9.5

Logitech G5 Laser Mouse Review

The G5 Laser Mouse is one of the latest corded mice from Logitech that offers the user one of the most accurate input devices to have ever graced the PC, thanks to the 2000 DPI laser engine. With that said, this mouse makes the perfect accessory for gamers and designers that also features 6 buttons, tilting scroll wheel, adjustable sensitivity and weight tuning, ensuring not only precision but also comfort.

System Requirements

• IBM® or compatible PC

• Windows® 98, 2000, Me, XP

• USB port

The installation of the G5 Laser Mouse was a breeze and once the software was installed, it gave the user a plethora of options from assigning user defined buttons, adjusting the DPI and also the responsiveness of the Y and X access. Needlessly to say, we assigned a variety of functions for the user defined buttons from ALT-F4 to closing windows or strafe for Quake 4.

Features

• Adjustable weight cartridge

• Tracking Resolution: 2000/800/400 dpi (user selectable)

• Image Processing: 6.4 megapixels/second

• Max. Acceleration: 20g

• Max. Speed: 45—65 inches/second (depending on surface)

• USB Data Format: 16 bits/axis

• USB Report Rate: 500 reports/second

• Sleep Mode: Disabled

Our first impressions of the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse was that the input device was a professionally designed unit that felt extremely comfortable to use. Even after a few hours of non-stop use (which is against OH&S policy), the ergonomic design of the mouse ensured that neither of us got tired or found the design uncomfortable. This is a bonus for both gamers and designers who use their computers for long lengths of time.

Package Contents

• Tuning weights and case

• CD with SetPoint™ software

• Installation Guide

• Three-year limited warranty

• Logitech® G5 Laser Mouse

Interestingly enough, the device features six buttons with an extra two buttons on the top labelled plus and minus that allows the user to address the sensitivity of the mouse on the fly. There is also a LCD on the mouse that displays the sensitivity levels of the mouse, allowing the user to know which level it has been set to.

Features

• 2000 dpi laser engine - An ultra-high resolution engine churns images at an astounding 6.4 megapixels per second. A massive (30-pixel by 30-pixel) sensor array and precision laser technology provides best-in-class performance and tracking.

• Full-speed USB - A 500 reports/second (limited to 125 for Win 98/Me users), bi-directional connection delivers blazing speed and instant acceleration.

• Adjustable weight cartridge - Adjust the G5s weight and balance (up to 36 grams) for the control you need to dominate the competition.

• In-game sensitivity switching - The G5 provides instant access to three sensitivity levels— 400 dpi, 800 dpi, and 2000 dpi—before driver installation. Shift from pixel-precise targeting to fast-twitch manoeuvres, without pausing the action.

• Polytetrafluoroethylene gaming feet - Forget sticky workarounds— the G5's durable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) feet give the ultra-smooth glide you want in a gaming mouse.

As stated earlier, the G5 Laser Mouse by Logitech boasts a tracking resolution of 2000 dpi, 6.4 megapixels for imaging processing and a maximum speed of 1.15 milliseconds which is easily one of the most accurate and fastest mice on the PC market. The secret behind the accuracy of the mouse is the implementation of a low-powered laser that allows for extremely high resolutions. Apart from these extraordinary statistics, the G5 also supports the latest USB transfers, ensuring high quality transfers.

Side scrolling (sometimes known as a 'tilt wheel') is where the mouse wheel can be tilted from side to side, the can be used for many functions through the drivers, from changing tabs in internet browsers to changing weapons in a First Person Shooter.

The other interesting feature of the G5 is the ability to change the weight of the mouse from 1.7g to 4.5g in order to allow the user more control over the mouse or for lighter gameplay such as first person shooters for that extra and sometimes vital speed.

Windows XP and the world of PC gaming.

The mouse was tested with a variety of software packages that included Windows XP, Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop which performed outstandingly well that was not only comfortable but extremely accurate which was a bonus for photo manipulation in Adobe Photoshop. The accuracy and steadiness of the mouse really allows for accurate designs in just about any design program.

Games such as Quake 4, Call of Juarez and the latest title in the Command & Conquer: Generals all performed well with the Logitech G5 mouse and I must admit that the user defined buttons did come in handy with the first person shooter games. However with that said, some games need a little tweaking in order for the software to recognise the extra mouse buttons but given time, I'm sure more titles will support this product.

In conclusion, the Logitech G5 mouse is the perfect accessory to your computer, whether for gaming or productivity, the unit was flawless with all tasks. With its sleek "futuristic" look and the ability to create your own user defined buttons with just a couple of clicks, the Logitech G5 is definitely a mouse that all professionals (both gaming and productivity) should investigate before purchasing that $20 mouse that although may perform similar functions is definitely not the way to go. Highly Recommended!