Microsoft, Logitech Move More Mice

For its part, Microsoft debuted five new mice -- three specifically targeting notebook users -- that claim to need less hand movement in cramped spaces and boast accuracy even when moved very quickly (such as during games).

The Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000, Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 4000, and Notebook Optical Mouse 3000, sell for $55, $45, and $35, respectively, feature a new Magnifier tool to enlarge any part of the screen, and include a new compact Tilt Wheel that permits both vertical and horizontal scrolling.

Microsoft's two desktop mice include the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 ($65) and Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 ($55), the latter actually a reintroduced Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer with some new features.

The Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 will be in the channel during September, but the other four mice won't ship until October, said the company.

Swiss-based Logitech, meanwhile, introduced a trio of new input devices, including the LX7 Cordless Optical Mouse ($40), V270 Cordless Optical Notebook Mouse for Bluetooth ($50), V400 Laser Cordless Mouse ($50), and MX610 Laser Cordless Mouse ($60).

The MX610 offers two-way communication with the PC for limited chores including lights that indicate new e-mail or instant messages, and a power-saving feature that puts the mouse to sleep or turns off its power when the computer goes into hibernation or is switched off. Logitech claims the latter practice can extend the mouse's battery life to as much as three months.

The Logitech devices go on sale in September, (LX7, V400), October (MX610), and November (V270).