The latest edge might just be Logitech's G7 laser mouse, the first cordless laser mouse designed specifically for gaming.

We can't promise that it will increase your score in the latest online fragfest, but the G7 represents a much better option than resorting to an aimbot to boost your headshot numbers.

Key Features

The package includes the G7 mouse, a USB charging station, a thumb-sized USB receiver, and two hot-swappable battery packs. The mouse itself looks great, with the typical Logitech-style design and a gray-on-green color scheme.

Not built for southpaws, the G7 feels as if it is molded perfectly for any right-handed gamer. In addition to the standard left and right buttons, the G7 sports a tilting scroll wheel and a thumb button. We would have appreciated a second thumb button, typical of other gaming mice, but the omission is not a deal-breaker.

The G7's on-the-fly sensitivity button is a nice touch. It can be used to adjust the mouse speed to accommodate just about any game. Just above the thumb button, three LEDs indicate the sensitivity setting in addition to the battery level.

Although the G7 has an auto-off mode, you can turn off the mouse manually simply by pressing the power button located on the underside. Low-friction pads on the bottom of the mouse let it glide effortlessly and smoothly, allowing for the quick movements that are vital to any first-person shooter and many other game genres.

The SetPoint software that comes with the package adds a plethora of customization options to the G7, even letting you adjust the degree of mouse sensitivity through a profile option that can match your settings to individual games.

Performance

The Logitech G7 uses a proprietary 2.4-GHz wireless transmitter that frees you from the world of tangled mouse cords. Traditionally, most gamers have balked at cordless mice because the wireless transmission speeds have resulted in noticeable lag. However, the G7 overcomes these stereotypes with excellent responsiveness.

Effectively, there is no difference between the G7's performance and that of its corded sibling, the Logitech G5. And just like the G5, the use of a 2,000-dpi laser, much higher resolution than traditional optical mice, offers a great deal of precision and control.

The G7 has two battery-recharge modes. In fast mode, the battery recharges in three hours, while slow-charging takes eight. In our tests, we squeezed out about three days of battery life on a single charge while averaging about four hours of gaming and work use per day.

The disappointing battery life is no big deal because the spring-loaded battery setup streamlines the replacement process. It only takes about 10 seconds to swap in a fresh pack.

Verdict

Gamers can forget about the slow response time that plagued wireless mice in the past. The Logitech G7 is both fast and precise. It's an all-around great performer that all gamers will love.

Logitech G7 Cordless Laser Mouse

Specs: 2,000-dpi laser engine; 2.4-GHz transmitter; two battery packs.

Pros: Fast and precise; hot-swappable batteries, on-the-fly sensitivity switching.

Cons: Unimpressive battery life.

Verdict: Fast and precise, the Logitech G7 is an all-around great performer that all gamers will love.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Price: $100

www.logitech.com