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Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse (left hand) (03/17/2006)

Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse (left hand)

Entered CNET Catalog: 03/17/2006

SKU: 097855038944

Manufacturer: Logitech Inc.

Manufacturer description

At last - laser precision for lefties only. The MX610 Left-Hand Laser Cordless Mouse lets left-handed users enjoy the comfort and control of an advanced laser mouse - without compromising their natural work style.

Product summary

The goodThe good: Comes with extra buttons for easier navigation; friendly for gamers and multimedia multitaskers; ergonomic, left-hand-specific design.

The badThe bad: Expensive; may be too small for people with big hands.

The bottom lineThe bottom line: Southpaws are no longer left out with the full-featured, contoured Logitech MX610 left-hand laser cordless mouse.

Average user rating: from 5 users
3.5 stars

Editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 02/05/2007
Whether you're actually left-handed or you just mouse with your left to ease the pain of a repetitive stress injury, finding a comfortable mouse can be a challenge. Most ergonomically curved mice are designed for right-handed users, forcing lefty mousers to make do with somewhat shapeless agnostic mice, such as the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2000. But Logitech designed its MX610 left-handed laser cordless mouse specifically for comfort and usability on the left side of the keyboard. In addition to its orientation, the left-handed MX610 includes all the useful navigation shortcuts and thumb controls you'd expect from a premium ergonomic mouse. While many users may balk at its $60 price tag, we think the Logitech MX610 left-handed laser mouse is worth the cost, given its rich feature set and southpaw-specific design.

With a black-and-silver color scheme that fits in with most modern computers, the MX610 left-handed laser mouse 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, along the right edge; two programmable buttons are placed further down on the side for easy thumb access. The rubbery scrollwheel moves smoothly, providing tactile clicks but no noise. The wheel also tilts left and right, letting 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.

Setting up the MX610 left-handed laser mouse was straightforward: we popped two AA batteries (included in the box) into the mouse, then plugged its tiny receiver into a USB port, and it started working right away. We appreciate that the mouse's right button, where a left-hander's pointer finger naturally rests, is preprogrammed as the primary button, eliminating any need to switch the mouse settings within the Windows Control Panel. This is also handy if you share your computer with a right-hander, whose mouse will continue to function normally even if it's plugged in at the same time as the left-handed MX610.

To take advantage of advanced features and customization options, you'll need Logitech's included SetPoint software, which installs cleanly and is easy to navigate. Inside the program you can map specific actions to each of the mouse's buttons, and you can customize the actions for each software program you use. The two buttons for e-mail and chat can be programmed to light up when you receive new messages; SetPoint also lets you select your preferred IM and e-mail clients (though we were unable to pair the mouse with Trillian), the length of time the notification lights stay on, and whether to ignore certain IM senders.

The left-handed MX610 feels far more comfortable than the hockey-puck-style mice that come bundled with most computers. Though it fit our (female) hand perfectly, we suspect those with larger hands might find the mouse uncomfortable. As with most Logitech mice, clicking the MX610's main mouse buttons demands a bit more pressure than we are accustomed to, which can sometimes lead to finger fatigue. Nevertheless, during our use the MX610 responded flawlessly to all our clicks and movements, and we didn't experience any tracking errors. The lights promptly alerted us to incoming instant messages and e-mail.

Logitech backs the MX610 left-handed laser mouse with a lengthy five-year limited warranty that includes replacement or refund if the products are defective. The company's support Web site offers user forums, a knowledge base, and an e-mail form to contact the company.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 5 user reviews

What a rip off!!!

Pros: IT WOULD NOT WORK

Cons: I had a stroke and can't use my right hand. This is the ONLY mouse Logictech makes yet they DO NOT have software for a Mac.

Review:
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 5 user reviews

Fixed trigger finger in my thumb

Pros: This mouse is very comfortable and the buttons fall in a very natural position. I was suffering from painful trigger finger in my thumb, after using this mouse for about 2 weeks the condition was noticeably reversed and is now completely gone.

