In The Zone | Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse: There Is Something In The Air

Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse: There Is Something In The Air

littlelion | 29 April, 2009 05:29

Surely, we are not talking about the dreaded swine flu virus here since it is not airborne at all. What we’re bringing up for discussion is a new strain of mouse which we anticipate will be as contagious as the common cold. The Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse is opening a new chapter in intuitive computing, which has been a concept rapidly spreading more than ever.

Looking at this box shot, we could see a lot of important details about the Logitech MX Air. The marketing slogan “On the Desk. In the Air.” gives us a premonition of how versatile the MX Air really is. Additionally, the product shot and the statement under it suggest that it is the ideal accessory for an HTPC setup. Also, seen here are Logitech’s familiar green color scheme, logo and Swiss badge.

Coming with the MX Air are the USB micro-receiver, Logitech SetPoint 4.0 software disc, user’s guide, AC power cord and recharging station. A plug and play peripheral, it doesn’t require an additional device driver to be completely operational under Windows XP, Windows Vista or Mac OS X. Users could opt to install SetPoint 4.0 to fully utilize MX Air’s media playback capabilities.

This angle highlights the MX Air’s unorthodox shape which reminds us of Nintendo’s Nunchuk controller for the Wii console. Nonetheless, while the three-axis motion-sensing and tilting mechanism in the Nunchuk is guided by an STMicroeletronics accelerometer, the MX Air’s is supported by Logitech’s patented Freespace motion control technology. This technology is based on a combination of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensors, DSP (digital signal processing) and RF (radio frequency) wireless technologies. It is designed to provide accurate, responsive navigation without the limitations encountered by previous in-air pointing devices.

To attract the ever fashionable user, the sleek and stealthy MX Air sports a black, reflective carapace on the top side, complemented with a silvery exterior underneath.

Once in action, the orange backlight kicks in, lighting up the left and right mouse buttons, plus the four media control buttons, namely Back, Select, Play and Volume. By holding onto the Play button and rotating the MX Air in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise motion, users will be able to go to their next or previous media selection respectively. Likewise, by clicking on the Volume button and moving the MX Air either left or right in the air, a lower or higher volume is achieved respectively.

The MX Air works with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with a recharging station provided within the package. Our test showed that a full charge of 2.5 hours would guarantee an average of 5 days usage for most users. Using 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, its effective range reaches up to 30 feet (10 meters), making it suitable in a spacious conference room setting as a media controller as well.

To promote an ideal power saving environment, the MX Air is also fitted with a power switch which is located at the bottom. From this angle, we could also see the infrared laser diode, which provides smooth ground control when using it as a desktop mouse; and the two gold contacts that link to the recharging station.

With its futuristic design, complemented by its revolutionary Freespace motion control technology and seamless surface tracking power, the Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse is a trendsetter for human interface devices.

Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse's Specifications
Type	Laser + Gyroscopic Mouse
Connectivity	USB 2.0 (for the micro-receiver), 2.4GHz Wireless
Operating Range	Up To 10m (30ft)
Compatibility	Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS X
Warranty	3-year Limited Warranty

comments

how much?

shopwise | 29/04/2009, 16:55

What's the price of this in RP?

gyration

gyroman | 29/04/2009, 21:28

How does this thing fare against the Gyration GO Air Mouse?

gyration

nasteedee | 30/04/2009, 23:56

I saw in some sources that this is better than the GO air mouse.

gaming

gameboy | 02/05/2009, 14:37

I'm more interested in its potential as a gaming gizmo.

gaming

oldskool | 05/05/2009, 23:54

Maneuverability is quite difficult when you're using an air mouse as a gaming tool.

gaming

Captain N | 09/05/2009, 17:56

I think, it depends on what kind of game are you playing. Some games are designed to be played with a motion-sensitive peripheral such as an air mouse.

gaming

latverian | 13/05/2009, 22:14

I agree with Captain N. Take a look at the games played with Nintendo Wii.

Wii

cynical | 15/05/2009, 22:35

Yeah. Air mice are meant only meant for childish games.

Dissagreement

Recon2020 | 05/06/2009, 04:49

Now hold on there Cynical, Think about the fact that not "all" games are in fact childish, such as the classic game of Risk, It is a strategy game you would need to have a good mind of to win.

Risk

machiavelli | 07/06/2009, 10:37

Would air mice work on Risk?

Air mouse

XIV | 13/01/2010, 20:33

where can you actually get this here in the Philippines?

air mouse

montri | 20/01/2010, 17:54

@XIV Hi. Try Datacore.

3/F V-MALL, GREENHILLS SHOPPING CENTER ORTIGAS AVENUE San Juan Metro Manila Philippines

Phone: +63(2)7258749

Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse: There Is Something In The Air

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