Logitech Inc. was set Wednesday to introduce a new mouse that uses a laser beam to track the movements of the device. The mouse, which Logitech claims will be the first such laser-tracking device, provides end users with better click-and-point capabilities than traditional LED- (light-emitting diode) based optical mice, according to company officials.

The MX1000 Laser Cordless Mouse, developed in collaboration with Agilent Technologies Inc., is up to 20 times more responsive and accurate than optical mice, according to Erik Charlton, global product marketing manager at Logitech.

The mouse's low-intensity laser, which is invisible to the human eye, illuminates the surface underneath, and sends to the mouse's 5.8 megapixel sensor an image of the surface detail, which is reflected in the mouse movement on the screen. The laser captures more surface detail than the LED found in optical mice, said Nathan Papadopulos, spokesman for Logitech.

Because of the laser, the MX1000 can work on the trickiest of surfaces, including polished and wood grain surfaces, said Charlton. "Traditional optical mice don't function well on shiny surfaces at home," he said.

The mouse is designed to appeal to those who simply want to have the latest product or those who need precision pointing, like people involved in video editing, photo editing and gaming, Charlton said.

Every MX1000 mouse is tested and certified to receive an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z136 Class 1 safety rating, he said. According to ANSI, Class 1 rated lasers are incapable of producing harmful radiation levels, and therefore are not hazardous to humans or human eyes.

The US$79.95 mouse is currently available in the U.S. and Europe, and Logitech is in the process of gaining other certifications to ship this product globally, Charlton said.

IDG News Service

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