Logitech launches G5 and G7 Laser Cordless Mouse

Logitech today launched the G-series gaming mice with the G5 and the cordless G7 mouse. Both feature a laser-based tracking system with a resolution of up to 2000 dpi, which can be adjusted on the fly to as low as 400 dpi.

The Logitech 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 Logitech 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.

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.

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(R) 9x and ME users only, the Logitech(R) SetPoint(TM) software will limit the report rate to 125 reports per second.

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.

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.

Also launched today was the G15 gaming keyboard