Entered CNET Catalog: 09/05/2005
SKU: 0097855033598
Manufacturer: Logitech Inc.
Manufacturer description
The Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse redefines performance with ultra-precise laser tracking on more surfaces and interference-free 2.4 GHz digital cordless technology. As the world's first smart mouse, it extends battery life by turning on and off with your computer, in sync with your PC, detects and eliminates wireless interference and alerts you when the batteries are low. Easy to configure, email and IM buttons light up when you receive new messages from selected friends and associates. Volume controls add convenience, forward/back buttons allow speed browsing on web sites and documents and the tilt wheel plus zoom is perfect for viewing digital photos and spreadsheets.Product summary
The good: Comes with extra buttons for easier navigation; friendly for gamers and multimedia multitaskers; ergonomic design.
The bad: Lefties are out of luck; people with big hands might wish the Logitech MX610 laser mouse were larger.
The bottom line: The Logitech MX610 laser cordless mouse provides comfort and convenient extra features not available from any other mouse on the market.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/09/2005
PC multitaskers who want navigation shortcuts in the palm of their hand will appreciate the Logitech MX610 laser cordless mouse. Though good mice such as the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 are available for less than the MX610's $59.99 price, none offers its combination of cordless functionality, laser optical engine, media controls, and visual alerts.
Setup of the MX610 laser mouse was simple, and Logitech gets props for providing two AA batteries. We popped them into the mouse, plugged a tiny USB receiver into our PC, and the mouse worked right away. You'll need to install Logitech's included SetPoint software to take advantage of the MX610's e-mail and instant-message (IM) alerts, however. SetPoint is easy to navigate and includes a wizard that walks you through different setup options. We took the QuickTour and learned that you can set the e-mail-notification button to do nothing, to light up when you get new messages, or to open a particular file or Web page. SetPoint also lets you select your preferred IM and e-mail clients, the length of time the notification lights stay on, and whether to ignore certain IM senders.
The black-and-silver MX610, designed for right-handed users only, is shaped so that your hand rests in an upright, neutral position for better ergonomics. Two volume buttons, a mute button, and the e-mail and IM buttons are lined up on top of the mouse; two programmable buttons are placed further down on the side for easy thumb access. The rubbery scrollwheel moves smoothly and also lets you scroll horizontally. There's a small on/off button on the bottom, and the mouse shuts off automatically when the computer shuts down or sleeps. A battery-indicator light on top of the mouse lets you know when you're running low on power.
The MX610 feels more comfortable than a run-of-the-mill hockey-puck-style mouse, but a larger model would better support bigger hands. Unfortunately, clicking the two main mouse buttons demanded more pressure than our weary index finger appreciated, and the MX610 felt wobbly on our curvy ergonomic mouse pad. The MX610 responded to our movements and clicks without any problems, and we didn't experience any loss of signal or errors in tracking. The lights promptly alerted us to incoming instant messages, but only when another user initiated a new conversation, not when we received new messages in an existing chat. Though the IM light was reliable up to 25 feet from the receiver, the e-mail-notification light occasionally failed to turn on when we received a new message.
Logitech covers the MX610 with an amazing five-year warranty--four years longer than most input-device warranties. Desktop help is available in the form of a QuickTour and the searchable SetPoint HelpCenter. The Logitech Web site offers user forums, a knowledge base, and an e-mail form to contact the company. Logitech also supplies tips on how to properly position your body at the computer to prevent repetitive-stress injury.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25out of 24 user reviews
Solid mouse, but not perfect
Pros: very comfortable, lag free, easy install, turns off with computer
Cons: runs off AA batteries with no recharging station, games don't recognize the extra buttons, battery indicator has 2 modes: full and about to die
Although I've never seen a game recognize the extra buttons on the mouse, you can configure all of them through the included software and those selections will be able to be used in games
out of 24 user reviews
Good mouse
Pros: features and easy to reach buttons
Cons: AA batteries
out of 24 user reviews
great design
Pros: works with just 1 battery inserted
Cons: Setpoint - the software isn't that good
out of 24 user reviews
All-around good
Pros: ergonomically perfect puttons placed nicely
Cons: doesn't work with mac or Linux
out of 24 user reviews
Mouse fits my needs.
Pros: Plenty of programmable buttons and the feel and weight of the mouse is execelent.
Cons: Battery life, email button, and instant messaging button fell short of expectations.
The wireless feature is amazing. Although it will lag occasionally in a video game (hence why this isn't a gaming mouse) it reaches very far. I sometimes carry it across my living room with me so I can sit and do homework on a more spacial table and still be able to control the volume and track selection. To save battery life, which lasted me about a month, the mouse shuts itself off to save power. All you have to do is move it a little to wake it back up, great feature.
The email and instant message buttons didn't really work so I reprogrammed them to launch different programs. A downfall, but the buttons don't become completely useless.
All in all this is a excellent mouse shy of any gaming needs. As long as your not a online gamer I would highly recommend this mouse to anyone.
out of 24 user reviews
Great Ergonomic Shape and Battery life
Pros: Can access volume, e-mail, and instant messenger directly from mouse. Mouse is synced with computer so it turns off when computer is turned off...resulting in great battery life.
