Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse - Tweaknews.com Comparison Shop

Buy the faux Carbon fiber top model, not the silver top model

Strengths: 2.4 GHz wireless with NO LAG, Change resolution on the fly, Teflon pads on the bottom of the mouse,

Weakness: Major Problems after 40 days with the clicking mechanism on the original silver top model, Have to change the battery every three days, Pricey (but you get what you pay for)

(Jan 6th, 2008) I have been using the newer version of the G7 with the faux carbon fiber top after three previous RMA returns for defective G7 mice with the silver/gray top. I have about finished testing this newer model and it may finally be the real deal that the previous silver topped G7 mice should have been. Some people are still reporting problems (see comments below) but I now have seven...
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(Jan 6th, 2008) I have been using the newer version of the G7 with the faux carbon fiber top after three previous RMA returns for defective G7 mice with the silver/gray top. I have about finished testing this newer model and it may finally be the real deal that the previous silver topped G7 mice should have been. Some people are still reporting problems (see comments below) but I now have seven months on this latest model and so far, so good.
Previously, on the first three silver topped mice, I experienced major issues with the plastic top that is depressed to indicate a "click". It seems that the activation sensor (or spring) below the plastic benzel was somehow faulty. This began to show up after about two weeks of heavy gaming or 4-6 weeks of office use. When you wanted to left double click, you often got a single click or a triple click and that could open up windows behind the one you are currently in. At first, before the symptoms worsened, it was a mere annoyance, but after another week or two, it was downright infuriating. Logitech was nice and RMA'd the mice, but it took about 10 days. After using three of these G7 mice over the last 9 months (which included three RMA swap sessions for new mice so far), I believe it was a design flaw, and one to which Logitech has responded to with the faux carbon fiber version. I am also unsure if the G5 (the corded version of the G7) or the newer G9 are afflicted with this problem. So please beware if you decide to buy this mouse. I have not seen any other tech sites reporting this but then most of them only test equipment for a short time before moving on to the next item. Because of this I changed my rating from what was a solid five to a four.

If you decide to purchase the faux carbon topped version, then some of the highlights are:

Each one of the included lithium-ion batteries lasts almost exactly 30 hours under heavy desktop use (or seven hours of nonstop gaming; about equivalent to the amount of time it takes G. Wubya to realize, that yes, in fact, his fly is usually open). While you are using one, you can charge the other. Each battery should be able to be recharged several thousand times so you are set to go ! (at least until Logitech comes along with its next spanky wanky toy, that you must upgrade to)

You can set up to five separate resolutions with the Setpoint software (on both the x and y axes!) or you can use the three standard (400 dpi, 800, 2000)resolutions that require no software driver. And the software has no bugs!

The activation force of 0.95 Newtons (corresponding to about 95 grams) will keep even Granny's arthritic finger clicking away without pain

The 2.4 GHz wireless communication reports laser position at about 570 Hz (times per second). This means the mouse has absolutely no detectable lag (even at 2000 dpi)(yes, you can notice the difference even compared to the already nice Logitech MX 1000 laser mouse)

The feet of the mouse are made of PTFE (simply the acronym for Teflon). What this means for the average Joe, is that this mouse feels like greased butter on most surfaces (big ergonomic difference over MX 1000)

I would respectfully disagree with some reviewers that the mouse is bulky. It is exactly the same size as the MX700 optical mouse (a universal best seller that many folks already own). Unless you have tiny tiny hands you will enjoy the feel of this mouse.

The mouse weighs 235 grams (about half a pound) with its battery installed and this is lighter than most other wireless mice (including the Logitech MX 1000 and 700).

Summary - The faux carbon fiber model seems to be holding up well and these mice have been beautiful pieces of gliding precision unless the clicking flaw rears its ugly head and you begin to lose hair from yours. I believe that the G7 may finally be ready for primetime, but if you hate taking risks, then take a look at the excellent MX Revolution (wireless) or the just released G9 (wired).

By jayhall0315 - Nov 18, 2005

Finally! A cordless laser mouse for gamers.

Strengths: Wireless: No cord to get in the way while gaming. Reception: No lag, no dropouts. Movement: Smooth as silk motion. Configurable DPI: Configure while playing games. Feel: Nice feel in hands.

Weakness: Battery: Battery charge doesn't last too long. Center mouse button has no click sound. Expensive when first released to market.

