Clicking With A Smart Mouse

When I’m on my computer, I’m really picky about the mouse I’m using. The buttons have to be configured just right otherwise I start to get annoyed with it. With the advancements of mice over the years, I’ve come to expect more and more out of a mouse, or for that matter, any product I use. Well, Logitech recently announced its fall mouse lineup, of which includes the MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse (nicknamed “The World’s First Smart Mouse).

The mouse is capable of two-way communication and knows if your computer is on or off. The MX610 saves power and automatically turns on when your computer turns on, sleeps when it sleeps and turns off when it powers down. It can sense if there’s wireless interference and will automatically change channels to establish the most secure connection. There are also indicator lights that let you know when its (AA) batteries need to be changed, when you receive an e-mail or when an instant message comes in. The average battery life expectancy is about three months with regular use.

The wireless range of the mouse is 2.4 GHz, which allows you to use it up to 30 feet away. That’s about five-times stronger than a conventional wireless mouse, which usually has a 27 MHz range (approximately six feet away). The buttons on the mouse allow you to do all sorts of neat things such as control the volume of your computer, scroll both horizontally and vertically with its special Tilt Wheel Plus Zoom, or use the forward and back buttons for web browsing. The performance laser tracking lets you use the MX610 flawlessly on surfaces where normal optical mice normally will not work, plus it feels good ergonomically in your hand.

The long wireless range gives you flexibility if you’re waiting for an instant message or e-mail to come in, and you don’t want to sit there and stare at your computer screen. Just take the mouse with you to the couch or kitchen to get that snack. Keep in mind the e-mail function works with Microsoft Outlook and the instant messaging works with Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Instant Messenger after the Logitech SetPoint software is installed. After you install SetPoint, you can customize your mouse to your likings.

The MX610 would almost give Apple a run for its money with the Mighty Mouse, but unfortunately it’s not fully compatible with a Mac. It can function with a Mac, but not all the features of the mouse are work with OSX. Hopefully there will be Mac compatible software available soon.

The Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse comes with a five-year warranty and full product support. It is currently available for $59.99 at www.logitech.com.