Logitech MX610

Posted 12/21/2005 at 11:37am | by

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Wouldn’t it be nice to have some little status lights that let you know when you’ve received an email or an instant message, without having to actually wake your computer from its Standby slumber? We think so, and apparently so does Logitech, because that’s one of the features of its MX610.

This 2.4GHz cordless laser-sensor mouse uses the same uber-precise technology as Razer’s Copperhead, and the results are predictably the same. The only difference is the battery-saving sleep feature, which puts the mouse in a sleep mode after a few seconds of non-use, and causes a slight, but perceptible lag when you first move the rodent. Frankly, we’d rather have a less aggressive battery saver and use rechargeable batteries instead.

The MX610 has the same body shape as the G5, but adds a much-needed second thumb button in addition to the email, IM, and volume-adjustment buttons. It’s comfortable in your right hand, but lefties will want a different mouse.

Our big gripe is that the email and IM lights work with a frustratingly short list of apps—Outlook, Outlook Express, Yahoo IM, MSN Messenger, and Windows Messenger. Not only are other popular clients missing—why no Thunderbird or Trillian?—but the IM notifier doesn’t work with the most popular IM client of all, AIM! That’s just silly!
--Will Smith

Month Reviewed: December 2005

+ 2.4GHz: Great range and good performance from laser sensor; cheap for wireless.

-- 2.4Hz: rechargeable batteries would be nice; IM and email lights work with just five apps.

Verdict: 5

www.logitech.com