Lover of fast cars, technology, martial arts and photography. Used to work as a magazine writer and ...
Lover of fast cars, technology, martial arts and photography. Used to work as a magazine writer and professional photographer and am quite outspoken so this is an ideal venue for me! If you like my reviews guestbook me or adopt me into your ring of trust!
Member since:11.07.2007
Reviews:56
Members who trust:2
Now as somewhat of a power user, this mouse has had quite a hard life. My business is internet based and, what with car forums, research and staying in contact with my clubs and students, it probably gets about twelve or more hours use per day. It's be interesting to see a milometer attached to these things to work out how far they travel in their lifetimes. Maybe a good idea would be instead of airmiles get mouse miles!
Okay on to the meat and potatoes of the review. I'm coming at this review slightly differently from the other excellent reviews this character has. I recently replaced this rodent with a laser keyboard and matching mouse from Microsoft (Laser Desktop 6000). So this will be a normal review PLUS a comparrison of it against the Microsoft version. I did this because both products are similarly priced (just under £40) and likely to attract the same type of buyer.
Both mice use the laser technology now commonplace at the highend of the mouse market.
This produces a more intense accurate light which will pick up movement much more precisely. There is no ball in a socket to get dirty, simply an ultrabight red light shining underneath the mouse.
Ergonomically, this mouse sits very comfortably in the palm of your hand. You don't need to hold it like the mouse of old, this contours to your hand PROVIDING you are right handed! The buttons fall easily to hand (or more accurately, fingers) and none of the button presses are stretches or awkward.
It comes with an amazing eight switches/controls which are customisable via the software. This is more than the Microsoft Laser mouse which only boasts a measly five. There is a three button switch under your thumb which I tend to use for next/previous page and copy functions, the normal two left and right primary buttons (these are so well designed they don't even look like buttons) and then a plethora of options around the scroll wheel. The scroll wheel, like more of its counterparts, is clickable and it has the left and right tilt fuction (I use for moving the screen along in the relevent direction) PLUS it has a couple of switches above and below the scroll wheel. For graphics people this is a great opportunity to maximise control without the keyboard. I tend to use these for cut and paste functions but again, they are customisable to your own peculiar desires.
I've seen written that a drawback of this mouse is its relatively low resolution of 800 dpi (dots per inch) but I always find it works just as well as the Microsoft Laser 6000 mouse which runs at 1000 dpi. The microsfot though has a custom function which is a zoom control so that you can zoom in increasingly closer to your work with a dedicated control (albeit one set of the button controls) however, this can also be achieved with the Logitech as well.
Programming the button in the software is easy on both mice and should produce no problems to anyone who is capable of using the programs that would benefit from them.
Because both mice are wireless, they need synchronising with their base units which in turn are connected to the computer via USB cable. Because the Logitech has its own little neat cradle, the synch button is just below where the mouse sits. You press the button on the cradle and then press the small button underneath the mouse and hey presto, its done. I found this rarely needed doing on the Logitech; maybe two or three times over 18 months. On the Microsoft mouse, it is a regular problem. Because the mouse runs on normal batteries, it seems to go out of synch along with the batteries running out. In addition, the Microsoft mouse receiver is much less 'receptive' than its Logitech counterpart. If you have anything in between the receiver and the mouse (or keyboard) the Microsoft unit will not pick up the signal. Reception is my biggest gripe with the MS product.
The Logitech cleverly uses lithium batteries to prolong its working life and charges it self up whenever it is replaced in the cradle. The microsoft mouse is powered by normal batteries and the first thing you know about them running down is when the mouse seems less responsive. The Logitech benefits from a useful led power display which gives you an idea of whether the mouse is fully charged or very low via three gree led's. In constant use, the Logitech seems to last for ages providing you put it back on its cradle every now and again it will run on for ever. I have been using some top grade nimh batteries in the Mircosoft and it seems to go through them faster than the logitech rechargable unit.
I have used both mice on a variety of programs, word, publisher, powerpoint, photoshop, dreamweaver, etc and both have worked well and not had any integration problems. I must say that potentially, the Microsoft mouse might have a small edge in Photoshop due to its increased resolution but if there is a difference it is absolutely tiny.
I've seen some reviewers criticise the price of this mouse but if you shop around, it actually comes in cheaper than its Microsoft competitor.
The MX1000 has run faultessly for the the past 18 months and I only replaced it because i thought that the improved resolution would make a difference to working on photographs in Photoshop, it doesn't. In fact the difference in quality and functionality between the two mice means I have split up the matching set of Microsoft laserkeyboard and mouse and am now using Microsoft keyboard and Logitech mouse. Although desperately need to get rid of the overpriced Microsoft keyboard and replace it with something more reliable.
To conclude, if you are in the market for a new hi definition cordless mouse - I would advise not going for the bigger name of the two (Microsoft) but rather go for this Logitech. It's a great product which will give you everything you need from a mouse and then some.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Super-accurate, lots of buttons, long battery life, quick charge, cordless, battery indicator, got a laser in it! Disadvantages: little bit too heavy, software a bit clunky
Advantages: Very responsive, customisable, fantastic ergonomics,no need for a mouse-mat,long battery life,battery status. Disadvantages: Bulky in comparison to a standard mouse, not the clearest instructions for a PC novice,some may find a bit heavy, needs getting used to.
Jul 16th, 2007
very helpful by (100%):
