Logitech Mice

Optical computer mice work by detecting tiny irregularities on a flat surface and translating these patterns into mouse movements. Glass is comparatively smooth. Most optical mice are useless on glass.

In response to this potential problem, Logitech has unveiled two new cordless optical mice that work on almost any surface, including glass. The Logitech Performance Mouse ($99.99) uses Darkfield dual-laser tracking technology that enables the mouse to illuminate the surface at an angle, making it easier to pick up even the most minute imperfections. The Logitech Anywhere Mouse ($79.99) is the smaller travel version.

These mice do work on glass, there’s no question of that. More importantly, though, is whether or not this was ever a real problem in the first place. If you don’t have a glass table, the answer is obviously no. If you do, you still have the option of getting a mouse mat. With a price tag of almost a hundred dollars, it’s hard to see how the new technological advantages exceed the cost.

Whether or not these mice are worth the money depends largely on your budget. If you think that $99.99 is a reasonable price to pay for the convenience of not needing a mouse mat, then the Performance Mouse is a good buy. But if you have a limited computer accessories budget, there are better ways to spend your money.

If you do decide to get one of these mice, the travel version may be the better deal. If you travel a lot, you may not always have an option of using a mouse mat or finding a non-glass table. In that case, the small and convenient Anywhere Mouse will do the job just as well as its larger, costlier counterpart.