Logitech's Unifying-equipped Performance Mouse MX and Anywhere Mouse MX track on glass

Remember that USB Unifying receiver that Logitech outed earlier this month? Say hello to the newest duo to support the technology. Both the Performance Mouse MX and Anywhere Mouse MX can connect to a single USB Unifying nub, and both critters also boast the company's own Darkfield Laser Tracking, which literally enables 'em to mouse on glass that's at least four millimeters thick (and pretty much every other surface, ever). It's fairly easy to see that the former is designed for stay-at-home desktop users looking for comfort and precision, while the latter is small enough to sneak into most every laptop bag without causing a fuss. Also of note, the Performance Mouse MX sports force-sensitive side-to-side scrolling (software enabled), while the Anywhere Mouse MX gets dedicated back and forward buttons. Check the full release and specifications after the break, and catch these guys in US / European stores later this month for $99.99 and $79.99 in order of mention.

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Logitech Unveils Mice that Work Where Others Fail

Logitech Performance Mouse MX, Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX Feature Darkfield Laser Tracking – Let You Use Your Mouse on Clear Glass and High-Gloss Surfaces

FREMONT, Calif. - Aug. 19, 2009 - Today, Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) took the computer mouse where no mouse has gone before. With Logitech® Darkfield Laser Tracking™, you can use your mouse virtually anywhere you want – including clear glass (that's at least 4 mm thick) and high-gloss surfaces. This new technology is available in the Logitech® Performance Mouse MX™ and the Logitech® Anywhere Mouse MX™, giving you the option of a full-size mouse or a more compact, notebook mouse.

Logitech research showed that 40 percent of people have a glass surface in their home. This coupled with the increase in the popularity of laptop computers, means that people are moving around and coming into contact with a multitude of surfaces – like granite and lacquered wood – that challenge the tracking capabilities of standard mice.

"Laptops have gained popularity in the last several years because of the freedom they afford – people today want to be able to connect to their digital world anytime, anywhere. However, until now, no mouse has been able to match that flexibility," said Rory Dooley, Logitech's senior vice president and general manager of the Control Devices business unit. "Thanks to Logitech Darkfield, whether you're checking the morning news from the granite counter top in your kitchen or at work manipulating a spreadsheet from your glass desk, you can be confident that your Logitech mouse will be up to the task."

Breaking the Glass Barrier
A pioneer in the development of the computer mouse in the 1980s, Logitech has enthusiastically driven nearly every major innovation in mouse technology – persistently refining this ubiquitous interface between people and their digital experiences. From laser tracking to hyper-fast scrolling to the Plug-and-Forget Nano-receiver, Logitech has dedicated itself to creating ways to help you get more out of your computing experience. The latest in this line of innovations, Logitech Darkfield opens up new possibilities for when and where you can use your mouse.

Regular laser tracking technology relies on the ability of the mouse's sensor to detect the textural details of the surface. The more irregularities a surface exhibits, the easier it is for the sensor to identify reference points that it can use to accurately measure motion. However, because high-gloss surfaces such as glass are almost completely flat, there are not enough details for a typical laser mouse's sensor to detect.

To track on glass (that's at least 4 mm thick), Logitech Darkfield uses dark field microscopy to detect microscopic particles and micro-scratches on these surfaces, rather than tracking the surface itself. Similar to the way in which our eye sees the clear night sky, the mouse's sensor sees the clean areas of glass as a dark background with bright dots – the dust. Then, the sensor interprets the movement of these dots to track exactly where you've moved the mouse.

Logitech Performance Mouse MX, Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX
Because choice is important, this new technology is available on a full-size mouse as well as a more compact, notebook mouse. However, both mice are designed to put you in control of your digital world. Both models feature hyper-fast scrolling, so you can fly through long documents with ease, while click-to-click mode gives you more precision when navigating lists, photos and slideshows.

With the full-size Logitech Performance Mouse MX, you have the power to get the job done. The sculpted, right-handed shape gives you the comfort you need, while the flexible micro-USB charging system lets you recharge your mouse through your computer or a wall outlet – even while you're using it. To make you more productive, four customizable thumb buttons put your most important controls – like application switching and zooming – at your fingertips. And, force-sensitive side-to-side scrolling (software enabled) – a first in any Logitech mouse – lets you quickly navigate around Web pages.

Thanks to its compact size, the Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX works wherever you do and a travel pouch helps protect the mouse while in-transit. The contoured shape fits naturally into most hands and back and forward buttons, placed within reach of your thumb, help you surf the Web efficiently.

