Logitech Unveils World's First Smart Mouse; Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse Conducts Two-Way Communications With PC: Provides Notification of E-Mail and Instant Messages, Turns On and Off With Computer, Eliminates Interference.

FREMONT, Calif. -- Logitech (SWX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI), the world's leading manufacturer of computer mice, today unveiled the world's first mouse to receive and process wireless communication from the PC. The Logitech(R) MX(TM)610 Laser Cordless Mouse's 2.4 GHz digital cordless technology and sophisticated on-board microprocessor give the mouse this smart capability.

Other cordless mice can only send information in one direction: to the computer. Because Logitech's newest mouse is capable of two-way communication with the computer, the mouse offers new conveniences to the user. It can tell people when their mouse battery is low, and notify them when they receive an important e-mail or instant message (IM). The Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse knows when the computer is on or off -- and it can save power by turning itself off when the PC is dormant. It can sense if there is wireless interference, changing channels to establish the most secure connection. And the mouse doesn't need a reset button -- once it's connected to the computer, it stays connected forever.

"This changes the very concept of a computer mouse, because it is no longer simply an input device," said Ashish Arora, Logitech's vice president of product marketing for retail pointing devices. "The way the MX610 mouse processes and delivers notifications for e-mail messages and instant messages puts the mouse into the smart device category. And its ability to manage battery life is extremely practical and a valuable feature. Logitech knows that smart devices will inevitably become a part of everyday life. This mouse, along with the recently announced Logitech(R) Cordless Desktop(R) MX(TM) 5000 Laser, shows that we are committed to investing in smart technologies for our mice and keyboards."

Smart E-Mail and IM Notifications: Blue Light for E-Mail, Orange Light for IM

Because today's computer screens are often cluttered with the delivery of information, including notifications, and many home PC users are not always in front of their computer screen, Logitech developed a simple way to receive e-mail and IM notifications. The MX610 mouse senses when a new e-mail message comes into a user's Outlook(R) inbox, and illuminates a blue light on the e-mail button. With one click of the illuminated button, the user opens the Outlook inbox to easily view the message. Similarly, the PC sends, and the mouse receives, notification of new instant messages from Windows(R) Messenger, MSN(R) Messenger, and Yahoo!(R) Instant Messenger, communicated with the illumination of an orange button on the mouse, which can easily be seen from across the room. With Logitech(R) SetPoint(TM) software, people can customize their mouse so they are only notified when specific people send them e-mails or IMs. And if people need to leave their PC to do something in the other room, the mouse can deliver these notifications at a wireless range of up to 30 feet.

Smart Power Management

The Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse has an expected battery life of up to three months with regular use, a significant accomplishment considering its powerful Logitech MX Laser engine. The mouse achieves this long battery life by mimicking the power status of the computer to which it is connected. As it sends and receives wireless signals, the mouse can sense when the PC has gone into sleep mode or is shut down, and the mouse powers down accordingly. Also, when the mouse battery level is low -- less than 10 percent of full charge -- an indicator light on the mouse illuminates. Logitech has found that many cordless mouse owners have thought their cordless mouse was broken when it ran out of battery power. They simply forgot that the mouse used batteries. The indicator light and advanced power system help solve this problem.

Logitech 2.4 GHz Digital Cordless

The Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse includes a USB micro-receiver that connects instantly with the mouse when it is plugged into a desktop or a notebook PC. As the mouse and wireless receiver send information back and forth, the mouse periodically may sense a wireless interruption or interference. In a matter of moments, the mouse seamlessly shifts the wireless channel until it finds one that is interference-free. The micro-receiver eliminates clutter created by larger corded receivers.

Laser Tracking for Premium Performance

Logitech was the first company to introduce a mouse with laser tracking. The precise nature of laser light allows a laser mouse to see much greater surface detail than a typical optical mouse with a red light-emitting diode (LED). This means that a laser mouse tracks more accurately and will work on a wider variety of surfaces. The MX610 mouse's powerful MX engine is built to deliver precision. Also, as with all Logitech laser products, the laser of the MX610 mouse is nearly invisible and very safe; it meets the Class 1 safety standard.

Comfortable, Versatile, Stylish Design

Sculpted for the right hand, the Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse delivers a comfortable fit to go along with its versatile and stylish design. The mouse features 10 buttons, including volume up, down and mute buttons for controlling music on the PC. The reset button is noticeably absent, because once the receiver is plugged in, the mouse and receiver are perpetually connected. The mouse includes Logitech's Tilt Wheel Plus Zoom scroll wheel, which allows people to effortlessly scroll left, right, up and down, and zoom in and out of images, Web pages and open documents. The mouse's key plate is coated with a brilliant chrome finish, while a cool black display panel and matte black soft-touch grips help to create a sleek, modern styling that blends with the decor of today's sophisticated flat-screen monitors.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse will be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in October. The mouse has a suggested retail price of $59.99 in the U.S.

About Logitech

Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.