For most people, choosing the right mouse is as simple as picking up the first one that has all the right features that will enhance their mousing experience, such as whether it is optical, has more than two buttons, and if a scroll wheel is present. At least this is how I like to see it; the mouse is a very integral component when it comes to using a computer, and it's definitely an area where the user should demand functionality over features that they know they will never use. This is where the Logitech iFeel Mouse enters the picture; my overall synopsis is that this mouse functions perfectly as an ordinary mouse, but comes with extra frills that I really can't find any practical use for.

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What you get

Logitech® iFeel™ Mouse (compatible with Windows 98, 2000 and Me)*
w/ 800 dpi optical sensor
Logitech® Mouseware®
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.0
User Guide
Five-year limited hardware warranty

Heck, I even got a coupon for 10% off my next Logitech purchase, too bad it expired six months ago…

The package contains a slip saying that the mouse will work with the Windows XP, but "to optimize your experience and take full advantage of the new functionality of Windows XP," you should download the XP driver from their website. I'm not sure what this means because I didn't have an XP system to test it on, but I assume it means that the fore-feedback features of the mouse won't work with the included driver on Windows XP.

According to Logitech, this mouse will "Enhance your computing experience with gentle vibrations as you move around the web and desktop. It's a whole new way to point and click."

 

Installation

Logitech includes step-by-step instructions for setting up the iFeel (as if you really need instructions setting up a mouse ), they even provide them in four languages!

An important thing to note is that the Logitech® iFeel™ must be connected to either a USB port on the computer or a powered USB hub. In my personal experience, it didn't work while connected to my Apple Pro Keyboard, but it did work connected directly to my PC's USB port, so no biggie.

Moving on, after connecting it to my PC, Win2k immediately did the whole 'Add new hardware' thing, then requested a restart. One side note, the mouse did not require a restart to function normally. Then came the installation of the Immersion Desktop software. This was easy as well, but required a restart for the features to work. The tactile sensory can be tweaked any number of ways through one easy dialog.

Usage

On the front of the box, Logitech claims that this mouse will help the average user "Feel the web for easier navigation" and "Feel [his or her] desktop for improved accuracy." Now, despite how much I disagree with this, I must give Logitech some credit for how dynamic the range of "tactile sensations" are generated by this little thing. The vibrations range from short bursts to long shakes, it can even make musical notes when it vibrates.

Of course, once the whole novelty of having a mouse that shakes whenever you move it over any icon, button, etc. can get really annoying, especially if you're sifting through a huge folder of MP3s in list view at which point it shakes constantly...

Final Thoughts

There weren't too many quirks in this mouse that I could find. It was only slightly heavier than the standard 2-button wheel mouse that Logitech makes. Also, I noticed that the buttons aren't as loud as the standard Logitech mouse. On another note, if you're using a slow computer, the Immersion drivers will eat up a lot of CPU resources, just something to keep in mind. In conclusion, if you're looking for a mouse that will let you "Point, Feel and Click," like Logitech suggests, this might be the mouse for you; don't forget that this mouse also functions perfectly as an ordinary mouse, too. You know, just in case you end up not loving those wonderful tactile sensations after all.

Pros: Comfortable, nice design, easy to setup, vibrating mouse may appeal to some, but can be disabled.

Cons: Immersion drivers can hog CPU cycles, Force feedback is gimmicky.