| Logitech MX 1000 Laser Mouse | ||
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Product: Logitech MX 1000 Laser Mouse Logitech has proved themselves with the MX line of computer mice. With their innovations in wireless mouse technology, and with the great performance of the MX 700, Logitech has set the bar high, but hopefully not too high. Meet the MX 1000, Logitech’s new laser mouse which claims to make the typical optical mice “obsolete.” Is it worth the hype or will it turn out to be a waste of money? Specs:
Included Items:
Packaging- The MX 1000 comes in the Logitech package we have come to know and love. It’s a flashy box with a plastic cutout revealing the mouse.
The MX 700: Okay, this is not a review of the MX 700, as much as I’d like it to be. This is relevant to the MX 1000 because they are essentially brothers. When the MX 700 came out, it was the only wireless optical mouse that could be effectively used for gaming. While many wireless mice saved their batteries by going into sleep mode every two seconds, the MX 700 kept going strong for 3 days. This problem was solved by using rechargeable batteries, and making the communicator base into a battery charger. The MX 1000 is essentially an MX 700, upgraded with new features and technology.
The Dock: The setup comes in two parts: the mouse, and the dock. The dock connects to a computer using USB, but a USB to PS/2 adapter is included, enabling both types of connections. On the back of the dock is the USB cable, and a port for the AC adapter. The AC adapter this time around is much smaller, and plugs right into the dock. The dock uses a high speed RF signal to communicate with the mouse, and has a built in charging slot for the mouse to rest in.
The Mouse: Like the MX 700, the MX 1000 uses RF to communicate with the dock. I found the range to be about 20 feet. The shape is also similar, only more defined. Logitech has made the mouse more right-handed so to speak, with a more defined thumb groove and higher arch. It feels more comfortable, and supports the palm of your hand much more. Like most wireless mice, is has some heft due to its battery, but this does not impede the movement or usage of the mouse in any way. The MX 1000 rides on four oversized glide-pads to keep things running smoothly. The connect button is now accompanied by a new on/off switch, a welcome sight. Veterans to the MX series of mice will notice there isn’t a battery door. This is due to the new power source, a high capacity internal rechargeable battery. You can no longer pop in 2 spare AAs in a pinch, but the battery lasts 3 weeks-about 7 times as long as the MX 700. It is still rechargeable by dropping it into the dock overnight. When this battery eventually stops holding a charge, you can remove it and purchase a replacement; however, this is not nearly as convenient as a new pair of AA batteries. Another addition to the power system is the battery monitor placed at the back of the thumb groove. To save power, the monitor turns off after the mouse remains idle for 5 seconds.
Logitech has equipped the MX 1000 with a total of 12 buttons and a wheel. There are your standard left/right/middle buttons, left and right side-scrolling, cruise control up and down, a program switcher, and buttons for forward and backward. The left and right buttons are seamlessly integrated into the top of the mouse, and surround the center console which houses the wheel and cruise control buttons. The wheel is not of the completely smooth variety (it has a ‘click’ to it), and is much the same as the MX 700. For added functionality, the wheel incorporates side scrolling by pushing the wheel left or right. I found that this interferes with the middle click, as I found myself side scrolling instead of middle clicking. This is not an ongoing problem; it will simply take a little while for you to feel it out. Just above and below the wheel are the cruise control buttons for sustained high-speed scrolling. The forwards/backwards buttons are housed above the thumb groove as in the past models. As for the “Switch Program” button, it has changed positions from the exact top of the mouse to between the forward and backward buttons. Now it is possible to use the button without altering your grip on the mouse. The other noticeable difference is that the cruise control and forward/backward buttons are joined together into one rocker switch. I found these to be more comfortable and easier to press.
The laser optics of the mouse are stunning to say the least. From the moment you first use the mouse you can feel just how sensitive it is. Small twitches that would never register on an optical mouse are dramatic on the MX 1000. While most wireless mice provide decent performance, the MX 1000 feels more like a wired gaming mouse. The laser provides 20 times the resolution than an optical mouse. It is a class I laser, so the laser can not harm your eyes in any way. One of the most impressive things I noticed was the wake up time. Wireless mice stop shining the light at full power and begin to flash it to save power. I could see the laser doing this after about 20 seconds, but it would still pick up even the smallest movement and wake up instantly. Even after leaving it for hours untouched, it woke up instantly. The mouse will work on any surface including glass, mirrors, and smooth plastics. Setup: Setup is not the smoothest, but it could be much worse. The hardware is easiest : just plug in the base, plug in the AC adapter, and press connect on both the base and mouse. Unlike the MX 700, you have to install the Logitech Drivers. I’ve tried just using the Microsoft drivers, as that is what worked best with the MX 700, but I was unable to get side scrolling, cruise buttons, application switching, and the best sensitivity settings. While installing, you will be prompted to install such things as an eBay shortcut, desktop management software , etc. After saying no to all these things, it said it was installing SetPoint, and was going to install RealOne Arcade. I was prompted to say no to the installation of Real Arcade, but I was still angry that Logitech would stoop to such levels. The problem I still encountered was that the forward/backward buttons would not map in my games, but I found a fix. In SetPoint, make sure to map the buttons to “Generic Button” and you r problems are over. Don’t worry, Firefox and IE will still use them as forward and backward, but now your games have access. I also removed the functionality for the application switch button, as pushing it by accident pulls you out of full screen games. Conclusion: This is an excellent mouse, with only a few problems. Namely, the battery can’t be swapped out in case it’s dead, and the software’s defaults are a little useless, but changeable. The new laser system works well, and is worth it. The wireless is solid, the battery is otherwise excellent, the mouse feels great, and the software will work with just a little configuration. If you’re willing to pay for it, it’s a great product with a lot to offer. Pros:
Cons:
*NOTE* All but the 1st 5 pictures were taken from the Press Release Disk that came with my review copy. |
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