Introduction

Optical mice have been around for quite some time now. This is indicated by the many different types of optical mice one can find in stores, from plain-jane models to cordless versions to high-end, high-DPI models. Indeed, optical mice are fast becoming a possible standard due to their fairly low prices and high proliferation.

 In addition, optical mice rarely need cleaning and they can be more accurate than their mechanical counterparts. But one problem plagued earlier models, and that was fast movements creating erratic cursor movements. The optics of such mice would be overwhelmed by fast, jerky movements, and as such, if you were a gamer who set their mouse sensitivity to high (like me), these mice were out of the question. But quite a bit has changed since then. The number of images/sec taken by mouse optics has increased along with the resolution/DPI, in a substantial way, making these new mice more viable for the end user. Today, I'll be looking at Logitech's flagship optical product - the MouseMan Dual Optical. Let's see if it can live up to the reputation that Logitech has provided.

Specifications

The first thing anyone will note about the MouseMan Dual Optical comes straight from its name - it has two optical sensors.

• 3 buttons - left, right, and thumb

• 1 wheel/button (in between left and right button)

• Interface: USB or PS/2

• Optics: Two 800 DPI sensors

• Five-year warranty

The mouse also came with the excellent MouseWare software, a quick installation guide and a comfort guidelines booklet.

The MouseMan line of mice has been around for some time, and since then they have developed quite a following among righties. Due to its distinct shape, the MouseMan mice don't work well for the left-handed. I had a MouseMan from the time when they were still mechanical, and while it was a dependable mouse, the shape just didn't fit my hand correctly; for others this shape was a dream. However, the MouseMan shape has changed a bit since then, and the Dual Optical version is very comfortable for me.

Overall view - note USB-PS/2 adapter.

Sleek shape.

Both sides have grips.

The distinctive shape I talk of is how the MouseMan slopes gently towards the right, making it feel nice to righties. The shape is also very pleasing to the eyes. The left and right buttons do not extend all the way to the edge, but still provide ample room on which to click the buttons. I also like the feel of all the buttons - they don't have too much play in them, but have a nice tactile feedback and have a quality feel to them, but then again, I've always liked the feel of Logitech mice buttons. Let's not forget another trademark of the MouseMan mice: side grips. These grips provide a nice soft place to rest your thumb and pinky/ring finger on at the sides, and may also help you control your mouse better.

Thumb button.

Buttons have a nice click to them.

Comfortable!

The extra thumb button is located right in the middle of the thumb-side grip and provides an additional function to this mouse. Using the Logitech's MouseWare software, this thumb button can be configured to do a multitude of jobs, (as can any button on the mouse), and I usually set it to Double-Click. The wheel is easy to use, and is not accidentally activated when it is pressed it as a middle button. This is helpful because one may have the wheel set to switch weapons in a game, and the middle button set to some other function. It would not be helpful to accidentally switch weapons when trying to depress the middle button.

The unique shape of the MouseMan.

Five feet to slide on.

Two sensors and a translucent bottom

Here you again see the unique shape of the MouseMan that either makes one hate it, or love it. On the top of the mouse, there is a bubble-dome decal of the Logitech Logo. On the bottom we can see five feet on which the mouse glides, and the two optical sensors. Do the two optical sensors work in tandem? Well, sort of. Basically, because each is mounted at a different angle, an onboard processor can choose which sensor is delivering the most accurate signal, and use that one to determine mouse movement. But only one sensor is used at any one moment. This should allow for better mousing on a variety of surfaces. Like many optical mice, it also features a translucent bottom to let some of the light from the LED's shine through.