Radio mice from Logitech
Summary
In 1996 Logitech replaced infrared technology with radio in its wireless mice. Infrared failed in everyday use because of a missing line of sight, for example piles of paper on the desk. The MouseMan Cordless transmitted about two metres on four channels, the TrackMan Live trackball for presentations up to ten metres.
Ideas
- Infrared mice need a clear line of sight between transmitter and receiver.
- Radio solves the line-of-sight problem but requires separate channels for neighbouring devices.
- Four channels allow four radio mice in the same room.
- A switchable range turns the same trackball into a presentation tool.
Insights
- Suitability for everyday use often decides more about radio technology than raw transmission performance.
- Every radio interface brings channel planning with it, even if it only serves a mouse.
Facts
- The MouseMan Cordless had a range of about two metres.
- The TrackMan Live could be set to a range of up to ten metres for presentations.
References
Critique
- The report mentions neither battery life nor price or latency, exactly the points by which early radio mice were judged in everyday use.
Recommendations
- With wireless input devices, check how several units in the same room affect each other.
- In environments with a lot of radio traffic, keep using cables for permanently used workstations.
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