum post linked in the article:

      "Already you might be surprised to know that this mouse has had no issues with any surface I have tried it on, including a mirror. It states that you shouldn't use it with reflective surfaces but I wanted to see what this thing could do."

    3. Re:A mirror? by gregh2000 · · Score: 5, Informative

      I currently own a MX1000, and I have tried it on a mirror, and my computer's monitor and neither of them work. I wonder if the mirror they used had a bunch of dust on it and it was tracking the dust, or what the deal is, but it doesn't work on mine.

  4. Potential danger? by FiReaNGeL · · Score: 5, Funny

    Dangerous! You know, the "I'll clean my mouse" routine... flip mouse toward face... arghhh! My eyes!

    Of course, if you`re lucky AND already have bad vision, you could just laser-correct your problem, i guess :) 2000$ saved, 50$ investment, Do It Yourself! Isn`t technology cool?

  5. 20x more precise by chrono325 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Is this really useful? I mean, I have never had a problem with my mouse not having the resolution to click the "submit" button. Seriously though, I think mouse (and keyboard) makers have run into a similar problem as sound card makers: our mice/soundcards are already good enough. I personally have a Logitech mx500 and love it to death, but I do not see any way the pointing function could be improved. Oh well, its a frickin laser.

  6. Slashdotted.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative
  7. Re:wireless + laser = short battery life? by harikiri · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I have an MX700 from Logitech. The beauty of this device is that it comes with a stylish cradle, that serves both as the wireless base station for the mouse, along with being a recharger unit as well.

    I remember a few years back having an early Logitech wireless mouse/keyboard combo. Then, one late night while we were doing a change - the batteries died, and I had none spare. At that point I decided never to use a "wireless" keyboard or mouse till they came with a recharge unit. Thus, the MX700 was awesome for me.

    I would be very suprised if this new model didn't use the same system.

    --
    Man watching 6 MSCE's around a sun box, looks alot like the opening scene's of 2001:space odyssey...
  8. I like my original title better... by kaveh · · Score: 5, Interesting

    "World's 1st Laser Mouse! (Optical is obsolete)"

    Either way I'm hoping I can just swap this mouse in for my current MX700 in my logitech cordless keyboard/mouse set. That way I can use the same reciever that also connects the mouse. It is important to note that this mouse uses Fast RF technology like the MX700 and not Bluetooth like the MX900. Some gamers weren't happy with the performance of the Bluetooth model.

  9. Re:Give a mouse a laser... by MikeXpop · · Score: 5, Funny

    Give a mouse a shark, he'll want a pool.

    Give a mouse a pool, he'll want an underground labratory to put them all in.

    Give a mouse an underground lab, he'll want a laptop with wifi to take over the world.

    Give a mouse a laptop with wifi, he'll want a coffee table to set it on.

    Give a mouse a table to set it on, he'll want an optical mouse that works with the glass.

    Give a mouse the new Logitech.

    ???

    Profit.

    --
    Etiquette is etiquette. He kills his mother but he can't wear grey trousers.
  10. Mice and What They're Good For by captnitro · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does it ever make you wonder 'what if computing advanced like mice do'? In some ways, they do, but I mean, we have wireless mice, wireless optical and laser mice, wireless optical laser geneboosted mice that have nine buttons with integrated phone features, and they're all totally transparent, incredibly essential cruxes of the modern computing experience.

    can we get somebody from the mouse department over to the HD storage density department? Or the hardware installation department, because I still have to visit my grandfather every time he needs to install RAM. Perhaps, even, we should transfer the entire mouse department over to the user interface department, so they can explain to me why 'Exit' is for the love of god still after 20 years in the 'File' menu (Mac users, you're OK on this one). Those two, after all, have a lot to do with each other. Finally, they could stop over at the Windows dev group and explain to them that I should not have to notify Windows of my intention to disconnect my fully hotswappable device.

    I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

  11. Class of Laser? by Soldrinero · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I actually read the article (I am new here) but didn't see anything mentioning what class of laser it uses. It does say that the manufacturer recommends not using it on mirrored surfaces. It's possible, though unlikely, for a class II laser (such as is found in a laser pointer) to cause eye damage. I've been in classrooms with optical mice invoerted and shining their light out at students. Is this something that we're going to have to worry about with a laser mouse? Of course, if it's a class I (such as is found in CD players) there's no concern at all. Does anybody have any information on this?

