Gaming gets serious...Logitech announces new product line.

[cadaveca]

For those of you that haven't seen it yet, the new peripherial offering from logitech do something that some companies wish they could do...take something old...and make it new.


How about a custom weighted, max. 2000-dpi laser (adjustable from 400dpi) mouse sound?
6.4MP sensor? most digicams don't have that resolution!


a battery indicator!?! FINALLY!!


A wireless mouse...that comes with a spare battery, that charges in the base, while the other is in use?



i won't go into the keyboard...make your own judgement.
http://www.aoaforums.com/forum/attac...chmentid=13982

Here's the press release:

Logitech Unveils Two G-Series Laser Mice for Gamers, Combining Extreme Performance and Custom Tuning
Mice Feature Combination of Laser Tracking, 2000 dpi and Full-Speed USB; PC Gamers Can Opt for Cordless or Variable Weight Tuning

FREMONT, Calif. — August 11, 2005 — Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI), the world´s leading manufacturer of computer mice, today unveiled two much-anticipated, extreme-performance G-series gaming mice. These new mice raise the bar for PC gaming by providing impressive specs, blazing speed, and a wide range of customization options. The Logitechâ G7 Laser Cordless Mouse gives gamers the opportunity to play with a cordless mouse that is truly Gaming-Grade™, with lightweight, quick-swap, rechargeable batteries. And the Logitechâ G5 Laser Mouse features a highly versatile weight-tuning system, enabling gamers to customize the weight and balance of the mouse according to individual preference, resulting in superior control.

The Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse and Logitech G5 Laser Mouse include an extremely powerful tracking system. Both include resolution of up to 2000 dpi, which can be adjusted on the fly to as low as 400 dpi; Logitech Gaming-Grade laser illumination and tracking; full-speed USB data transfer; a fast 6.4 megapixels of image processing per second. Altogether, these specs allow gamers to experience unparalleled precision and speed from their G-series mouse.

“These G-series mice are the culmination of our ongoing relationship with PC gamers,” said Ashish Arora, Logitech´s vice president of product marketing for retail pointing devices. “The feedback we´ve received from gamers is that their ideal mouse is a combination of the most advanced performance specs and the highest level of customization. With pixel precision, blazing speed, and customizable features, the G5 and the G7 mice certainly meet, and even exceed, the dream gaming mouse described to us by gamers around the world.”

Logitech Gaming-Grade Laser
Logitech´s G5 and G7 mice feature Logitech newest Gaming-Grade laser tracking technology, providing superior precision. At 2000 dpi, Logitech´s Gaming-Grade laser is capable of tracking 45 inches per second — ensuring that even lightning-quick movements will be tracked with extreme precision.

Full-Speed USB
The G7 and G5 are Logitech´s first computer mice to leverage full-speed USB. Each mouse delivers 500 reports per second — much faster than the 60 to 125 reports per second of traditional USB mice. This ability to transmit data more frequently is critical to ensure absolute precision with no lag. For Windows® 9x and ME users only, the Logitech® SetPoint™ software will limit the report rate to 125 reports per second.

Extreme Cordless Performance: The Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse

Many gamers believe that a cordless mouse will hinder their performance due to lag, interference, power management issues, and battery weight. The Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse overcomes these problems, which previously prevented cordless mice from being used in the competitive gaming environment:
No lag: The G7 mouse avoids lag with two innovations. First, it uses full-speed USB to increase the number of reports per second. Second, it features an advanced gaming mode that prevents the mouse from going into power-saving sleep mode until a full minute has passed, which is far longer than the usual ten seconds for conventional office mice.
No interference: The G7 Laser Cordless Mouse features Logitech´s 2.4 GHz cordless technology with 24 channels unlikely to interfere with other consumer devices. If the mouse encounters interference, Logitech´s intelligent frequency hopping enables the mouse to automatically jump to a channel where there is no interference.
Battery indicator: The mouse also features a built-in battery-level indicator so that gamers always know their power status. Using Logitech SetPoint software, this battery-level indicator can be customized to alert gamers when there is anywhere from 30 percent to 5 percent of battery life remaining, based on preference. In the default gaming power mode, the battery life will last up to two and a half days for average game play. Under tournament conditions, if used continuously, the mouse will last up to seven hours per charge. During normal office use, the mouse will achieve up to four and a half days of battery life in gaming power mode before needing a battery swap.
Lightweight, rechargeable battery packs: The G7 mouse comes with two rechargeable 18-gram lithium-ion battery packs. Only one is in use at a time, so the mouse weighs significantly less than other rechargeable mice currently on the market, and much less than mice that require two AA batteries. The low weight of the mouse allows fast moves and zero inertia, which are important for minimizing fatigue during long gaming sessions. To quick-swap the batteries, gamers simply press a button on the base of the mouse to pop the battery pack out so the alternate battery can slide into its place.
The G7 Laser Cordless Mouse also has a striking paint scheme. The iridescent green siding contrasts with the silver keyplate, each with a polish similar to that of a high-gloss automobile finish.

