I'm going to put this up just to move the post down.

A lot models I didn't consider because there had been problems reported and/or owners were not enthusiactic about them.

The generic basic mouse I left out, as I did the "designer" decorated mice.

All man-made products are going to have problems, those 6 mice seemed to have fewer issues than the others.

The MX500 for a good basic optical scrolling and flipping, and the 518 for an enhanced optical engine and a step up in accuracy.

Here is a link that might be useful: Logitech mice on the market...but shop at Amazon

Sorry about that typed heading. I looked at the RX1000, its a builder's mouse...meaning its produced to be sold with various computer packages. I don't know much about builder's mice Vs Logitech's retail offering.

I saw New Egg had 901 positive reviews of 5 stars for the MX518.

Hmmmm.

marf

I also saw the sys req for this is stated only as Windows XP. Which means if I upgrade to Vista or beyond it won't work. Right or wrong?

For the RX1000? You might be right. It depends if they upgrade it. Finding a laser for 22.00 that is decent is unheard of, finding a worthy optical for 22.00 is difficult. I'm leary of the RX100.

marf

It says its Vista capable, there are no downloads or software for it though. Logitech doesn't sell it retail only in bulk. I'm leary.

Here is a link that might be useful: RX1000 Product page

I meant the 518 only states XP, at least on the sheet I printed. Did you see something elsewhere that states other MS OS?

And the sheet I printed for the 1000 stated 64-bit systems & Vista, but the one you pointed me to states Vista/XP/2000. I'm glad I saw the latter, 'cause dumb me doesn't know otherwise what a 64-bit sys is! LOL

I didn't see that on my printout that the 1000's only avail in a bulk of 10 units! We only have 2 comps! LOL

The 1000's avail ind @ amazon.

Well, I couldn't find out anything, so I asked in the forums.

I'll check back and let you know...I'm kind of curious myself. It such a highly favored mouse. I imagine from a marketing standpoint they would rather everyone ran out and bought a new "Vista Mouse" after everyone ran out and bought Vista.

I would think they would update it. They haven't gotten around to updating or finalizing the Set Point software yet for Vista. We will see won't we. Good question...I don't think anyone else has asked it.

marf

Here is a link that might be useful: Logitech boards ... MX518 and Vista

I am really squeamish about a 22.00 lazer mouse. I know when Microsoft came out with a budget model laser, shortly after the MX1000, it got booed off the market. I could be wrong, but I don't how they could make a quality lazer for 22.00. My DPI is only 800 and my mouse is still selling for 80.00 to 100.00.

I've narrowed down my choices due to what I think we need according to current & unknown future stuff.

The final Logitech contestants are:

RX1000 #931710-0403. Wired. Both hands. USB. Laser. Tilt wheel & zoom. 1000 dpi. Windows Vista/XP/2000. $20.15 & up at amazon.

LX3 #931622-0403. Wired. Both hands. USB/PS2. Optical. Tilt wheel & zoom. 1000 dpi. Windows 98/ME/2000/XP. $19.99 & up at amazon.

For the RX1000 & LX3 I'm assuming you right click to use "forward/back" & that's why there aren't separate forward/back buttons under the scroll wheel???

LX7 #931515-0403. RF wireless. Both hands. USB. Optical. Tilt wheel & zoom. Forward/back buttons. Up to 1100 dpi. Windows 98/2000/ME/XP. On amazon.com $24.48 after $10 rebate or $26.95 & up.

LX7 #931514-0403. RF wireless. Both hands. USB/PS2. Optical. Tilt wheel & zoom. Forward/back buttons. Up to 1100 dpi. Windows 98/2000/ME/XP. $15.99 & up on amazon.

Why is the price so diff between the two LX7's?

I can't find a real diff other than:

The one for $24.48 or $26.95+ looks to be 2 tone - gray & black, USB only & has 5 buttons.

The one for $15.99+ looks to be 3-tone - blue, gray/silver, & black, is USB/PS2, & has 4 buttons.

