First laser mouse launched

Posted on 7 Sep 2004 at 17:32

Logitech has announced a new mouse using breakthrough laser technology.

The Logitech MX 1000 Laser Cordless Mouse has unusual specifications for a mouse. It captures 5.8 megapixels of detail a second thanks to an invisible laser that reflects minute changes in surface detail back up to a sensor that interprets this as on-screen cursor movement. This makes it more responsive, accurate and able to be used on a greater variety of surfaces.

Logitech says that although the laser is almost invisible, it is 'very safe' should your eye meet it.

The laser technology was developed with Agilent Technologies, which makes components for Logitech and other manufacturers.

'Lasers are a natural evolution of the optical mouse, as their illumination enhances surface textures invisible under LED illumination,' said Martin Reynolds, vice president of research firm Gartner. 'This is physics in action, and will become one of the top volume applications for lasers.'

The new mouse also takes Microsoft's Tilt Wheel feature a step further with the new Tilt Wheel Plus Zoom which unsurprisingly lets you zoom in and out of documents. There's also Cruise Control for swift scrolling of long documents. Additionally there's an application switching button above the thumb rest.

The mouse is wireless, via RF technology, and rather than AA batteries has an integrated lithium ion battery that lasts for three weeks on a three to four hour charge.

The Logitech MX 1000 Laser Cordless Mouse is available now for £59.99 inc. VAT.

Author: Matt Whipp