Tuned for Game Domination: The Logitech G5 Laser Mouse

To provide the ultimate in customization, the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse comes with 16 miniature round weights — eight weighing 1.7 grams and eight weighing 4.5 grams. Any combination of up to eight weights fits into a small cartridge that can be inserted into the base of the mouse. Gamers can achieve thousands of combinations of weight, including distributing the weight within the cartridge so that the mouse is heavier on one side or the other. Gamers can tune to their exact needs — so that they have unmatched precision.

The Logitech G5 Laser Mouse also features a radical, hand-finished paint scheme. Each mouse goes through a seven-step finishing process, features three colors of paint, and is hand-sanded so that every mouse is unique. The final product is a combination of rust red, smoke black, and silver colors. To the touch, the surface feels soft and comfortable, ideal for extended game play.

Attention to Detail: Gaming-Specific Design and Advanced Software
To reduce resistance and improve accuracy as the mouse glides across a surface, the G5 and G7 mice feature two large polytetrafluoroethylene feet. For gamers who practice skating, the action of lifting the mouse off the surface to return it to a central position, the mouse features a pinky ridge for better grip and an outrigger foot for added stability.

With the included Logitech SetPoint software, gamers can choose differing horizontal and vertical resolutions. For example, if a game requires rapid horizontal movement but more accurate vertical movement, one could tweak those resolution settings to be 2000 dpi horizontally, and 400 dpi vertically. The software also allows gamers to program as many as five levels of resolution. Without software, the two buttons beneath each mouse´s scroll wheel increase or decrease the mouse resolution during game play to three preset resolutions — 2000 dpi, 800 dpi and 400 dpi.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse has a suggested retail price in the U.S. of $99.99, while the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse has a suggested retail price of $69.99. They will be available in the U.S. and in Europe in September.

About Logitech
Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

# # #

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

And here's the first review {with pictures}(at least that i have seen):

[danrok]

Battery thing looks good!

I always have problems getting my mouse in to charge mode on its base, both my current and previous mice are Logitech. Quite annoying having to place it on the base 10 times before it will start to recharge.

[Daniel ~]

Front page Dave. Thank you!

[Rondog]

Where from and how much?

[cadaveca]

September retail. each unit should retail, for about 69.99(for the "low-level" mouse) to 79.99(for the keyboard), and 99.99 for the "high-end" wieghted gaming mouse. These are just approximations, as no MSRP is set in stone, yet. there will definately be some sort of packge with the keyboard and one of the mice, and i'll be sure to post pics when i get one in!

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse has a suggested retail price in the U.S. of $99.99, while the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse has a suggested retail price of $69.99. They will be available in the U.S. and in Europe in September.

psst. it's in the press release.

[Rondog]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

September retail. each unit should retail, for about 69.99(for the "low-level" mouse) to 79.99(for the keyboard), and 99.99 for the "high-end" wieghted gaming mouse. These are just approximations, as no MSRP is set in stone, yet. there will definately be some sort of packge with the keyboard and one of the mice, and i'll be sure to post pics when i get one in!






psst. it's in the press release.

I dont read them. They tend to blabber on about crap while telling nothing. This I was wrong though. I'll do a review when I get the keyboard and weighted mouse.

[cadaveca]

that's ok, 'cause i got the prices for the mice backwards. the weighted is not wireless, BTW.

[Razorfish]

ill stick with a trusty mx1000, ther coming down in price so as soon as they are resonable im getting one!

[cadaveca]

problem is the resolution is not good for gaming. The MX100 is gearded towards office users, while the new offerings are geared to gamers....and gamers only. The battery life of the wireless mouse is short...expect to swap batteries at least once a week or so, with regular usage. A minor annoyance, paired with the fact that becasue the charger is in the receiver base, you never need to look far for the replacement. I'll have to wait ans see about hte weight of it tho, as becasue of my carpal tunnel, I must have a very free-flowing mouse.


i'm interested to see how it compares to the MX1000 for gaming, but cause personally, i think the mx1000 stinks.

[jimbobaggies]

I just upgraded to Saitek Eclipse, and mx518 for my gaming pleasure's... that keyboard just looks over cluttered to me.

[dsio]

Originally Posted by danrok

Battery thing looks good!

I always have problems getting my mouse in to charge mode on its base, both my current and previous mice are Logitech. Quite annoying having to place it on the base 10 times before it will start to recharge.

LOL Danrok, you too have to do the base station jiggle to get that magic green light?

MX700?

The MX1000 fixed that issue and gave me a battery indicator, but the weight and feel was off.

The adjustable weight is a great thing. I always like a very heavy mouse with a rear bias, so maybe I will get that now.

The keyboard is just overkill but at a lan, everyone would be oohing and aahing so why not get one lol.

[Rondog]

Originally Posted by dsio

LOL Danrok, you too have to do the base station jiggle to get that magic green light?

MX700?

The MX1000 fixed that issue and gave me a battery indicator, but the weight and feel was off.