*confused*

The price difference is probably because one is from Amazon and one is from an indepedendent seller retaiing through Amazon. Or are you back at New Egg? (I can't keep up with you).

Get the MX 518 if its Vista compatible.

You want a good ergonomic easy gliding mouse that points where you want it to with the least amount of effort.

From the forum all Set Point Software will be updated for Vista and of course the 518 is Set Point...will you be able to plug and play it with Vista as you do XP is the next question...or is that why the mouse is on sale?

Stay tuned for another episode of "Find that mouse".

marf

There are a few things I don't like about the 518:

*the side buttons, which will more than likely get pressed accidentally most, if not all of the time
*stupid hammered look, though I guess I can get used to it
*no 4-way wheel w/ zoom, the 4-way would be used a BUNCH
*it's for righties only, though we haven't changed our old mouse from right to left

So, the first & third reasons are no-sell points for me unless I can be convinced otherwise. ;-)

the side buttons, which will more than likely get pressed accidentally most, if not all of the time

I know I was considering others with side buttons (the 500 comes to mind), but decided against them for the same reason, & that you convinced me I should go for a 1000 due to gaming.

I did press my side buttons in the beginning...but you get used to it, there's a thumb rest so you don't always push em'. Its like starting out with mouse and accidentally right or left clicking, or clicking the scroll button...everybody gets bicycle legs with a new object. When I got my mouse there was another poster that saw the deal at that time with the MX1000, and he scooped up one too...(we both noted that we paid 35.00 at Amazon during the promotion while Best Buy sold the same item for 100.00). He needed to do a lot of tracking work, he had a little trouble with the height of the MX1000, but as far as the buttons ... you do get used to them...do you still turn on your windshield wipers everytime you turn on your directional signals in the car? no. Did you the first time you learned how to drive? probably.

You get used to resting your thumb in the right place.


http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-1000-Laser-Cordless-Mouse/dp/B000IF80ZE/sr=1-1/qid=1168730830/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-4020317-7163341?ie=UTF8&s=electronics


compare that thumb rest to the MX518:


http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MX518-Gaming-Optical-Mouse/dp/B0007Z1M50/sr=1-1/qid=1168730999/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-4020317-7163341?ie=UTF8&s=electronics


There's not that much difference.

But you know what ...the LX7 has a rebate ...act now. Get the cordless or get the MX518. All this procrastination has paid off. Rebates take a while to come back, but come back they do. That's what got the MX1000 down to 35.00 two years ago.

Just so your mouse can read the signal from the plug in. You'll enjoy being without a wire. I didn't realize a rebate was happening.


In case you missed it, here's the pdf rebate page:


http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/00/00/00/47/91/71/47917185._V33910509_.pdf


marf

Here is a link that might be useful: Amazon Cordless LX7

OMG! There's a 20.00 rebate on the laser 610!

When did these start poping up?

Here is a link that might be useful: Laser 610 with 20.00 rebate

The first rebate you pointed me to (on the LX7 - & MX518?) expired on the 1st.

E-mail & IM notification buttons, volume buttons... is nothing made anymore for people who prefer simplicity? *sigh*

I think I'm going to sleep on the mouse hunt some more & then make a decision based on needs versus frivolous wants.

In other words, I have sensory overload, to say the least.

LOL

The first rebate you pointed me to (on the LX7 - & MX518?) expired on the 1st.

The pdf link says the rebate expired on the 1st, but the link on amazon says it expires on the 15th. Weird.

Only the LX7 and the MX 610 have rebates.

The MX518 can be used with Vista....Okey Dokey.

Back to the MX610 Laser. Now you can reassign the email buttons to something else through the Set Point software. Whether its magnification or whatever functions they offer, you don't have to use it for email.

This is the mouse you can't use with a wireless router ...they are on the same 2.4 Ghz frequencies. Other than that you've got a good tracking ergononic easy to use laser mouse for 24.00 that retails for 59.00. The only other possible drawback is the battery usage.

