Logitech EasyCall Desktop review

Along the right side are VoIP-related buttons: one to launch your preferred Internet calling app, one to change your status (available, stepped out), one to initiate calls, one to end calls, and one to dial a phone number. Unfortunately, only one button worked with Skype; we were able to launch Skype as a result of configuring it in the SetPoint software, but then we had to use the mouse to make calls. You can also reprogram most of the shortcut keys to perform duties other than their default actions, but not the green button to begin a call and the red button to end a call. The same two buttons are featured on the speakerphone, and they didn't work for us either.

Perhaps they didn't work because EasyCall is optimized only for VoIP apps AIM and Yahoo Messenger in the U.S. Buy it in Europe, and it's optimized for Skype. We used Yahoo Messenger, however, and wouldn't call it an optimal experience. Though the sound quality remained high, the green button to initiate calls refused to work. And we could use the red button to hang up, but only on calls that we initiated. Thankfully, you can reprogram one of the function keys to initiate calls, for those who are averse to mice. If you are curious about which shortcut keys are enabled for your favored Internet calling app, check out this features chart on Logitech's Web site.

The mouse is of high quality, but we don't like it as much as Logitech's MX 1000 Laser mouse. It's a bit narrower than the MX 1000, but we'd probably grow accustomed to its shape over time. It features two programmable thumb buttons and two unique buttons along the top next to your index finger. The first is a rocker switch for zooming in and out of digital photos, Web pages, and so on. The button behind it returns the view to 100 percent.