Logitech's iFeel mouse combines tactile feedback with optical technology to give you an interactive computing experience. With two buttons and a scroll wheel that doubles as a third button, the iFeel mouse issues gentle impulses when it moves over a Windows element (toolbar button, menu option, folders) or a browser object (link or Web button), ensuring you're clicking exactly where you intended. Sensing mouse-clickable fields amidst fine print or information- clutter can provide greater accuracy and efficiency over the visual-only cues of conventional mice.
Designed for left- or right-handed users, this high-precision mouse provides smooth performance, gliding across most surfaces while recording motion optically at 1,200 times per second. The iFeel mouse comes with easy-to-use, plug-and-play USB installation as well as a five-year warranty.
This mouse enhances your computing experience with gentle vibrations as you move around the web and desktop. Feel your way around the pull-down menus, dialog boxes and specific enhanced programs and games. No more issues with too small print or information clutter, now you can feel where your mouse goes.Add the sense of feel to your computing experience. Feel the web, the desktop and applications through your mouse. Optical technology means greater accuracy and no cleaning.
1 Awesome Mouse, I've had it for more than 3 years now
This is an awesome mouse, I've been using it for almost 3 years and now and I can't see myself using anything else. I wish Logitech would incorporate the iFeel technology in some of their newer mice as well. This isn't something you really need in a mouse, but it makes it seem as if you're interacting with the web page or your computer, you can "feel" the links or icons. At first it does feel kind of weird, but once you get used to it, you can't go back to a regular mouse.
2 A cool answer to a question no one asked
Picked up an iFeel mouse off e-bay out of curiousity. You can find them well priced on there.
This is my first optical mouse, and seems to be a decent one at that. The "iFeel" part is actually pretty cool, although I really do not see a reason for it. I can't think of any pro's or con's for having it. It works with a couple games (Black and White is neat with it) and it does let me be a little more accurate with clicking. Possibly a good tool for those with less than perfect sight?
It took some time to get it to work. Make sure you have the newest software if installing with XP.
Overall, if you need a new mouse, you can't beat this price for a great optical mouse. The motion part is just an added bonus--and it freaks people out who don't know what it is. A friend of mine searched the desk for 10 minutes seeking out the "roughness" under the mouse. Needless to say, the desk was clean ;-). Mouse was just set on "squeaky clean".
Pretty cool. Find one used or on e-bay. Try not to buy retail.
3 A Solution in Search of a Problem
An eager early-adopter, I searched high & low for this mouse after it was announced. I was in need of a new mouse anyway, so why not experience the thrills & chills of tactile feedback? One pre-release review I had read claimed that after a short while, you wouldn't believe you were ever happy with a mouse that didn't click, buzz, vibrate, and bump.
That was not my experience. Admittedly, I was amused by iFeel feedback at first. Logitech includes a modestly-amusing little puzzle game and demo app that showcase the variety of effects the mouse can create. There is a staggering array of options available to you if you choose to customize the feedback schemes, ranging from barely-perceptible buzzing to almost finger-numbing impacts. I had grown rather fond of the sandpaper-like feel that one scheme bestowed upon all default buttons, in fact.
But after a couple weeks of use, I still wasn't sure that there was any real advantage in using this hyperactive input device. I probably would've stuck with it longer if it weren't for the fact that the iTouch Desktop software (which enables & manages the feedback) seemed to interact badly with my usual applications, such as Netscape. It got so that I would disable the feedback features before opening my browser (running on W98) to avoid a crash. After a week or so of that routine, I realized that it was foolish to pay a premium for a feature that, while cool in theory, was frustrating in reality.
4 doesn't feel right
The mouse is optical which is good, and sturdy and good quality. Easy to install, although you may need to go to the Logitech website for updates. So what about the tactile feedback? I simply don't like the way it feels when moving over objects. Also, the feedback isn't "smart". Basically anywhere your cursor would change to a hand cursor, it turns on vibration. The clickable region of file icons and many other onscreen objects though does not match the visible border of the object. To put it another way, it turns on tactile feedback even when the mouse is not visually over a file icon. I know that seems irrevelant, but the end result is constant pesky vibrating when you are moving the mouse over a group of file icons or a list of links for example. Luckily, I can turn off tactile feedback easily, and enable it whenever I want to try it again. I have yet to try it in a game.
Bottom line, if you want a good quality mouse but don't want something as expensive and complicated as the intellimouse explorer, this is a neat mouse to have. But don't expect much from the tactile feedback. And of course you know this, but tactile feedback has absolutely nothing to do with force feedback like with joysticks.