From the second reviewer:

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

GREAT Mouse unless you don't understand how to use it., February 15, 2006
Reviewer: Brian (IA) - See all my reviews
Ok, I've seen a lot of complaints about the Email and IM buttons on the MX 610. First, I don't see how these buttons should make it or break it for you anyway. If you're looking for a reliable mouse with lots of customization options, then you shouldn't even care about the Email and IM buttons. But, if you are concerned, as some seem to be, then simply download the latest driver, restart your computer and everything should work just fine...that's what I experience anyway. I own my own business and constantly receive email. Let me tell you, the flashing email indicator is a nuisance that I quickly shut off the option and recustomized the button to do something more productive.

I also want to correct another complaint. Someone mentioned you can't customize the Email and IM buttons - that's completely false. You can customize ALL 12-buttons - that's a FACT!

Ok, here's why I gave this mouse 5-stars. The ergonomics of the MX 610 should be the standard for all right-handed mice, it just feels natural in your hand. The weight with the AA batteries installed gives it a solid feel. 12-button customization makes my computer tasks so much faster and simpler. I do a lot of copy/pasting, minimizing/switching multiple windows, referencing key websites, and the MX 610 does it all! I use 2 easy to reach buttons for the copy/paste features, I use the middle wheel button to minimize my windows, I use the left/right motion of the center wheel for switching windows quickly, and even have a button that pulls up a customized window (that I created with the included software) that I can select programs and websites from! Anyone that gives the MX 610 a low score is simply not using this mouse for productive purposes, or simply doesn't understand how to customize it to fit your needs and style.

One last thing: I have a lot of wireless products nearby and this mouse hasn't hickuped yet. The wireless technology in the MX 610 is superior and I can see why Logitech focuses it's media attention on it.

Tha's a good deal. For 24.00 its a good deal.

marf

I hit the wrong tab, this is correct link for the 10.00 rebate for the LX7 Cordless optical

Here is a link that might be useful: PDF Rrebate form for the LX7

I went to Logitech's site & tried separating the mice by categories: gaming, cordless & corded.

Then I noticed they don't have ALL of their mice on there that are still being sold, on newegg & amazon for starters!

And to make things more difficult, they don't have them separated into level (i.e., from lowest to highest, entry level & up, optical & same for laser), which they should!

For example, I was trying to find the RX1000 to figure out where it falls within the corded & laser categories. I guess it's an entry level?

I had my son give me a list of demands for a mouse after his brief look at & explanation of the mic on the printouts. He said NO to: \-futuristic look (lights, dents, dramatic lines/contours, etc.) \-cordless \-weights \-side buttons He said YES to the same features as the MS Comfort 3000 I returned because of flaky scroll wheels. Those features were/are: \-1000 dpi \-optical \-corded \-horizontal & vertical scroll plus zoom \-left button, customizable \-right button, customizable

RX1000 is a builder's mouse...it isn't sold by Logitech retail, its only sold wholesale...stay away. Its manufactured to be thrown in computer packages...its not meant for retail. Its like the crappy ceiling fans builders use for 15.00 instead of the really good ones. They look the same but the cheap ones don't move air and wear out.

You don't want the RX1000. Logitech doesn't even want to sell it. Its a builders mouse, sold by Logitech in their OEM/buiders section of their website. Stick with supported retail mice.

Your son is out if his mind for saying no to cordless. There's not a heavy tracker/user that will agree with him. The best mice are usually cordless...with the Razer Copperhead and the MX518 the exception. My MX1000 cordless laser is still CNet's all round best mouse on the market.

Your passing up a good deal if you pass up the MX610 at 24.00, this is a far superior mouse to anything in your price range...even if you don't use the buttons. The ergo design is going to feel great in your hand. The larger size will take time to get used to....but once you go cordless quality laser, you'll never go back. If your son wants to live in the dark ages (which is unusual for a kid) he can go pick up his own 10.00 corded mouse if it makes him feel better.