The adjustable weight is a great thing. I always like a very heavy mouse with a rear bias, so maybe I will get that now.

The keyboard is just overkill but at a lan, everyone would be oohing and aahing so why not get one lol.

People can ooh and aah all they want, but you wont get respect until you come out number 1.

[Aedan]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

How about a custom weighted, max. 2000-dpi laser (adjustable from 400dpi) mouse sound?
6.4MP sensor? most digicams don't have that resolution!

Most of the older optical mice had a sensor with a resolution of 40pixels by 40pixels. You don't need many pixels to have a high resolution, it's just the spacing between the pixels and the magnification of the lens that is important. Change the lens on a 40px by 40px and you change the DPI. Turning up the DPI has the side effect that the mouse has to image much faster though, as things can move out of the field of view much more quickly.

Besides, handling the data from a 6.4MP sensor would require a huge level of electrical and processing power, especially as it'd need to handle ~12Gbit/sec worth of data.

[danrok]

Originally Posted by dsio

LOL Danrok, you too have to do the base station jiggle to get that magic green light?

MX700?

The MX1000 fixed that issue and gave me a battery indicator, but the weight and feel was off.

The adjustable weight is a great thing. I always like a very heavy mouse with a rear bias, so maybe I will get that now.

The keyboard is just overkill but at a lan, everyone would be oohing and aahing so why not get one lol.

Had it witrh MX700 and now the MX1000 as well.

[cadaveca]

Originally Posted by Áedán

Most of the older optical mice had a sensor with a resolution of 40pixels by 40pixels. You don't need many pixels to have a high resolution, it's just the spacing between the pixels and the magnification of the lens that is important. Change the lens on a 40px by 40px and you change the DPI. Turning up the DPI has the side effect that the mouse has to image much faster though, as things can move out of the field of view much more quickly.

Besides, handling the data from a 6.4MP sensor would require a huge level of electrical and processing power, especially as it'd need to handle ~12Gbit/sec worth of data.

yes, of course, aedan. did ya read the press release? 6.4MP/second. this is the image processing that hte mouse offers.

The Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse and Logitech G5 Laser Mouse include an extremely powerful tracking system. Both include resolution of up to 2000 dpi, which can be adjusted on the fly to as low as 400 dpi; Logitech Gaming-Grade laser illumination and tracking; full-speed USB data transfer; a fast 6.4 megapixels of image processing per second. Altogether, these specs allow gamers to experience unparalleled precision and speed from their G-series mouse.

[Aedan]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

yes, of course, aedan. did ya read the press release? 6.4MP/second. this is the image processing that hte mouse offers.

Which, if you put in a 6.4Megapixel sensor, and poll it 500 times a second equates 3.2Gpixel/second. That's not the same as having a 6.4Mpx sensor. Having 6.4Mpx/sec worth of processing at 500 (based on 500 reports per second) frames a second means you have a 12.8Kpx sensor. That's a sensor that's about 113px by 113px.

[cadaveca]

lol. sorry, but that's jsut too muc hmath for me on a weekend.

113x113 pixels? that's an odd numerb, i bet that it's more like 100x100, but whatever.

[Bring the Noise]

Now if they could just make a wired Optical Trackball similar to the wireless optical trackman then I'ld think about a keyboard and mouse upgrade...

http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/220.gif

As it stands I have the Microsoft Trackball Explorer and it frag's folks just fine... plus I don't need a mouse pad

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mo...-m_trackex.jpg

Still using the old Logitech Elite USB Keyboard with the extra scroll wheel on the far left (makes for some nice scrolling though XP's image preview program ).

[tamashumi]

And what do you think about this one?

Features seem to be quite similar or maybe even better:

2000 DPI Laser Engine Powered by Razer Precision™

1000 Hz Ultrapolling™ (adjustable to 125Hz & 500Hz) with 1 ms response time as compared with 125Hz/8 ms response time used by other conventional gaming mice

32KB Onboard Memory Powered by Razer Synapse™

7 independently programmable buttons optimized with Razer’s Hyperesponse™ technology for ultra tactile button feedback and maximum actions-per-minute (APM) gameplay

Up to 3 customizable weight standards and optional dummy buttons*

Zero-Acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon feet

16 bit data path, as compared to 8 bit and 12 bit data paths used by other conventional mice

High speed motion detection, up to 45ips and 20g / Over 7080 frames per second

Always-On™ mode pioneered by Razer™ - the laser engine sensor never powers down to provide instantaneous response at all times during gameplay

Award winning Razer™ drivers featuring On-the-Fly Sensitivity™ DPI adjustment pioneered by Razer

Size: 5.04" length x 2.5" width x 1.54" height

GlowPipe™ non-slip side rails

Ergonomic ambidextrous design

Ultra large non-slip rubber coated mouse buttons

Gold plated USB connector for maximum conductivity

7 foot, lightweight, non-tangle cord

I won't speak about keyboard as my personal favorite are most simple ones ;]

EDIT: more photos