Logitech’s MX Air Wants to Fly - Yanko Design

When nosotros constitute out an ordinary computer mouse won an 2008 IF award, we were intrigued and had to review information technology. Logitech was kind enough to supply us with a model and let me showtime by saying this is no ordinary mouse, not surprising since I later institute out it was designed past Marcel Twohig. The man currently designs for Blueprint Partners and worked with LG prior to that. The MX Air combines light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation optics for millimeter bespeak accuracy, touch controls for parts of its interface, and Freespace'due south innovative move sensing engineering to track hand gestures.

If y'all're a little confused by that last fleck, merely similar the box says, the MX Air works both on the desk and air. Like to the way people use a remote to control a television, when property the MX Air mouse, yous can at present lean back and relax while navigating the reckoner and enjoying media content. If you've played with Nintendo's Wii, the technology is about identical.

Aesthetically the MX Air is sleek and unlike whatsoever other Logitech mice. It's devoid of intricate curves for pollex rests and the like. Instead, it follows the "less is more" mantra. The aerodynamic gradient makes the MX Air appear to wing, which is the point since it contains gyroscopes to work in the air. The peak surface is fabricated of shiny plastic; the abdomen is plated in metal. In that location's an on/off switch just above the optical sensor to conserve ability and the whole matter is wireless.

In use, the MX Air performs like nigh other Logitech mice. Information technology's accurate and smooth. Information technology comes with Logitech's SetPoint software to program a myriad of buttons. It can navigate web pages, launch applications, and control your music histrion with dedicated play/suspension and volume buttons. The left and right mouse buttons are tactile and the coil bar is touch based. Peradventure the coolest part is the ability to choice up the mouse and use it like a pointer or remote. It's not the first gyroscopic mouse on the market but Logitech is hedging its bet on blueprint and multimedia users. My favorite characteristic are the volume controls. Concur the mouse like a remote, press the volume button and flick your wrist to the correct and left to enhance or lower the volume.

I didn't like the scroller at all. The fake clicking sounds are a nice touch but I found it to be hyper sensitive. By moving the finger upwardly or downwards, the user is actually scrolling the document up or down at a speed proportional to the finger move speed, while a very quick finger move will "spin the wheel" and curl the certificate abruptly in the desired management. Information technology does work only usually wildly. I couldn't get the correct customized settings to make information technology comfy. In the stop I would have much preferred a traditional gyre cycle or perchance a 360º nipple found on the Apple Mighty Mouse.

What we liked

Sleek modern design. Definitely stands out equally a show piece.
Innovative Freespace controls allow the mouse to piece of work off a surface flawlessly.
Gyroscopes help the mouse work held sideways.
Pointer cursor is bigger than usual to brand using from a distance easy.
The dedicated music controls go far perfect as a remote for your figurer.
Decent bombardment life. Atleast three days worth before recharge. Comes with an every bit sleek base of operations.
Included SetPoint software is powerful. Piece of cake to customize mouse functions.
Fully Windows XP/Vista compatible.

What could be improved

The roll bar is terrible. It's jumpy and hyper sensitive, fifty-fifty with customized settings.
Ringlet bar but navigates up and down, no left and right.
USB dongle is equally big as a flash memory stick. Needs to be miniaturized.
SetPoint software not included for Mac Bone X. Need to download drivers from Logitech site.
$149 is expensive.

My simply other feel with gyroscopic mice is with Gyration's Go Air Mouse. Both are comparable in features but the Logitech MX Air gets more winks and stares for its sleeky looks. The Gyration mouse is also significantly heavier which is subjective past taste. At $149 the MX Air is expensive so this really is a case of class over role. Subsequently a calendar week using the MX Air, I'm pretty happy. Aside from the few complaints I had, the MX Air is more than capable of controlling the multimedia centers of my life.

Designer: Marcel Twohig & Design Partners [ Buy It Here ]