You can drive the Mercedes for the price of an old Ford Fairlane for a short time only...why buy the Ford Fairlane?
Why look so hard to find faults with better mice? Bite the bullet get the MX610 cordless laser while it has a rebate.

Your actually considering a substandard builder's mouse over the MX610? Honest to Pete!

Has your son ever tried these mice? They are terrific, espeically the side buttons, flipping back through websites is nothing for me. My scroll bar is so fast even at 800 DPI...its unubelievable...and when I forget to put it in the charger...do I ever hate using the corded mouse until it recharges...everthing is just so easy even for mundane everyday web-browsing.

As far as the dents in the MX518...that's where your fingers go and it allows a plyable left and right clicking, its like a mylar type of thing...he doesn't want any dents or lights? Low battery indicator is out?

I wish that other MX1000 owner was still here...I've never make a mistake with the side buttons. In the beginning, I hit them a few times by mistake...its called learning, but not once in the last year and a half.

Every time my cousin comes over here to play a game, and I tell him to left click ...he always clicks the wheel...he keeps looking for lines to tell him where right and left are. Then he gets used to the idea there are no visible left or right clicking lines, its the entire left or entire right side of the mouse whereever your fingers are comfortable.

As far as the lights...they are LED lights and barely noticeable. That one poster said on the MX610 you can turn off the mail indicator ... they are like pinpricks of light...I forget to look at my battery indicators They are not that visible.. The Diamondback Plasma they are more visible...its an art thing and because they are LED they don't use much, if any, extra electricity.

Why is your son insisting on archaic mice? Have you watched the little movie presentation? On the link below click on "Product Tour". You can turn features on or off with the software.

The hardest thing to get used to is the size. They are larger, they require a bigger mouse pad, and lasers do better on flat light colored surfaces...but lasers will track fairly accurately on any surface. Are they ever sensitive to the slightest movement...but you get used to it...real quick. Instead of wide swings its a flick of your wrist. And believe it or not you even get used to holding the mouse without ever touching the buttons.

The only drawback is the 2.4Ghz frequency and wireless routing...the one poster said even with that there was no interference with the mouse's performance...If you don't have a wireless router ...it might be a blast to learn with. New Technology.

marf

Here is a link that might be useful: MX610 Product Page

If your son wants to live in the dark ages (which is unusual for a kid) he can go pick up his own 10.00 corded mouse if it makes him feel better.

Has your son ever tried these mice?

As far as the dents in the MX518...that's where your fingers go and it allows a plyable left and right clicking, its like a mylar type of thing...he doesn't want any dents or lights?

Why is your son insisting on archaic mice?.

I was going to go ahead & get him the 518 once I read some more about it (I think I also watched the slideshow about it) & after he changed his mind & said he wouldn't mind such.

I figured a basic/entry-level gaming mouse w/ adj dpi may work for him on all applications, not just gaming.

Or I might have considered one of the Razers for him.

As for the 610, I didn't like the reviews. I guess I forgot to take note of the complaint that seemed to be echoing.

I also didn't like the reviews about the G3.

However, right now I'm peeved as all heck w/ him over some VERY RECENT events:

1- His attitude about school, grades & teachers.
2- His g/friend - I won't get into that either "publicly".

We had a blowup about everything dealing w/ such & I got some choice words thrown at me, & then back-handed apologies.

As far as I'm concerned, after all the trouble you & I have gone through, & the crap he pulled today, he can find his own d@mn mouse AND pay for it himself.

And the upgrades to the old Dell can wait too.

That's how angry I am w/ him.

Don't mess w/ mom when she's in pain due to surgery, especially when she's not on her vicodin!!! Actually, don't mess w/ mom period.

As for hubby & I, on the VAIO, I'll settle for an inexpensive all/general-purpose mouse. We're not gamers except for slow things like Hoyle Puzzle/Board Games & card games that came free on the computer. Otherwise we're both into net-surfing, I'm into message boards, & I'm into "office software" & do all the picture editing (poorly at that).

