Forget about a better mousetrap. Logitech International thinks it has a better mouse.
The Fremont-based computing products, maker will start selling on Wednesday the Logitech MX1000, the world's first mouse to use a sensor based on a laser. Logitech says the laser tracking technology works on more surfaces and offers up to 20 times better sensitivity than today's light-emitting diode, or LED-based optical mice.
"It's the pinnacle of performance," said Logitech's global product marketing manager, Justin Boitano. "This product will make optical mice obsolete."
The MX1000, which costs $80, is cordless and features a lithium-ion battery that recharges when docked in the cradle attached to the requisite wireless receiver. A full charge takes about four hours and will last for up to 21 days for most users, Logitech said.
The laser tracking system, developed in conjunction with Agilent Technologies Inc, is more precise than the optical models. Both follow a user's hand movement by taking thousands of photographs per second, but the steady, narrow laser takes a more microscopic measurement than the LED light source of optical mice.
A laser mouse also works on virtually any surface white or black, solid or patterned, shiny or matte, but still not on clear glass or mirrors, Logitech officials said. Optical mice, while still a big improvement over older trackball models, often get confused on patterned surfaces and do not work well on metal or glossy tabletops.