5 Not for Dell's
I was very dissapointed with this mouse. First of all, it didn't work with any of the Dell's in my house. The Dell's in my house include, a Dell Dimension 4400, a Dimension 8200, and an Optiplex. After trying on these three computers, I tried it on my IBM Netvista. It worked on this computer. But worked isn't the best word. On the computer, the mouse didn't keep up with my movements, and I was moving my hand at a normal speed. This product gets one star, because I can't go any lower. I don't understand why they would make a product that wouldn't work with a Dell. If you want to buy a nice optical mouse, go with a microsoft mouse.
6 High tech, low performance
I bought this premium product to assure reliable performance. Mouse has features that duplicate those of browser and Isp. I don't need them. Left click button now continuously double clicks. First request for assistance was impersonal and gave no other option but to ship mouse off for repairs. I owned and used C64 with original joysticks for 15 years. This product was very unsatisfying and customer support poor. I am only user and am 61 yr old woman so rough treatment not the problem. If low tech user like me gadgets unnecessary. Should have had trouble free performance for more than 6 months.
7 Best mouse I ever had!
I have been using the Ifeel mouse for over a year now. Even without the vibrations, this is the best mouse I ever owned.
I have Microsoft Intellimouse and my office and Logitech Ifeel at home. They are both excellent optical mice (no ball on the bottom). I prefer the Logitech Ifeel because it seems a little more accurate and comfortable when I am clicking a lot of things quickly.
The vibrations seem kind of cute at first but you quickly get to like the feeling of your screen. I have come to depend of the tactile feel of my screen. I guess its almost subconcious.
....
I had a few problems with the Logitech installation sofwtare.
I was using an old serial port mouse to install the new USB mouse and ended up with no mouse for a while during the installation.
Rememebr the Ifeel model requires a free USB port and does not work with Windows 95.
8 by an Amazionian from Rome, Italy
I read the comments on this item before I edited my own comment here (Christmas 2001). I think that other's people reviews are fair overall ... but be aware of the extremes. My experience of the product was this. Installation went smooth, but read the products' requirements (hardware and software) to see if your computer fits (it should, unless you haven't upgraded Hard & Soft. for a while). The optical mouse works great: 5 stars, no doubt about it. What I about the iFeel? It's cool, it helps productivity when using the computer, as I believe it is intended to. If you have very high expectations from this feature though, you could be deceived, when playing games for instance, because the product is not targeting specifically this segment of the market in my view. Certainly, it would be even better if the "iFeel" worked with graphics' programs but don't blame (yet) the manufacturer for that. This is a new product tapping the market: Logitech and Immersion are performing the test in the right way, I think. Now it's up to consumers to judge: should the response be positive, more is to come, I'm sure. At present, in my opinion, this is a nice mouse, a useful tool, and a cool gift.
9 A few caveats, but still beats the MS optical...
This is my first Logitech mouse, and it's still impressed me more than all the MS mouses I've owned.. the feedback is more of a "cute" thing for now, but that depends on the imagination of software designers and how it's implemented into games... as for games, I had no prob with the tracking but the scroll wheel will not work in FPS for me... I'm hoping Logitech will address this in further driver updates, but until then, you're wheel-less in gaming... bottom line, if you turn off the feedback and don't go fragging, this is a pretty solid mouse that does the job very well... and proves you don't have to give MS all your money.. *smiles*
10 WOW
This is a really cool mouse. I have a 1GHZ computer with 128 mb or RAM (now 256... different story) and it is running Windows ME. Installation was really easy - all I did was look at the quick install card, plugged in the mouse (it worked right away b/c of the Windows ME hardware wizard that pops up - but it didn't have any feel themes), and installed the software (now the feel themes worked.) When I was getting weird looks from the cashier at Wal-Mart I was asking myself if I really needed it and if it was worth my $30. (Yes, $30 - for all of you who paid $50.) I was kind of questioning myself about the whole thing until I really installed it and used it for the first time. It is truly a great buy. There are seven themes (including 'default'): Crisp, Metallic, Rubbery, Spongy, Steel Drum, and Sonic Vibe. My personal favorite is spongy. You can also make new themes with a customization tool! Each of the themes really do feel like what they say. Spongy kind of is mushy like a sponge, rubbery is bouncy and harder to get used to, etc. You really have to experience it for yourself to get a good idea. I recently used my friend's computer (without the iFeel) and I could barely stand it. I was going crazy because it was so weird without the feeling in the mouse! It is a really good buy. Recommended to everyone.
11 A great idea -- if you can even get it installed.
Ok. I've installed many different products on many different PCs. But this one isn't working. Three hours later, and it's still stuck in USB hell. And Logitech's tech service is open only 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- I'm supposed to stay home from work to get help? It's a mouse, for goodness sakes. Let's see, how do you spell R-E-T-U-R-N.