Boys will be Boys no matter how old they are...

Its sounds like you've got your hands full. I read another MX610 review and there were no problems until they used a wireless headset with it. That 2.4 Ghz frequency is such a common frequency...but if you don't have wireless stuff around it, and that is a pretty big if.

The LX7 is ten dollars off...it just that lasers are sooooo much easier.
The LX7 is a plug n' play which means its ready to go hassle free, no programming needed.

marf

Why is it I looked up all I could on all the Razer mice, on their website, on newegg & on amazon, but can't find the dpi settings nor the OS sys reqs in the tech specs?!?!?!

The only one I could find dpi specifics for was the Copperhead Tempest Blue. The only way I found the info on this one was in the reviews pages! I'm assuming they're the same across the Copperhead series, or hope so.

And the only one I could find Windows specifics for was the Pro (white) & it took me looking for more tech info on amazon, which the seller put there! I can't assume the OS reqs are the same for all the Razer mice, or can I?

There seem to be some negatives about these Razer mice other than me not being able to find the needed tech specs...

A lot of people don't like the higher dpi mice (2000) because it's too fast/sensitive, but that can be adjusted down.

A lot of people don't like the drivers/it's not recognized on boot-up, but that can supposedly be remedied by going to the website.

A lot of people think the mice are a weird shape/too long & cramp the hands, which can be fixed by not playing as long.

A lot of people don't like the side buttons & rails/think they're uncomfortable, which take a deal of getting used to.

Whatever!

Anyhow, I'm handing over all the printouts to my son. He'll be lucky to get anything before his birthday & graduation in May!!!

That's true..there are many people disappointed with the plastic body for one, the other the downloads for the drivers. The people, I know, that have them really like them. That's only two or three.

I would push for the Razer except the drivers are the issue the most. Gamers are really picky and if they miss a shot...they are going to blame everthing but themselves...but the one constant problem with Razers that have been raised, over and over, is keeping up with Microsoft's changes. I don't know how Logitech does it. CNET even had to flash drivers for the Copperhead (whatever that means).

I am very amazed at the number of favorable reviews for the MX518. It is huge.

Its too bad they discontinued the MX1000 it really is an all round great mouse. The only glitch is if the recharging stand isn't on a level surface, the mouse won't sit right and recharge. On the left side of my desk I have to fiddle with its placement to get it to recharge, if I place the stand on the right side of my desk, the mouse sits perfectly in the stand everytime I place the mouse in it. Of course the electrical outlets are to the left of my desk. That's life. Its not really a problem...although I'm sure someone is screaming about it somewhere. Some of these people did pay 100.00 for it ...of course they want it perfect. Here they (Logitech) have a great selling mouse, that just about everybody loves, it sells well, it performs well and hasn't been a drain on their warranty program...and they discontinue it. Its just the way corporate America goes.

LX3 and or the LX7 would be nice basic mice for you. The Microsoft opticals I bought, I bought on CNET Editors' recommendation and I was horribly disappointed, I even threw one of them against the wall it got to be so frustrating playing a game.

Watch out there's a spammmer on board today, I already notified the administration...he's on the "Keyboard" thread.

marf

I am very amazed at the number of favorable reviews for the MX518. It is huge..

What are you willing to bet, that out of all the gaming mice you researched & I backed up with printouts & hand-written notes, that he'll choose the 518?

I too think that'd probably be more suited for him.

If he doesn't choose that one, I'd be surprised to say the least!

These mice are not small, the thumb rests are ample, for some of us it takes a few mistakes if are we used to fidgeting with our thumb during a tense game situation...but most people have no problem from the get go. Those extra buttons for gaming are just terrific...and that's the point, you can, especially with Logitech mice, program those buttons to do just about anything, whether it is to document flip, copy, cut, or paste, scroll through weapons in your inventory or walk around in stealth mode...you can do it! Takes some reading and patience, with a goal, you can do it.

marf