    --
    I would rather be killed by a terrorist than enslaved by my government.
    1. Re:Class of Laser? by Technician · · Score: 5, Informative

      The picture of the bottom of the mouse shows the laser label. "Class 1 laser device"


      If memory serves me right, a class 1 LASER device has a totaly enclosed interlocked LASER system.

      This means no external radiation of LASER light unless the device is opened and interlocks are defeated. It's the same rating CD drives have. The drive must be opened (cover removed) and tricked into operation without a CD in place to turn on the LASER and cause any exposure.

      If it truly uses a LASER to track and is class 1, it must have another LED to sense the presence and movement of the target (table, pad, etc) before it will turn on the laser. Otherwise it would have a class 2 or 3b rating like a supermarket UPC scanner. They may have done this to save power when the mouse is not moving (low power LED when stationary or not on a surface) and to get the safer LASER class 1 rating.

      I imagine it will only kick on the LASER when the low power light detects movement and kicks on the LASER for the resolution.

      LASER is an acronym. I'm not shouting.

      --
      The truth shall set you free!
  12. Re:Give a mouse a laser... by Dizzle · · Score: 5, Funny

    INFORMATIVE!?

    --
    -Dizzle
    "I most likely AM so interested in myself."
  13. Re:Give a mouse a laser... by MikeXpop · · Score: 5, Informative

    FUNNY!? /sorry, couldn't resist //watch this get modded informative

    --
    Etiquette is etiquette. He kills his mother but he can't wear grey trousers.
  14. Ergonomic by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Okay, what the hell is the deal with this "ergonomic" mice that have your hand all sideways and require you rest your entire palm on it, moving it with your arm? It's getting harder and harder to find good small mice that just fit under your fingers, allowing you to control them with your hand. In mice, "ergonomic" just means "really really big and sorta cool looking, but completely impractical."

  15. Call me crazy but I like mouse pads.. by cbreaker · · Score: 5, Interesting

    They make some nice mouse pads- I hate but bulky ones with the big gel-packs and crap, but I like the ones with a really nice surface like a velvet-like material I have on my main workstation.

    They help the mouse move smoother; if you have a hard surface they get "sticky" and make it difficult to make precise movements. The pads get dirty really fast without a mouse pad. AND, you can really screw up the surface of your desk if you use the mouse without a pad.

    Who wants a sticky mouse that grinds over dirt and wears out your desk? I'll take my nice comfortable mouse pad any day.

    --
    - It's not the Macs I hate. It's Digg users. -
  16. Re:This is nice by ThogScully · · Score: 5, Interesting

    My first optical mouse was an MS Intellimouse Explorer (the original, freaking huge one). I use that on my laptop, but got a wireless Logitech MX700 for my desktop.

    Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed in the Logitech because of exactly what you're talking about. My Intellimouse Explorer has no problem tracking on any surface or any fine control. The Logitech is a pain to use with graphics apps.

    I've always been a fan of MS's mic, but decided to try out Logitech because MS hadn't released a wireless optical yet. I wish I hadn't in retrospect. And this comes from a very anti-MS attitude regarding software.
    -N

    --
    I've nothing to say here...
  17. Or you could go the MasterCard approach... by Ignominious+Cow+Herd · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mechanical mouse with rubber ball that gets gummed up with dust and crud: $19.00

    Optical mouse that doesn't work well on many surfaces: $39.00

    Laser mouse that works on any surface and spawns lots of "frickin laser" jokes: Priceless.

    --
    Lump lingered last in line for brains, and the ones she got were sorta rotten and insane.
    1. Re:Or you could go the MasterCard approach... by dorsey · · Score: 5, Funny

      The Cease and Desist letter from Mastercard will be arriving in your mail shortly.

      --
      hinderfreude ('hin-dur-"froi-d&), n. The feeling of joy derived from being in the way.
  18. Re:Give a mouse a laser... by ch3 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Wow, didn't knew that Slashdot moderation system was based on just asking for what you want.
    That will be insightful for me then, thanks.

  19. Re:Give a mouse a laser... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative
    Something actually informative for those who don't know what this is about...

    If you give a mouse a cookie...