Technology Review - Logitech MediaPlay

The Logitech MediaPlay cordless mouse aims to fuse modern ergonomics and comfort with the convenience of being able to control the media on your PC from your mouse - whether you use it in the traditional sense, or as a handheld controller. Logitech describe it as "trailblazing" and "an industry first" - lofty claims indeed. Does the performance match the hype?

There's no doubt the mouse looks the part, finished in a contemporary electric blue and black casing, with bright blue lights activated whenever a button is pressed. In fact, it is the additional buttons on this mouse that serve to most drastically differentiate it from more traditional control devices. A quick glance reveals play/pause, volume up/down, and fast forward/rewind buttons all situated on top of the mouse, in easy reach of your fingers.

A configurable "media" button in the centre enables you to specify which particular media player you want to use - I changed mine to Windows Media 10, as the default is Logitech MediaLife, a proprietary media management application provided on CD. There was nothing inherently wrong with this software - it employs large, colourful WindowsXP style buttons and an attractive interface - but I found it easier to stick with my normal choice, as I expect most people will.

There are also two buttons on the left of the mouse, where the thumb would naturally rest for a right-handed person, that enable you to flip from track to track, but I found these didn't work all the time, with every application. For instance, I was able to use them with iTunes, but not with Windows Media Player. This could be a software configuration issue - you are required to install the necessary software from the enclosed Logitech CD to set the mouse up properly - but it wasn't obvious and could be confusing.

In terms of feel, the mouse cannot be faulted - the build quality is excellent, and ergonomically the unit feels comfortable. I did find, however, that after a couple of hours use, the traditional left and right mouse buttons felt a little stiff to my hands - this could be due to the one-piece construction of the button cover allowing less movement than two separate buttons would, but like anything most people will probably get used to it after a while.