Logitech VX Revolution 'freewheeling' cordless mouse

The laptop mouse for the connoisseur?

By Lars-Göran Nilsson • Get more from this author

31st August 2006 11:58 GMT

Page:

Also hidden towards the rear left-hand side of the VX Revolution is a battery power-level indicator. This doesn't show up every time you move the mouse as it does on, say, Logitech's MX1000 - it only displays the power bars when you switch the mouse on. Handily the Windows SetPoint software tells you how many days battery life you have left, although I'm not quite sure how this is calculated as it didn't seem to relate to the usage. You can also get a percentage measurement which seemed to make more sense.

Logitech_VX_revolution_front

Flip the mouse over and you'll find a few other interesting things. Apart from the MicroGear switch, there's a power button, an eject button for the USB wireless dongle and a battery compartment. The VX Revolution is powered by a single (supplied) AA battery, although this sits in the mouse at a tight angle and is a little awkward to fit. The glide pads are larger than on most mice and there are five of them.

The USB dongle is smaller than on previous laptop-specific mice from Logitech and when you insert it into its slot, it powers off the mouse. A small flap will prevent dust and other unwanted stuff ending up inside the mouse when the dongle is in use. The wireless link uses the 2.4GHz spectrum, so there might be some possible interference from Wi-Fi or Bluetooth equipment, although it is no more likely than any other wireless mouse and I certainly didn't experience any unexpected cursor movements.

Mac users will be happy to know that a downloadable driver is available from Logitech's website, as the Mac drivers aren't supplied in the box and the VX Revolution. Oddly, the mouse doesn't work without the drivers - you can move the cursor, but you can't even click the left-hand button.

At £60 the VX Revolution doesn't come cheap, but it's a very comfortable mouse to use and it has plenty of features on offer. It's not a mouse for everyone, perhaps, but that doesn't detract from the fact it's a darn fine bit of kit.

Verdict

A feature-packed if pricey laptop mouse with some great new features and a comfortable design. Is it fair to say it's the best mobile mouse yet? We say it is. ®