After four year, Logitech finally produces an update to the classic MX 1000. But is it worth?
I can say, yes. But not without some reservations. What Logitech did right is update the MX 1000 to today's standards. Logitech has packaged in a range of DPI options for power users and those looking to run desktop applications and play the occasional game. Logitech has also included their Microtouch scroll wheel, USB mini receiver, and large replaceable mouse feet. These are all improvements to the original MX 1000. Most importantly, those users looking for a mouse with epic battery life will be interest to know the MX 1100 continues the legacy of the MX 1000 by providing months of usage on a single set of batteries.
The shape of the mouse is a hybrid between the original MX 1000 design and the newer MX Revolution design. Users of either mouse should be comfortable with its layout and shape. The dimension of the grip is larger than the MX Revolution and closer to the MX 1000 so users with larger hands should be satisfied.
However, Logitech has made some compromises to its updated design. In contrast to other mice of the MX line, Logitech has also cheapened the entire design.
Logitech chose to use replaceable AA batteries instead of an integrated long lasting rechargable Li-Ion or Li-Po battery pack. This has traslated to a hefty 6.25 oz. weight (MX 1000 at 5.75 oz) with two AA alkaline batteries.
Logitech has also removed most of the status indicators from the mouse. The battery indicator consists of two LEDs that do not light up when the mouse is in use. This can do a blessing or a curse. To check the battery status you need to power cycle the mouse using the switch on the bottom or use Logitech's provided SetPoint software.
The most annoying feature is the lack of any status indicator for DPI. Although SetPoint does store the DPI setting, the mouse does not. When using an operating system without SetPoint such as linux, the DPI settings must be memorized by the number of clicks to the adjustment switches.
Users looking for a middle button will be pleasantly surprised. It actually has one. Instead of the Microtouch wheel click function used to shift between the two scroll modes, it acts as an ordinary middle click function. The wheel shift function has shifted to the nearly useless button found below the scroll wheel on MX mice. But this section is about negatives. While we finally have a middle button, we lose electronic control over the shift modes. The button below the scroll wheel mechanically actuates the scroll modes. This certainly spells a cost reduction for Logitech, but also an inconvenience to those users comfortable with the MX Revolution design.
Overall, the MX 1100 is a better mouse than the MX 1000. But it is also a cheaper mouse by $20 than its original counterparts and it shows in the compromises made to the design.
Technical Expertise: Tech Savvy
I've used this product: One month to a year