Logitech bets on laser mice and LCD keyboards
PC gadget maker Logitech took the wraps off a box of new goodies for PC game enthusiasts, including a programmable keyboard with an LCD display and two mice with laser tracking technology.
All three products are designed to tap into a video games industry (hardware, software and accessories) that The NPD Group estimates just reached $4.1 billion for the first half of this year--June to July. That's an increase of 21 percent over the $3.4 billion the analyst firm found in the first half of 2004.
Logitech's new G15 keyboard ($79.99) features a built-in LCD display that can let players know how many more rounds of ammunition or life points they have left before taking on another division of soldiers single-handedly.
The G15 also has 18 programmable backlit keys with two possible brightness levels, software that lets players set up custom commands for every game and a gaming mode switch that disables the Windows key so players won't get dropped out of a game if they accidentally press it.
The new G-series game mice include Logitech's G7 cordless and the USB-connected G5. Both include resolution of up to 2000 dpi, which can be adjusted on the fly to as low as 400 dpi, the company said.
Each mouse processes 500 reports per second--much faster than the 60 to 125 reports per second of traditional USB mice.
The G7 operates on Logitech's 2.4GHz cordless technology with 24 channels unlikely to interfere with other consumer devices. If one does, the G7 jumps to another channel instantly.
For that true customized fit, the G5 comes with 16 miniature round weights--eight weighing 1.7 grams and eight weighing 4.5 grams. Any combination of up to eight weights fits into a small cartridge that can be inserted into the base of the mouse.
The G7 cordless mouse will retail for $99.99, while the G5 will sell for $69.99. Both will be available in the U.S. and Europe in September.