Cons: Well, it is a bit pricey, but was worth it to me. The IM and email buttons are mostly worthless as they are limited to the apps that they support. The volume buttons work great are are in the best position.

Review: This is a great mouse for the 13% of the population that is left-handed. In the past, I have used a symmetrical mouse in my left hand, but with the buttons configured for right-handed, doing a kind of cross-fingered approach. After 20 years of mouse use I began to develop painful trigger finger in my thumb. After using the MX610 for a short time, the clicking and pain in the thumb began to diminish and was completely gone in a matter of 1 or 2 months. I have used the MX610 for over 2 years now and have not had the pain return at all. That, alone makes this the best mouse that I've ever owned.

The mouse works right out of the box without need of installing the Setpoint application. Even the volume and mute buttons work without Setpoint. If you want email notification (Outlook support only) or IM notifications (Windows Messenger support only) or the helpful battery monitor, then you will need to install and run Setpoint. The limited email and IM client support is a definite draw-back.

Batter life is very acceptable and the wireless range is quite good and I've had no problems with either. The mouse uses AA batteries, and you should keep a couple on hand because when they go, they go fast!

If you are left handed and are looking for a comfortable wireless mouse, the MX610 is not only the best option for you, it is (as of this writing) the only option for you. Open up your wallet and pay the piper!
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 5 user reviews

Why is the L.H. rated .6 higher than the R.H. version?

Pros: Same as right handed

Cons: Same as right handed

Review: I have both left & right versions(on different pc's). They are identical. How can CNet end up with different ratings? May say something about the subjectivity of some tests. Oh yah, the mouse works very well too!
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 5 user reviews

ITS FOR LEFTIES!!!

Pros: Ergonomic desgn for this model is great

Cons: They do not sell these in stores.

Review: This is a great mouse for left handed people. I always used a mouse left handed when at home. When I am at school and work I have to use a right handed mouse and I had to adopt using the mouse a differant way. These obsticles were not difficult at all becasue it was just point and click. Playing video games using a mouse my right hand was impossible. Ambadextrious mice were ok but I didnt the ergonomic design like all of Microsoft ergonomic mice are. Also I am a bigger handed person and if the ambadextrious mice had side buttons I would actidently hit them constantly i.e. the razor mice. The only issue I have with this mouse is that they dont sell them in the stores. You see this model and the Price tag always says go to our web site for the left handed version. I hope that they are plenty of you that feel that same way I do. Thank you legitech.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 5 user reviews

Awesome Mouse

Pros: Works Great. Love the different buttons for easy navigation.

Cons: The Messenger button only works with MSN Messenger or Windows Messenger. I wish it would work with others, including Trillian.

Review: Got it cheap - $60 less a $50 MIR at Radio Shack. Hard to find though.

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Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse (left hand) specifications

  • General
  • Device Type Mouse
  • Wireless Receiver USB / PS/2 wireless receiver
  • Orientation Left-handed
  • Input Device
  • Connectivity Technology Wireless
  • Interface RF
  • Max Operating Distance 33.0 ft
  • Movement Detection Technology Laser
  • Buttons Qty 10.0
  • Features Volume control , Tilt Wheel Plus Zoom , Backlighting , Scrolling wheel
  • Expansion / Connectivity
  • Interfaces 1.0 x Mouse - Generic - 4 pin USB Type A , 1.0 x USB - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style)
  • Miscellaneous
  • Cables Included 1.0 x Mouse adapter
  • Power
  • Type None
  • Battery
  • Type AA type
  • Installed Qty 2.0
  • Software / System Requirements
  • Software Included SetPoint
  • OS Required Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
  • Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
  • Manufacturer Warranty
  • Service & Support 5 years warranty
  • Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 5 years
  • Sustainability
  • CNET Labs: Estimated Annual Energy Cost nil
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