The G7.
Both G series mice use Logitech's new laser tracking engine, capable of dpi settings from 400 to 2000 and image processing of a rather impressive 6.4 megapixels per second. While the G5 remains corded and allows gamers to tweak its weight with a system of interchangeable cartridges, the G7 drops the wires and weights altogether, in favor of a 2.4GHz wireless connection and hot-swappable, rechargeable, Lithium-ion battery packs.
PC gamers have long debated personal preference between corded and wireless gaming mice. Years ago, wireless mice operated on infrared signals for communication with their base stations, which resulted in a TV-remote style of spotty signal that did not produce happy results during twitch games of Quake. A second problem was the fact that a lot of the past generation wireless mice would enter a sleep mode in order to preserve battery life. All well and good, but some mice would take a good 3 or 4 seconds to wake up when suddenly used. The effect was both annoying and crippling for gamers. As such, wireless mice have long suffered under the misconception that they are simply not suited for gaming.
Kickin' it IGN styleeee.
The G7 suffers from none of these flaws. The switch to 2.4GHz wireless makes a big difference, as line-of-sight to the receiver is no longer a requirement, and the G7 never enters a noticeable sleep state. After weeks of use, we have never experienced mouse lag or stuttering due to signal issues, and even after a battery hot-swap (more on this later), the second the battery is inserted the G7 has a solid connection. The G7 laser engine allows it to track over more surfaces than the optical mice that preceded it. In our testing the G7 never failed: from desk, to jean, to t-shirt and carpet, it chugged away. Three Teflon feet make the G7 glide nicely, especially on the gaming engineered sUrface 1030 Archetype pad that I use.
The G7's most impressive feature is its ability to make on-the-fly and in-game dpi sensitivity adjustments. Controlled by the small buttons aft of the scroll wheel, the mouse can switch between up to 5 (only 3 if Logitech's software isn't running) customizable settings ranging from 400 to 2000 dpi. The simple effect of a dpi adjustment is increased or decreased mouse movement speed. At the highest level a small twitch will send the pointer across the entire screen, on the lowest level it takes considerably more hand movement to move the same distance. Some users enjoy being allowed to dial in their movement speed preference while in the middle of an intense FPS without having to switch into the game's menu system. Those who really embrace the technology will set the sensitivity very high for moments of run-and-gun, and then lower it dramatically to allow for precise sniper aiming.
The G7 and its babies.
A constant fear in every wireless mouse fan's mind is that awful moment when the batteries run out mid-game. For previous generations of wireless mice, including Logitech's MX700 and MX1000, low batteries meant the entire mouse had to sit in a charging cradle for a few hours, completely out of use, or switching in extra AA batteries. Neither solution was very appealing when you just got waxed in WoW and anxiously need to recover your corpse. The G7 solves the problem with two rechargeable Lithium-ion battery packs. While one battery powers the mouse, the other recharges in the G7's receiver. The LED bar on the G7 alternates between dpi and battery level displays, and the Logitech software can also make a Windows notification when the battery is running low. Hot-swapping the batteries is as simple as ejecting both batteries and switching them up. The G7 does not forget its sync with the base station, and powers on without a hitch when the new battery is inserted. Each charge on the battery packs will power the G7 for around 7-8 hours of heavy gaming, or about 2-3 days of office-style use. Though 7 hours of gaming may not seem like enough for marathon sessions, the charging station will finish charging the first battery before the second runs out. It's a fine system. Another cool feature is the fact that the antenna for the 2.4GHz is a little USB stick that detaches from the battery charging base station, allowing you to travel with the G7 and antenna stick, provided you don't need more than two batteries worth of juice.
It may look like a bean, but don't eat it. Planting it might work though.
The G7 follows the general kidney-bean shape that Logitech has long been using for its mice, which means lefties are out of luck. Amidst much outcry, Logitech dropped the Forward side/thumb button that fans of the MX700 and other Logitech mice had grown accustomed to. The Back button remains, and is quite useful, but less-so for web-browsing applications now that the Forward button is gone. Logitech did add a left-right tilt feature to the scroll wheel, which can be assigned to Forwards/Back functionality. The scroll wheel itself is smoother than most of Logitech's older mice, but when depressed for the mouse3 button, feels squishy and inexact.
Logitech also chose to lose the rubberized surfaces found on MX mice, as well as the industrial style of the MX518, in favor of an entirely smooth and shiny silver and metallic green look. The dpi and Back buttons are back-lit in green, and the side LCD for dpi and battery levels make the G7 look plenty sexy, however, its entirely hard plastic form takes getting used to if you have become accustomed to older Logitech designs, and can start to look a little dirty.
Overall, the G7 laser mouse is a hot little item. Stellar sensitivity and tracking, unique battery and dpi adjustment features, travel ability, and a sexy modern look make the G7 the best wireless gaming mouse to date. Though relatively expensive for a mouse, considering its unique features, fans of wireless mice will not be disappointed with a purchase.