|
Logitech MX-700 Experiment |
|
Logitech recently released the MX1000. A $80 cordless mouse that promises that it will operate nearly any hard surface. The MX700 is also a cordless mouse, but it uses an LED. Could you install a laser into an MX700, and get better performance? Lets find out: |
|
 |
First the MX700, and a laser diode module
from Radioshack.
The module runs off 3volts, and should be able to run on the MX700's LED connection. |
 |
I took apart the MX700 to get access to the LED. |
 |
The Laser diode is as bright as a normal key-chain
laser.
But it is made to run all the time. |
 |
Before changing the laser I tested the
MX700 on the worst surface I could find.
In this case it was the black mirrored faceplate from a Athlon64 Shuttle PC. As expected the mouse would not function at all. |
 |
Now I installed the laser in the same place
as the LED.
The laser works well as a replacement, and the mouse functions. But alas it did not improve the surface capabilities of the mouse. The mouse was just as ineffective. |
| In conclusion, there mush be a
different focus point for a MX1000.
Also the MX1000 uses a newer MX optical engine, that may be more sensitive. |
|
| But, there is a cool trick that you
can do with a laser pointer and any optical mouse.
Lift your optical mouse off the table a few inches, then aim a laser pointer onto the spot below the mouse's eye. The mouse will actually be able to move, even though it is off the table. With the proper aim and a steady hand, you can get the mouse to move a foot or more off of the table.
|
|