Logitech’s MetroFi 200v earplugs (top), Wireless Presenter R400 (above) and Anywhere Mouse M905 (bottom).

I have generally had a bad experience with wireless keyboards and mice. I used to buy Microsoft’s peripherals. The battery would, however, run out quickly and the mouse pointer would become still. I thus went back to my wired devices.

Recently, the Swiss company Logitech launched a set of products in India, including a unique wireless mouse. I would recommend it to anyone with a laptop who has a problem using the trackpad.

Logitech has built more than a billion mice over 25 years, but the Anywhere Mouse M905 is the best. It works on all surfaces, including glass. No other optical or standard laser mouse can do that.

The mouse comes with a unifying receiver, which is a one-inch USB device that communicates with it. You need two standard AA (pencil) batteries. There is a switch to turn on the device. This is a big plus — every other wireless mouse just drains your battery.

Once your mouse is switched on, it is a snug fit on your palm. The track wheel can switch between hyperfast scrolling, which is helpful for long documents. Then, of course, there is the normal scroll. You can set it to scroll three lines at a time or whatever suits you. Tilt the wheel to the right or left to scroll sideways. You will find two buttons on the left. This helps you navigate web pages faster by going backward and forward.

All this can be done without the software that comes in a CD. Once you install the software, you get even more options. Under the track wheel is the application button. You can quickly switch between your open applications. On a Mac this activates Exposé. This is a special OS X feature by which you can see all your open windows on the desktop and then choose one you need. The Mouse software tells you how much power is left on your battery. It’s best to turn it off when you aren’t using it. The small unifying receiver can be stored inside the mouse, so you don’t lose it. The lovely leather pouch is a bonus.

You can add a compatible keyboard with the unifying receiver. This magical mouse for both Mac and PC comes for anything between Rs 4,500 and Rs 5,595.

Ultimate Ears

Last year, Logitech bought Ultimate Ears, the leading manufacturer of earphones. About 75 per cent of touring musicians use their custom-made noise-reducing earphones. In India Logitech has launched the MetroFi 170vi. It’s a must for every iPhone, BlackBerry or mobile phone (music enabled) user.

The earphone is an earplug, not an ear bud. It comes with three sets of soft silicon ear cushions that completely eliminate outside noise so you can concentrate on your song, podcast or videocast. If you get a phone call while listening to music, the song stops and you can take the call by pressing a button. Once through, you can go back to your music. You can use it with your laptop too. Just plug the 3.5mm jack into the microphone slot. It’s a good deal for Rs 3,500.

The second earphone that Logitech launched is mainly for the iPod touch or any other MP3 player. This eliminates outside noise in a more efficient manner. It has no talk facility. It’s called MetroFi 200v and costs Rs 4,500. This also has three sets of silicon cushions so you can choose the one that best fits your ears.

Wireless Presenter

The Wireless Presenter R400 is a simple plug-and-play device and ideal for making presentations. The buttons are easy to use. It has a range of 50 feet. Plug the receiver into an USB port and get started. Its red laser pointer makes it easy for people to understand what you are saying. The device costs around Rs 3,000. The Presenter R800 emits a green laser pointer. That’s because red does not work on a presentation made on a glass screen.

Send your computer-related problems to askdoss@abpmail.com. The solutions will appear soon.

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