Ready to slip into your suitca... or not: Logitech wheels out new 'travel-sized' version of MX Master 3
- Reference: 1600680608
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/09/21/logitech/
- Source link:
Logitech flung both variants our way. Let’s start with the general-purpose MX Master Anywhere 3, which has a more platform-agnostic vibe.
When you put it next to last-year’s MX Master 3, the Anywhere’s tiny profile starts to come into perspective. It’s about half the height of the full-fat version, and similarly thinner and shorter. Consequently, you must radically re-adjust your muscle memory. Going from something that’s unapologetically chunky to a mouse that could comfortably fit in your back pocket feels weird, to say the least.
But you quickly get over that. Make no mistake, the MX Anywhere 3 isn’t nearly as natural to grip as the standard MX Master, but it’s easy to accept that as a necessary compromise in order to achieve the given form-factor.
[1]
Let's be real - that bag is not going on a trip... those sunglasses are for the garden and the headphones are to shut out your partner's Zoom meeting
Where it does well is in how much of the MX Master’s technology remains. The ultra-fast mag-speed scroll wheel remains, for example. This element uses electromagnetic forces to allow speedy scrolling through documents and spreadsheets. You can also lower the speed, and get a slower and ultimately precise scrolling experience, allowing you to traverse through your content one bit at a time.
Meanwhile, the 4,000 DPI sensor is both fast and responsive, and proves capable of working on both smooth and rugged surfaces. I was able to quite happily use the MX Anywhere 3 while using my jeans as a mousepad. Unlike the MX Master 3, the Anywhere’s left and right mouse buttons are one with the actual chassis, which feels slightly less defined. Nonetheless, they still felt wonderfully clicky and fast. And, you can easily press the two side buttons with a short reach of your thumb.
Charging comes via USB-C, with the device rated for 70 hours of continuous usage. We haven’t had our hands on the kit for that long, so we haven’t been able to independently verify this. Logitech has also said you can get eight hours’ worth of use with a three-minute charge.
At the bottom of the mouse, you’ll spot a power button, as well as a switch allowing you to pair the mouse between three devices simultaneously. Tapping that switch allows you to move between devices, with the corresponding machine highlighted on an LED display. You can choose to pair the mouse using the included receiver, or via Bluetooth.
And then there’s the Mac version. So, what’s different here? For starters, it uses a silvery-white color scheme designed to match your expensive iDevice. There’s also no USB receiver either – which makes sense, given Cupertino’s laptop line has all-but removed the traditional rectangular USB-A port. This is an all-Bluetooth affair. Besides that, it’s largely the same product.
Logitech’s MX Master 3 is available from today, priced at £79.99 for both the universal version, and the Mac flavour. ®
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[1] https://regmedia.co.uk/2020/09/18/mx.jpg
[2] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
Look at it the other way
They throw in a free USB dongle with the Windows version?
Fanbois gonna fan. Chances are there's physically very little different inside, but a custom, smaller volume colourway probably offsets the 30p saving of components for the usb wireless dongle.
I like logitech mice. I use logitech mice.
But... (a) All my computers have USB-A sockets suitable for RF dongle thingies (I know, I know, get with the times, grandpa); (b) current batteries last so long it's always a surprise when they run out after months and months and months; and (c) no way am I ever going to pay eighty of our finest English pounds for a mouse!
Re: I like logitech mice. I use logitech mice.
> no way am I ever going to pay eighty of our finest English pounds for a mouse!
Which I why I waited two years for the original full size MX Master to be on sale at half price, £45. Best money I've ever spent on a computer peripheral. The article didn't mention the darkfiekd laser sensor, but it's a significant part of the value. Being able to use a mouse on glass (as well as anything else I've tried it on) is a surprisingly nice experience, it glides very smoothly but controllably.
Only available for right hands, as far I I know, though, so southpaws are likely served better by the more symetrical travel version.
The full size versions have more buttons. The MX series mice allow more options in the Logitech Setpoint software, including a clone of Apple's 'Exposé' (but for Windows), which I have come to use as my primary task switcher.
I don't use a mechanical keyboard, but I'm sympathetic to those who will spend good money to make a task that much more comfortable, especially a task they may be doing hours a day.
Good bed, good shoes, good mouse.
Pffft
Call that a travel mouse?! Elecom Capclip FTW.
Need a slightly larger mouse with USB RF dongle and runs on an alkaline battery? HP Z3700: They can be had for a tenner
Re: Pffft
If you get a chance, try any of the MX series mice on a variety of surfaces.
priced at £79.99
I've got a total of 2 cordless, portable mice, each under a fiver (one near-silent too). Both have been working well for the last 5 years or so (sure, not as hard as my desk mice, but still). Why would anybody spend more than a tenner, unless "because I can"?
So... The universal works with a Mac (I know. My boss uses the old Anywhere for his Mac), but they made a special version ripped out the USB functionality.
Why isn't it cheaper? You lose functionality (granted, that you might not use) and gain nothing. Why buy a limited-functionality version for the same money? Or am I missing something?