Logitech Gives PC Mice New Moves

PC peripheral player Logitech has motorized the computer mouse scroll wheel with two new models that ease scanning and scrolling through large computer documents, spreadsheets, pictures, lists and other data.

The Fremont, Calif.-based company said its new mice -- the MX Revolution for desktop PCs and the VX Revolution for notebooks -- would provide comfortable, efficient mouse control. New features include a "One-Touch" search function that allows a Web search of a word or phrase via one click of the mouse, and a second scroll wheel for zooming.

However, the biggest change in the new mice is the heavier, "hyper-fast" scrolling wheel, which Logitech described as "revolutionary."

"By giving people the option of using a free-spinning scroll wheel, Logitech has addressed a source of pain for computer users, who previously had to continuously move their index finger to scroll through long documents," said Logitech Vice President of Marketing for Retail Pointing Devices Ashish Arora.

Data Freewheeler

Logitech claims to have reinvented the scroll wheel with its new cordless laser mice, which are now available in the U.S. and Europe at US$99 for the MX and $79 for the VX.

"Every application lends itself to different kinds of navigation, and with its sophisticated technology, the wheel can elegantly switch between the free-spin and click-to-click scrolling modes," Arora said.

Referring to research indicating average scrolling of 26 feet during a regular work day, Logitech said its new mice -- featuring its MicroGear Precision scroll wheel -- could spin through 10,000 lines of a Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Excel document in seven seconds, a task that would take 500 spins of a conventional mouse wheel.

The new Logitech scroll wheel, which can spin freely for as long as seven seconds, also features click-to-click distance feedback to improve user feel and navigation with the mice, Logitech said.

Core of Company

The heavier alloy scroll wheel improves the ergonomic feel and efficiency of the new mice, and may allow users to finally read as they scroll without jerkiness, Endpoint Technologies President Roger Kay told TechNewsWorld.

"That's one of the shortcomings of current technology," he said.

Use of notebook mice is more common in Europe, according to Kay. Logitech has managed to live up to its reputation and commitment to "pushing the envelope" of mouse technology with its new products, he added. "That's their bread and butter business."

Search and Style

Logitech also touted other improvements in its new Revolution mice, which can integrate with a user's search software, including Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) and Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO). After highlighting words or phrases, the user can click a button beneath the scroll wheel to search the Web or files.

The MX desktop mouse also features a second scroll wheel at the thumb that allows users to zoom in and out on documents and photos, or switch between different applications. Its seven buttons may all be customized for individual preferences with included software for PCs or via download for Macs.

The VX Revolution mouse for notebooks, which has a zoom slider, features a storage slot for a 2.4 GHz micro-receiver that increases the range of the wireless mouse, Logitech said.