Cons: *Might* be too small for very big hands, but for the vast majority it should be fine.
However, the best feature is its ability to turn off whenever the computer is put in standby, hibernate or off mode. Also has a battery indicator.
All of this combined with a great design and feel (the side material is softer) make it a great buy!
out of 24 user reviews
Drivers didn't work, mouse didn't detect
Pros: looks nice
Cons: doesn't work
Crap, oh well, it will make a nice paperweight.
out of 24 user reviews
This is the best mouse on the market so far!!!
Pros: Perfect Shape, Perfectly design buttons. Not too heavy!
Cons: None seen. Maybe the price.
out of 24 user reviews
Great mouse
Pros: nice design, useful volume buttons
Cons: interferes with wireless network.
BEST thing: the volume control buttons are really useful. it also has a great wireless distance. it would be really comfortable when you play a movie on your PC or make a presentation.
WORST thing: Some people complain about the lag problem. This is a serious problem when you are in a heavy duty wireless internet environment,for example, when you are sitting under a AccessPoint(or router) in a liabrary area, or when you are downloading big file via wireless network.
But most time the mouse works flawlessly. When there is no heavy wireless network, that is not a problem.
P.S. batteries don't last long(2weeks), you'd better use rechargeable battery.
out of 24 user reviews
good inexpensive laser mouse
Pros: works on anything, battery light
Cons: still can't get used to volume and mute
out of 24 user reviews
Best mouse I've bought in years.
Pros: Ergonomics, quality, response time, features.
Cons: Software isn't very good -- limits email / IM buttons functionality
This time I decided $ was no object as I have wasted over $100 on crappy mice over 18 months. I bought the MX610 after reading the reviews on this site and trying it out at the store. This is the best mouse I've bought in years! The form factor is perfect for the hand. The buttons are placed very nicely. The laser is FAR superior to optical which performs poorly on reflective surfaces like my desk; it can be used anywhere. The receiver is tiny and is 2.4 ghz, so it has great range and doesn't lag like my other mice.
The negative is the software. The help file sucks and the customization for the email and IM buttons is pretty much worthless. You can't really assign them to your preferred clients, therefore the email is basically limited to Outlook and the IM supposedly is recognized automatically. Unfortunately, this keeps you from using email notifiers like Gmail's. But I didn't buy this mouse for those two buttons, so that's ok. Disappointing though.
All in all, the MX610 is well worth the $60 and I think I've found a keeper. Oh, and it comes with a killer 5 year warranty!
out of 24 user reviews
Almost Perfect
Pros: Precise, comfortable, (mostly) useful buttons.
Cons: Akward software, extraneous IM/E-Mail buttons.
out of 24 user reviews
Good wireless mouse for the price. Comfortable and it gets the job done.
Pros: Fits my hand nicely, has a power indicator, and the volume control buttons are a nice touch (no pun intended).
Cons: Does sort of eat batteries and is hard to "wake" after it falls into sleep mode.
out of 24 user reviews
Great mouse with lots of good points
Pros: Good ergonomic fit for right hand, good feel of button depression, excellent scroll sensitivity
Cons: The fit of the microsoft ergo mice is slightly better
out of 24 user reviews
Overall nice cordless mouse
Pros: cordless, doesn't skip around, accurate, plenty of buttons to program any way you would like
Cons: If you ask me a little pricy, but definitley worth it if you can find in on sale.
out of 24 user reviews
It's Acceptable.
Pros: Cordless, Laser, and good button selection.
Cons: Battery Life, Design.
The design of the mouse itself is very uncomfortable. as well as the occasional sporatic movement of the mouse itself.
The claim of "extended battery life via super special auto-shut off feature" is garbage, i've had to replace the batteries twice in a 6 month span and we're probably getting close to three.
What caught me was the volume and media buttons on the mouse, but next time i think i will go with one of their versions with a charger.
out of 24 user reviews
good product
Pros: Very precise, good comfortable shape, useful buttons
Cons: a little slippery, battery life is mediocre, drops a couple fps (frames per second)
I retured the mouse and purchased a logitech g5 and have no problems with it.
out of 24 user reviews
software poor...support decrepid
Pros: It was a gift!
Cons: not all functions work but "the new software will solve all your problems"!
My email query to Logitech Support was answered WEEKS later by repeating what I already stated that I had done to try to correct issues.Yawn...
cajun321
out of 24 user reviews
Performance Exceeds Expectations; Excellent Tracking
Pros: Laser Tracking excellent on smooth surfaces.
Cons: Requires nonchargeable batteries
The MX610 is smaller, smoother, back and forward browser buttons, as well as simpler to operate than the G5 gaming mouse. I was astonished to find the MX610 wireless performed better on a smooth granite surface than the G5 laser mouse, which I had found did not live up to its high ratings. The email button on the MX610 picked up my Eudora Pro email program without problem.
The USB base device is small, nonintrusive and nearly equivalent to the space you'd use if you had a corded mouse. Yet, you gain the flexibility of no cords to restrict or impede your movements. As I wrote in a review for the G5, I was disappointed in the nylon cord that was not flexible and easily got in my way. The MX610 gives total freedom of movement.