Lithium-Ion Batteries. The G7 Laser Cordless Mouse comes with two Lithium-ion battery packs (aporox. 1.5" x 1.5" x 0.25" thick in size). One will be powering the mouse while the other charges in the included charger (small at 2.75" x 2.5" in size). Charging takes approximately 2 hours in fast-charging Boost mode/8 hours in Normal charging mode. The charger plugs into a USB port and provides the...
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Lithium-Ion Batteries.
The G7 Laser Cordless Mouse comes with two Lithium-ion battery packs (aporox. 1.5" x 1.5" x 0.25" thick in size). One will be powering the mouse while the other charges in the included charger (small at 2.75" x 2.5" in size). Charging takes approximately 2 hours in fast-charging Boost mode/8 hours in Normal charging mode. The charger plugs into a USB port and provides the USB port for the wireless dongle key that communicates with the G7 mouse (note: if plugged into an unpowered USB hub, charging may take longer). When in use, the battery pack will deplete itself within several hours to a day, faster when the mouse is moving non-stop for a prolonged period of time -- common if you are a serious gamer. This is expected because the G7 mouse is operating a Laser (not an regular optical LED), uses a BIG 30pixel by 30pixel sensor array to detect the reflection of the laser off of surfaces, processes these movements into a digital stream, and transmits to the wireless receiver -- lots to do = lots of power consumed. This is not a problem if you switch battery packs before starting an hours-long gaming spree. Swapping a freshly charged pack into the G7 mouse only takes a couple of seconds. The battery pack slides and clicks into a slot on bottom of the mouse and ejects by pressing a small release switch next to the bottom slot. Packs also slide and click into a slot on the charger and eject with a button. To conserve battery pack power, turn the mouse off when you turn the computer off, and back on when you turn your computer on. The on/off switch is on the underside of the mouse. The Power LED glows when the mouse is on; off when the G7 is in sleep/low-power mode or off.

2000 dpi Mouse resolution.
The G7 Laser Cordless mouse can be adjusted on-the-fly to higher-dpi gaming -- up to 2000 dpi; five separate settings in the range of 400-2000dpi can be saved in 50dpi increments minimum; each setting is easily changed by tapping the +/- buttons beneath the mouse wheel. Higher dpi's allow smaller mouse movements to move the mouse greater screen distances, great for strafing; lower dpi's allow larger movements to cover smaller distances, good for sniping. 2000 dpi is more than adequate for strafing 360 degrees in any direction; this resolution is awesome if you have the precision and reflexes to handle it. 5 different orange LED patterns on the mouse indicate the dpi setting chosen; when the mouse stops moving the LED's change to green to indicate the remaining battery charge. To conserve power, the G7 Laser mouse enters a low-power mode after approx. 20 seconds of no mouse movement. When the battery charge becomes low, both a warning message rises from the system tray and a blinking red LED on the mouse itself notify you. The mouse will actually continue to operate for quite awhile even when the low battery indication is detected.

Programmable buttons.
The left/right/mouse wheel/thumb/+/- buttons on the G7 Laser Mouse are all programmable. SetPoint mouse configuration software installs easily and provides an easy-to-use interface to configure mouse settings and automatically sets separate mouse dpi settings for any number of different games & apps when they launch. Instructions for use of the G7 mouse are on the included SetPoint help files.

Conclusion.
If you are looking for a cordless laser mouse, this G7 Laser Cordless Mouse is worth buying. No lag or dropouts when playing games, and no interference between my 802.11g wireless network and the mouse is detectable. The G7 Laser Cordless mouse can actually operate from 20 feet away, but plan on keeping it closer to the game action on the monitor when playing. A second programmable thumb button would be helpful to efficiently switch weapons in-game. A newer version of the G7 Laser Mouse now has a rubberized grip around the base; the earlier version I own has a hard plastic finish around the base.

The mouse effortlessly moves across the desktop and left/right/thumb buttons on the mouse click crisply and cleanly. The mouse wheel has standard step stops, can scroll windows horizontally left & right, but misses a clean, crisp click if used as a middle mouse button. These are just minor points, as I am totally satisfied and happy getting this G7 Laser Cordless Mouse. As soon as I get more accustomed with comfortable dpi settings, my gaming experience can only improve, and hopefully so will my gaming scores. I highly recommend the G7 Laser Cordless Mouse for both gamers and for the everyday computer user. It is worth the investment.

By leland1 - Dec 1, 2005

G7

Strengths: Wireless, looks cool, battery indicator, lithium ion rechargeable battery pack, smooth and sleek!

Weakness: Battery life isn't long, no second thumb button

I got this mouse for my second computer that I often use but because it's not too close to my desk, I can't use a wireless mouse. The previous wireless mouse (MS optical) I had was okay.. unimpressive and slow. It's such a world of difference when I started using the G7. It's so fast and smooth. Sometimes I think it's too fast!!! I have done much gaming with it but I look forward to the...
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By pfhuang - Dec 17, 2005

Best Wire(less) Mouse to Date.

Strengths: (1) 2.4 GHz reception for smooth uninterupted data transmission. (2) Two Li-Ion batteries. (3) Laser sensor. (4) LED battery-level indicators. (5)Smooth handling/control.

Weakness: Pricey. Bulky for smaller hands. Relatively short battery life.

Pros: 1. 2.4 GHz reception which means I can stand in my kitchen to control my mouse in the living room. This replaces my Logitech Cordless Elite mouse, which after nearly 3 years of use flickers in and out of the reception area. 2. Two Li-Ion Batteries allow you to swap batteries quickly on the run. No more fumbling in search of AA batteries at the last second. 3. Laser sensor which greatly...
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By nineteen9 - Oct 28, 2005

2.4 GHz wireless

Strengths: Battery

Weakness: Freezing, left-mouse button bug

The logitech G7 is not worth that money, since on the 1st or on the 2nd day it starts acting strange. Freezing- After every 20-60sec it freezes and you lose the DPI/sensitivity settings. Left-mouse button has got some strange problems, seems that something can't detect left-mouse button? You click and click... and click and it just wont work! For sure the problem is in either the software or...
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By ivan999 - Jan 5, 2007