Logitech reinvents the wheel

Darius Chang | Aug 24, 2006

After two years of research, Logitech claims that its latest range of mice will revolutionize onscreen navigation. According to the peripheral manufacturer, "on average, people have six applications open on their computer at any one time, and the active window switches or new windows open every 50 seconds in an eight hour day. To navigate the vast content at their disposal, people spin their mouse’s scroll wheel approximately 26ft in an 8 hour day".

The Logitech MX revolution and its smaller notebook-friendly VX Revolution sibling are wireless mice which incorporate the new MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel. It has two modes: The free-spin option allows the wheel to spin freely for faster document navigation, and the normal click-to-click scrolling method offers greater precision. The proprietary SmartShift Technology works with the scroll wheel and sets the most appropriate mode automatically depending on the active application.

The Touch-to-Search button initiates an Internet search on the highlighted word or phrase. The Document Quick-Flip, which is available only on the MX Revolution, simplifies navigation between documents across several programs.

The VX Revolution is slightly smaller and uses a USB receiver that can be stored in the body. Both models are expected to hit retail stores in October, with a list price of S$179 (US$119.79) for the MX Revolution and S$129 (US$86.33) for the VX Revolution.