Review: Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Mouse

When I first saw the Logitech MX Revolution, I did a double take. I mean, the price tag alone is enough to make the average consumer toss this thing in the returns bin. $100 for a wireless mouse? Even the most hardcore gamer would be reluctant to slap down that much for just another peripheral.

Nevertheless, the Logitech MX Revolution is packed with features that well, I'd actually use.

Ever scrolled through a document or webpage simply to reach the bottom of the page with an aching index finger? Sure, we all have. That's why Associated Content automatically breaks articles into multiple pages. But while AC has this foresight, not all companies and webmasters do. That's where the Logitech MX Revolution comes in handy. To scroll through short documents, use it like any other mouse. The precise ratcheting action in the scroll wheel ensures that your eyes follow the text as your finger moves. For longer documents, give the scroll wheel a quick flick to scroll through hundreds of lines of text or a large graphic.

Logitech accomplishes this feat by disengaging the ratcheting action for up to 7 seconds and allowing the scroll wheel on the Logitech MX Revolution to spin freely on a ball bearing. If something catches your eye, simply tap the scroll wheel and the Logitech MX Revolution gives you precise control once again as the ratchet engages instantly.

Now, if that were all, I'd have left the Logitech MX Revolution back in the returns area. But the Logitech MX Revolution doesn't stop at advanced scrolling.

If you have multiple applications and files open like I do, you probably make good use of the Alt + Tab function on your keyboard to move in between and through documents. Say we need to copy some text from one document to another. This involves highlighting the text on hypothetical Page 1, copying through a series of keystrokes or mouse clicks, pressing Alt + Tab (or selecting the page using the mouse), selecting the place to paste, and finally pasting. Do this several times and your fingers get tired real fast. The Logitech MX Revolution lets you accomplish all this, without ever having to lift your hand from the mouse. Simply highlight the text using the mouse and use the handy document "quick flip" button to move effortlessly from document to document. This makes editing documents, checking e-mail and switching applications a snap! Forget that Alt + Tab and use your other hand to sip some long needed refreshment.

Convinced the Logitech MX Revolution is awesome yet? Yeah I'm not either. But there's still more.

How many times do you search the web per day? My count easily surpasses 20 per day. Since I'm doing these searches last minute (assignment due in 2 minutes) I can't afford to waste valuable time opening a web browser, typing the address of whatever search engine comes to mind, and typing the query and pressing enter. I mean, come on! I just wasted another 30 seconds! Luckily, I have the Logitech MX Revolution mouse at my disposal. The Logitech MX Revolution has a Search button for this very purpose. The Logitech MX Revolution can be programmed to utilize any search engine of your choice simply by highlighting a word or phrase and tapping the Search button on the mouse. Want to search Blingo for the latest sports scores? Highlight the team you want and scores and tap the search button. Partial to Yahoo! rather than Google? No problem, just configure your Logitech MX Revolution the way you want! I suspect you can also program it to search AC, but don't quote me on that one.

With such a powerful tool, you don't want it running out of power at the inopportune moment. The Logitech MX Revolution is powered by rechargable Lithium-Ion battery. The Logitech MX Revolution also has a lighted indication showing the remaining power so you know when it's time to juice the Logitech MX Revolution back up.

And of course, the Logitech MX Revolution is still a mouse. It uses a state-of-the-art laser to give you full precision and control. Connectivity to your computer is provided via a speedy USB connection.

The Logitech MX Revolution is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista (requires Internet connection) and Mac OSX 10.2.8+ provided an available USB port, CD-ROM drive and an Internet connection.

So while the recreational computer user is not likely to shell out $100 for this advanced tech, it is perfect for those of us who spend a large amount of time on the computer browsing through multiple documents and applications and it's especially helpful when editing multiple files. Oh yes, an even more portable version of the Logitech MX Revolution, the Logitech VX Revolution is available for $20 less than the Logitech MX Revolution.

At the time this article was written, the Logitech Logitech MX Revolution was available in stores at a sale price of $80, and the VX Revolution was $60.

For more information and detailed specifications please visit Logitech at http://www.logitech.com