In addition to providing unsurpassed cursor control, both of the new Logitech mice feature the recently announced Logitech® Unifying receiver. The tiny wireless receiver stays in your notebook, so there's no need to unplug it when you move around. Plus, you can easily add up to five other compatible Logitech keyboards and mice to the single receiver, including the recently announced Logitech® Keyboard K350, Logitech® Keyboard K340, Logitech® Marathon Mouse M705 and the Logitech® Wireless Mouse M505.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Performance Mouse MX is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in August for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.). The Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in August for a suggested retail price of $79.99 (U.S.). Both products will also be available through Logitech for Business channels.

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Logitech® Performance Mouse MX™
Conquer any surface

Announcement Date: August 19, 2009 Shipping: August 2009
Price: $99.99 Available at: www.logitech.com

Product Overview
The Logitech Performance Mouse MX is a high-performance machine that provides accurate and precise tracking on virtually any surface – even glass – thanks to Logitech® Darkfield Laser Tracking™. And the tiny Logitech® Unifying receiver frees you from the hassle of plugging and unplugging the receiver when you're ready to change locations, plus it can be paired with your favorite keyboard for streamlined wireless connectivity. Add to that a flexible recharging system, hyper-fast scrolling, and four thumb-buttons for interacting with apps and files and you've got a mouse that knows no limits.

Key Features
• Logitech Darkfield Laser Tracking gives you precise cursor control on virtually any surface, even glass tables (4 mm minimum thickness) where optical and standard laser mice fail.
• Logitech Unifying receiver stays in your notebook. There's no need to unplug it when you move around, so your mouse is always connected when and where you feel like using it. Plus, you can easily add a compatible wireless keyboard, or even another mouse – without the hassle of multiple USB receivers.
• Flexible recharging system uses a micro-USB cable to recharge your mouse through your computer or a standard wall outlet – even while you're using it.
• Hyper-fast scrolling lets you fly through long documents and Web pages with a single spin of the nearly frictionless scroll wheel. Or use click-to-click scrolling for the precision you need when navigating lists, slides, and images.
• Sculpted, right-handed shape guides your hand to a naturally poised position and places integrated controls for Web browsing, application switching, and photo viewing within your thumb's reach.
• Four integrated thumb buttons put controls for Web browsing, application switching, and photo viewing within your reach.

System Requirements
• Windows-based PC with Windows® XP, Windows Vista®, or Windows® 7 or Mac® computer running Mac OS® X 10.4 or later
• USB port
• CD-ROM drive or Internet connection

Product Specifications
• Dimensions (L x W x H) : 128.3 x 83.4 x 47.0 millimeters
• Weight:
• 125 grams without receiver or batteries
• 127 grams with receiver
• 147 grams with receiver and 1 AA battery

Warranty
• 3-year limited warranty

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Logitech® Anywhere Mouse MX™
Works wherever you do

Announcement Date: August 19, 2009 Shipping: August 2009
Price: $79.99 Available at: www.logitech.com

Product Overview
You work everywhere. Now your mouse does, too. When you're using the Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX with Logitech® Darkfield Laser Tracking™, you've got the power and precision to triumph over surfaces such as glass tables where optical and standard laser mice fail. It's ready for instant use, thanks to the tiny, leave-in Logitech® Unifying receiver. And the compact design means you can easily take it with you anywhere you go. So wherever you're headed and whatever you're mousing on, the world is your mouse pad.

Key Features
• Logitech Darkfield Laser Tracking gives you precise cursor control on virtually any surface, even glass tables (4 mm minimum thickness) where optical and standard laser mice fail.
• Logitech Unifying receiver stays in your notebook. There's no need to unplug it when you move around, so your mouse is always connected when and where you feel like using it. Plus, you can easily add a compatible wireless keyboard, or even another mouse – without the hassle of multiple USB receivers.
• Compact, sculpted design is small enough to take with you, and fits your fingers for a naturally comfortable grip.
• Hyper-fast scrolling lets you fly through long documents and Web pages with a single spin of the nearly frictionless scroll wheel. Or use click-to-click scrolling for the precision you need when navigating lists, slides, and images.
• Back and forward thumb buttons let you quickly go back or forward in Web pages.

System Requirements
• Windows-based PC with Windows® XP, Windows Vista®, or Windows® 7 or Mac® computer running Mac OS® X 10.4 or later
• USB port
• CD-ROM drive or Internet connection

Product Specifications
• Dimensions (L x W x H) : 90.5 x 63.0 x 34.5 millimeters
• Weight:
• 75 grams without batteries and receiver
• 77 grams with receiver
• 125 grams with 2 AA batteries

Warranty
• 3-year limited warranty