MxRevolution
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Logitech's MX Revolution goes Bluetooth at the FCC
If you've been holding off on Logitech's budget-busting MX Revolution in hopes of a Bluetooth version, your time may well be at hand. The FCC just gave the stamp of approval (way to keep down those "spurious signals," Logitech) to a certain M-RCL124 model of Bluetooth mouse that appears to be an exact replica of the MX Revolution in shape and buttonry. Obviously we've got nothing as far as price or release date, but we're hoping for "soon" and "less than our next paycheck."
Logitech intros MX5500 keyboard / mouse combo
Those looking for a matching keyboard and mouse set now have yet another option from Logitech, which today busted out its new MX5500 combo. This one includes the company's existing MX Revolution laser mouse with its speedy metal scroll wheel, along with a new keyboard that boasts a built-in LCD along with the usual array of controls for music and other features. Both peripherals also rely on Bluetooth 2.0 to keep 'em untethered from your PC, and each promise to let you take full advantage of Flip 3D and other Vista-specific features (though Vista is not required). Look for this set to be available later this month for $170.
The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Peripheral of the Year
Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Peripheral of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Sunday, April 15th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Apple wireless Mighty Mouse, Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub, Logitech MX Revolution, Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD drive, Nintendo Wii remote, Verizon V640 ExpressCard EV-DO. %Poll-269%
Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub Wins Popular Science Award
Popular Science magazine has awarded Belkin's Cable-Free USB Hub one of its 100 "Best of What's New" awards, along with other cool gear like Logitech's MX Revolution, the Optimus Mini Three keyboard, among others. The Cable-Free USB Hub was due out in the spring but has been delayed several times due to a change in their chipset manufacturer (their original supplier got out of the cable-free biz altogether). The ETA is now December 2006 and the price, originally stated to be $129, is now up to $199. Let's just hope they actually get this thing out the door before the sparkly ball drops in Times Square and the price doesn't keep edging up because I really want one of these and as much as I love Belkin's products and continued innovation, I am getting a little tired of their "announce early, ship late, price high" track record.
Logitech MX Revolution mouse dissected
It's a little painful and hideous to watch, but some of us are still a little curious as to just how Logitech managed to fit those dozens of moving parts (and a few motors) in their new Revolution mice to give that wheel its free-spinning abilities. We're not firm believers in animal testing 'round these parts, but this mouse was just begging to be opened up for the betterment of human knowledge.
Logitech MX Revolution laser mouse reviewed
The most telling line from ExtremeTech's review of the $99.99 Logitech MX Revolution mouse -- which we also got our hands upon recently -- is: "The MX [comes] with a learning curve". The reason for this? An inordinate number of features that results in a mouse that takes some getting used to. Starting with the scroll wheel, Logitech has devised a way of integrating both the ratcheted type of scroll with the free-spin variety: by default, the mouse will switch between the two modes depending on how fast the user is scrolling. Users can tweak the speed at which the mouse will switch into free-spin mode, and yes, there's a ratcheted only option. The next notably new feature is the "document flip", a second scroll wheel located just above the thumb rest that functions as an application switcher if you decide not to change the software settings. Finally, there's a dedicated search button on the top of the mouse that will either, a) start an internet search for a selected word or, if you don't have anything selected, will b) take you to the homepage of your preferred search engine. In practice, the reviewer found the new features to be in need of a little polish: the scroll wheel was a little too eager to switch into free-spin mode (and doesn't double as a middle mouse button), the document flip felt a little redundant, and the one touch search button bugged-out a few times. Underneath all the features is a relatively basic, multi-buttoned cordless laser mouse -- the 800 DPI sensitivity is nothing to write home about -- but the ergonomics and design live up to the high standards we've come to expect from Logitech. The reviewer concludes that the extra features probably aren't necessary, but could in the long term increase user productivity if prospective buyers spend some time customizing the button functions and getting used to the new features. If you think you can do without the new features, you might consider picking up one of Logitech's other no-frills gaming mice, which feature much higher sensitivities and equal, if not lower, prices.
Hands on with the Logitech VX and MX Revolution
We told you we got a little face time with these bad boys; without having spent a terribly long time using the VX and MX Revolution, we can definitely tell you that the tactile feedback and movement of the wheel is really unlike anything you've ever experienced before on a consumer mouse. Unfortunately, knowing those lame mouse kiosks retailers have set up in their stores, you probably won't be able to really feel the difference in the wheels when you switch apps and the mouse mechanics activate (for example, Excel scrolls freely, Word ratchet scrolls). It still might take a little getting used to having that second wheel on your thumb, but at least they refrained from button overload, and the ergonomics were top notch, even if that app-switcher behind the primary wheel was a real pain to get to. Click on for some more shots of the VX and MX Revolution!
Logitech's VX and MX Revolution mice
Logitech went back to the drawing board on the MX Revolution and VX Revolution mice, and here's what they came up with: the MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel, which enables force feedback application support. Basically the heavy-feeling alloy wheels (of which there are two on the MX, and one on the VX) can spin freely and smoothly for up to seven seconds with a flick of your finger, or lock into the regular ratcheted scrolling motion like most of us are used to, depending on usage (the VX requires a flipped switch to toggle between the modes), the application, and your system's settings. It's kinda one of those things you have to try for yourself to really appreciate (we got to play with one a few weeks back), but if you're already sold and don't have any problems with your mice once again having dozens of moving parts, the Revolution series will set you back $99 or $79, respectively.
