Logitech G7 Mouse Review

[dang]

Checkout our latest review of the Logitech G7 Mouse (http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review3352.html)The quick resolution switching, software profiling, and overall responsiveness make the G7 an all-around high performer for gamers.

[Ioman]

Sounds like a cool mouse, but I think it would be too big for me. I am happy with my corded MX510 gaming mouse. I like not having to worry about the batteries!

[neuroking]

I did find a slight problem just last week. Every once in a while the mouse would get really jumpy (this is after I submitted the review). I thought it was interference or a low battery, so I would try positioning the receiver and swapping batteries. Sometimes swapping the battery helped, but not always.

Then I noticed that the skips in the mouse movement were at the same time as the charging station's LED was blinking on. The receiver dongle was plugged into the charging station, too. So I unplugged the receiver dongle, and put it in my keyboard's USB port. The problem went away and has not returned since. I think I might contact Logitech about this.

[Ioman]

We can always update the review if you need to. Sounds like an annoying problem.

[exarkun1138]

When I decided to replace my old optical mouse(an 800dpi Microsoft rodent), I looked into Logitech's two "gamer" mice(since I concider myself a gamer), the G5 Corded Laser Mouse, and the G7 Wireless Laser Mouse. I' bought the G5 first, and used it for a couple of weeks. Then, knowing I could take it back, I purchased a G7. I've used it for a couple of weeks now, and must say, I took it back and went with the G5. I'm not sure why, but I could not get very good battery life out of the G7. I used both NiMH batteries supplied with the mouse, and both had an average life of about 25 hours. Not great. Also, since the battery pack makes up the weight that the G5's 'Weight Cartridge' supplies, it's not user adjustable. Some may ask, "So what?" Well, until you try the G5 and use the 16 different supplied weights to maximise the feel of the mouse(in the 8 Weight Tray), you won't understand. The two mice funtion exactly the same. Both have on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment(without drivers installed), and have the same basic "feel" to them. The reason I stuck with the G5 is simply the convenience of NOT having to worry about "battery life". That's really all that I found different, other than the weight tray feature of the G5(which is a lot more cool than you may think). Unless you are hard pressed to eliminate wires on your desktop, or need a mouse for your entertainment PC(I could go about 20ft. away and still the G7 responded admirally), the $40 difference in price isn't worth it. Buy the G5. But, if you go with either mouse, you can't go wrong. I recommend both. As far as the gaming performance, I don't have enough room to talk about that. Lemme just say, FPS games(Far Cry, Half Life 2, TRON 2.0, etc.) are SO much better now. I haven't had this much fun with a mouse in a LOOOOOONG time! If ever! Buy either TODAY!

[neuroking]

Amen to that. If you don't mind the cord, the G5 looks nice. I can't stand cords. Haven't had a corded mouse in 5+ years. And yes, the battery life on the G7 is pretty damn bad, but it beats charging cradles that eventually lose the connectivity due to contact wear out, and standard rechargables with an additional $25 investment in a charger and space for it. That's why they have both models. Different strokes for different folks! I think it's safe to assume that if I had a G5 on hand to review, it would get the same rating.

You listening Logitech? Next time, a few more buttons and longer battery life, ok? good.

A little update, since I posted the above work around with 'interference' issues, I have had zero problems, so I guess it works.

[ECA]

I STILL LIKE MY TRACKBALL....NOt the THUMB-BALL...TRACK BALL...
It always sits where I put it, and never moves unless I want it to.

[exarkun1138]

All I can say is, wireless is a nice thing, but until they can get the battery life up more(I play a alot of games that use the mouse, and that constant mouse wheel and clicking wears down a battery real fast!), I'll stick with my fantastic G5! Logitech actually did a cool thing with the G5. It's cord is a nylon braded cord that offers no resistance on either the desk top or anything it slides against. It's so lightweight that you really don't even know you have a cord attached! I'm going to stick with this rodent for a long time to come. The G5 is absolutely THE BEST mouse around. Now I'm going to couple that bad boy with Logitech's G15 Gaming Keyboard! I'll be in gaming heaven!

:thumb

[neuroking]

The G15 is one schweeeet keyboard. Plus with the USB hub, you can jsut plug teh G5 right into the it to avoid cable clutter! Enjoy!

[exarkun1138]

I plan to get a G15 real soon. I'm tired of my Logitech Internet Keyboard. Too small. And I don't even use all the shortcut keys(Internet). I really like the idea of the built-in USB ports as well. Anyone know how the LCD screen functions? Do you have to install drivers for it to work with games and such?

:rock

[neuroking]

I wrote a review, here:
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review3331.html

You have to install the software, and as of right now, the functionality is limited. There is a push to get game developers to add support, but right now it is pretty minimal.

There's alot more info here:
http://0wnd.com/

[exarkun1138]

I've gone ahead and ordered the G15 keyboard. Your article convinced me that this is THE keyboard to have. Thanks for your help!