Wireless laptop owners should not hesitate to consider the MX610 laser cordless mouse for their laptop. I'm thrilled; and so is my nephew who got the hand-me-down G5 laser gaming mouse.
out of 24 user reviews
Great hardware... poor software
Pros: Comfortable, lots of buttons, fully configurable
Cons: Notification features don't work
The overall basic functionality of the mouse is good. I do have two gripes. First: I use the scroll-wheel button quite a bit for double-click - this scroll-wheel has a tendency to left-tilt rather than click. This may be something I need to get used to.
The second is an entire portion of advertised functionality - the notification buttons do not light up. I checked the Logitech forum and found I was not the only one with the problem. Hopefully there will be software updates that fix this, but if this is the major reason for getting this mouse, you may want to take that in to consideration.
out of 24 user reviews
Slippery Movements Make This a Poor Choice
Pros: Good feel and concept, tiny receiver
Cons: Not accurate!
out of 24 user reviews
A great mouse overall
Pros: Terrific laser-tracking, automatic on/off, tiny 2.4 GHz receiver, no lag or interference with signal, sleek, comfortable design, useful extra buttons
Cons: Notification buttons only work with certain programs, buggy software
I am actually using the MX610 for my laptop, as I could not find all the features I wanted in other notebook mice nor could I find one that was particularly comfortable for my medium-sized hands (though the V200 is deceivingly comfortable, despite its small size, and while I did not find it so, others have said that the V500 is also quite comfortable). I need to lug my laptop and mouse around daily, but I also need to work on it for 8-10 hours a day. So, comfort and features were as much priorities as portability. The size of the MX610 is certainly greater than that of Logitech’s V200 or V500, and thus more comfortable, but it is not huge compared with say the MX1000, making it a decent alternative to a smaller notebook mouse if you have the space to carry it and desire extra comfort. The tiny USB receiver, while not fitting inside the mouse as in some other notebook mice, is still small enough for travel, and certainly a better option than the large receiving bases that accompany most non-notebook cordless mice.
I would not consider the "smart" e-mail and IM notification buttons to be selling points, as they only work with certain programs. Logitech, however, according to a response to another user opinion, is in the process of fixing this problem; though, I recently downloaded the newest version of SetPoint, 2.47, and it still ignores Outlook and AOL IM. The automatic on/off mechanism, on the other hand, is quite smart and handy, promptly turning off the mouse when the computer is on standby or turned off.
No other users have yet reported this, and maybe it is just a problem with my machine, but the included SetPoint software, which allows you to program the buttons, keeps crashing. My iTouch software, which I used to use with my home desktop Logitech keyboard, was also rather flakey.
This mouse is definitely a head-turner, whether or not you can get it to light up at the office when you receive a new e-mail or instant message. Its sleek design, convenient extra buttons, and flawless tracking make it a worthwhile mouse for desktop use or even notebook use if you need extra features and comfort but still want something manageably-sized. The over-marketing of the notification features, insisting that this is a “smart mouse,” and problems with the software prevent this mouse from receiving a 9 or 10. Hopefully, Logitech will soon update the software to make more e-mail and IM programs compatible as well as correct any stability issues that other users may have.
out of 24 user reviews
I like it a lot
Pros: Simple to set up
Cons: None so far
out of 24 user reviews
This mouse is just about perfect.
Pros: Volume control, side to side scrolling, mail and chat buttons. On/off syncs with your pc. High programmability.
Cons: Mail and chat button useless for advertised purpose, but they are programmable. I miss the scrolling "rocker" or up/down button for mega-scrolling.
As you can read elsewhere, the email notification and chat notification lights are nearly useless, they don't light up to some of the most popular programs, but I've reprogrammed them, (they are also buttons), to start my email program and internet browser, so that's really cool. No more looking on the keyboard for the key, no more swishing around the screen for the icon. Just one hand on the mouse does it all. I do miss the scrolling buttons of the MX700/1000. When you gots to do a lot of scrolling, it gets a little tiring spinning that wheel. Its not a big problem though, I just reprogramed the wheel-button to auto-scroll instead of zoom. (Are we spoiled or what?) Overall I'm very very satisfied and plan to keep this mouse for a while.
out of 24 user reviews
False Advertising
Pros: Fits right handed people well, laser technology, good 2.4 GHz connection
Cons: "Smart mouse" features extremely restrictive and falsely advertised
It would be one thing if the product were advertised only to work with these programs. But it's not on the packaging nor on any of the product's information on Logitech's site. You have to dig into Logitech's forums to find this out and this information was only posted WEEKS after the mouse was released.
Logitech could have had a slam dunk with this product but instead their apparently incompetence or laziness with making the software compatible with the programs consumers actually use makes this an average, run of the mill mouse at best.
Since first posting the review, Logitech has released updated drivers for the mouse which allow the notification lights to also work with Outlook and Windows Messenger. While this is a step in the right direction, one still wonders why Logitech is "releasing" their products piecemeal, and continuing to have sub-par advertisement of the fact.
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