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Logitech is a company that started out and made it’s name in mice. This may seem a bit strange if you think about it; a tech company that doesn’t even make computers. Consider this however, with the possible exception of typing, were does your hand spend most of the time when you’re on the computer? Exactly. It’s important to have a mouse that works well for your needs as this can improve productivity as well as making the computer much more pleasant to use.

My personal history with Logitech started when scroll wheel mice were first becoming available it was around the advent of the original iMac so the whole USB craze was just starting. I actually went to Fry’s and bought a PC only USB PCI card for my Performa 6400 (I got the card for $10 at a time when Mac cards were going for $60 and up). Then I downloaded development (non functional) drivers from Apple Developer Connection and modified them with ResEdit to work with my card according to some instructions I found on the internet. The whole reason for me to get that card however, was so I could use the original Logitech MouseMan. This guy was just about the coolest mouse available at the time with four buttons and a scroll wheel. Since Logitech didn’t support Mac OS 9 at the time, initially relied on Apple’s built in basic mouse drivers which (in version 8 or 8.5 added scroll wheel and right or control click support). Eventually a product called USB Overdrive came along that basically provided highly customizable generic mouse drivers. I’m still using it today, even though it hasn’t been updated in quite a while and Logitech now makes their own drivers (which are not as customizable). That original MouseMan was eventually replaced with a MX500 when they were released which proved to be super awesome as it had 3 buttons with to use for Expos? and replaced my dated ball mouse with a highly accurate optical sensor (hurray for no lint cleaning!).

Well I’m happy to report that my MX500 has now been replaced with an MX1000 (obviously it has double the power). It’s super smooth and wireless with a plethora of buttons. My favorite thing about Logitech’s high end cordless mice however is that they don’t just connect to a USB dongle, instead they come with a cradle that recharges the mouse’s batteries when connected. I don’t want to have to worry about replacing my mouse’s batteries while writing a paper (or worse, playing a game) and thanks to this feature I’ll never have to. I’m not sure why other mice manufacturers haven’t picked up on this one yet but perhaps they eventually will; since not only is it handy, it saves consumers money in the long run (see: iPod Shuffle).

In recent years Logitech has branched out from their mouse business a bit. They now make USB cameras (after acquiring the now defunct Connetix QuickCam several years ago), programmable remotes (since purchasing Harmony about year ago), various other computer & console controllers, and speakers.

Why would a peripheral company make speakers when there are so many other players you ask you ask? I don’t know either. What I can tell you is that for high end computer speakers, they blow away the competition: I present you the Logitech Z-5500 Digital speakers. After reading this review, I knew I had to have them for my new G5 (it would just be a shame not to use the optical out jack). I’m happy to say that they are pretty damn amazing. I’ve tested them out, but I haven’t had the guts to turn them all the way up yet (for fear of breaking windows or eardrums); these things get loud. I can say volume pretty dang high (like concert levels) without hearing any distortion and I’m not even using the optical connection yet (still waiting for the cable). This is basically the only audio experience that can come close to matching the precision of my E3c. The only downsides are that the subwoofer is freaking huge (it has a 10″ diameter speaker), and the remote has a cheap feel to it (though it works fine), but these are minor quibbles in comparison to the amazing sound of the system.

The point I’m trying to make with all this is that Logitech makes some pretty awesome hardware (and not just stuff I’m mentioned in this article) that’s worth checking out if you’re a descriminating nerd like me.