Logitech's MX518 gaming-grade optical mouse is a well-designed, comfortable controller. With just the click of a button, you can adjust its resolution from 1,600 dpi to as low as 400 dpi. This lets you match the cursor's accuracy and speed to the current action, perhaps gaining an edge over an opponent. Unfortunately, like many specialty mice, the MX518 is for right-handers only.

The software is designed specifically for Windows XP. The optical mouse will work with other versions of Windows, but you won't be able to set up or use the special gaming features included with the Logitech SetPoint mouse drivers. The SetPoint software allows you to assign tasks to six of the eight mouse buttons; the remaining two buttons are permanently assigned as standard left and right mouse clicks.

Logitech provides default settings for the buttons provide the usual choices. The two buttons on the left side of the mouse, positioned for quick access by your thumb, control the forward and back functions in web browsers and desktop folder windows.

Sensitivity up/down buttons are located above and below the scroll wheel. These two buttons let you cycle through three predefined optical resolutions (1,600 dpi, 800 dpi, 400 dpi). A scroll wheel, scroll button, and a button that lets you switch between open applications round out the mouse's control surfaces.

The SetPoint software adds three basic configurable groups of functions: mouse buttons, mouse movements, and scrolling and pointer speeds, including pointer acceleration and pointer trails. The last group represents the optical mouse's game settings.

Logitech allows you to customize mouse sensitivity and assign up to five speeds (only three speeds are available in the default configuration), and then cycle through the various speeds using the sensitivity up/down buttons.

Logitech's dpi switching function proves very useful for this optical mouse, especially in games where you wield multiple weapons with different characteristics.

For example, lowering the dpi while using a sniper rifle allows precise aiming, while raising the dpi is just the thing for automatic weapons. The middle dpi setting is good for moving and reconnoitering, as it is fast enough to keep you out of trouble but slow enough to prevent you from overshooting or misjudging your position.

With its design and comfort, the Logitech MX518 optical mouse will provide gamers with a great unit at a value price.

Pro: Well-designed and comfortable for both gaming and general use. On-the-fly resolution switching gives you an edge in gaming.
Con: SetPoint software only runs with Windows XP, leaving some of the better features unavailable with other versions of Windows.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Logitech Inc.
6505 Kaiser Drive
Fremont, CA 94555
510-795-8500
http://www.logitech.com

Warranty
3 years