12 Not very useful, didn't work with Black & White (the game)
I bought the mouse so that my Black & White gaming experience would be enhanced, but I was sadly disappointed. Although the mouse works - it vibrates a little or a lot depending on the object in the game you're hand is over - I was unable to get the middle button (the wheel acting as a button) to function in the game, though it'd work fine outside the game. There may be a patch or configuration fix for this, but I didn't want to take the time to deal with it. Even if it worked fine, the performance degradation associated with it isn't worth it. I'd say skip this one.
13 Nifty Optical Mouse
This mouse is a great concept. The different "feel themes" are fun and it does spice up games and surfing. The optical replacement for a ball is 1000 times better than the old ball and chain ! It is smooth and very accurate. I would have given 5 stars excpet the documentation for using the "feel" option in games is non-existant and the "feel" software developers website ... too.
14 What a great idea
This mouse is excellent. I'd give it 6 stars if that was an option. It is made by Logitech so it is a very comfortable mouse in the palm of your hand. It's also optical so you don't need to worry about it wearing out or the mouse ball getting all full of gunk. The red light underneath makes a great temporary flashlight if you dropped something while using the computer in the dark.
I know the real reason for getting this mouse though is the "force-feedback". It's not the same as a force-feedback joystick since it can't push your hand in a particular direction since it has no wheel or anything to push, but it does feel like you are touching stuff when you use it. The feel is customizable and the different feeling themes really do feel like what they say, ie, metallic, or spongy, or slimy... I made up the last one. The other two are really cool and there are more I don't remember.
The mouse is also working with new games that are out like Black and White and others. In Black and White you can feel the trees and grass and rocks as your hand moves over them. It is way cool. I'd definitely recommend this mouse, especially since it is USB and you can even leave in your old mouse and switch between them if you have to have a mouse ball mouse.
You should get this mouse, even if you are replacing a brand-new mouse ball mouse. It is really cool and it works on pretty much any surface, although my hand wasn't really flat enough... The back of my hand worked though.
15 Very cool when the app supports it.
This is a great mouse. The optical mouse works great and is a huge improvement over the ones with a ball. It takes some time getting used to the feel bit of the mouse, but now I would never go back. You can feel buttons and hyperlinks. If you drag stuff, you feel the weight, scrollbars are feelable, this is great. However, the use of this is limited, and depending on the software you use. I edit a lot of graphics, and I would have loved it if I could feel it when I draw a line and I cross another. I would like to be able to feel my drawings, and that will only happen when the maker of my graphics editor builds this in. Installation on win2000 did not go right. As soon as the Imersion Desktop loaded on startup my mousecursor frose. After numerous in and de installations it appears to work now. As usual with logitech you get a lot of paper in the box, but no sensible installation instructions and no supportphonenumber (in Europe). For this the 4 stars.
16 See it, listen to it, and now feel it
The iFeel mouse from logitech is a excelent concept, some people think in this mouse and says "Just another widget for game players..." Hey!, thats no true, this mouse can be a good help for people with dificult to see the pointer position, you can just FEEL when it is over an icon, link, button, etc. And maybe in a closer future WEB PAGES in BRAILLE, yeah it will be cool for a lot of peoples. But in other hand this mouse is cool for playing too, you can have a better experience about what you are doing in a game with this, i am using it with Black & White, and it is just great. you can feel whn you pick up something, when U go out of your influence, etc. What? You are not a gamer, and you have not problem with your vision? Well this mouse give a new perspective to web developer, cuz you can program pages more interactives, people won't just use their sight and ear, they will use their feel too. Ummm, not a gamer, not problems with your vision, not a developer? Hey, then i just have to say that it is a new technology to try, it is realy good, and when you FEEL the experience you will like this mouse.
17 A super product!
When I heard about this mouse I was thinking "why would you want a vibrating mouse" then I bought one. Let me tell you this, it has been one of my best buys of this year. The mouse gives a whole new feel to web, emails, gaming....oh did I mention gaming? The only gripe I had about it is, my hand is alittle to large for the normal size mouse, but most wont have any problems. Go buy, its a great hardware add-on.
18 Neat concept, good for lite gaming--but FPS fans beware
This little optical wonder works great in games specifically designed to take advantage of its force technology. For example, in the god game Black & White the mouse will thump faster and faster as your worshipers send you spiritual power. The game uses the iFeel tech to provide the user with useful information, in much the same way the rumble pack provides tactile clues in the Nintendo 64 game Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
But the iFeel tech falls flat when it tries to simulate in-game events such as gunshots in iFeel-enabled first person shooter games. You just can't win: the force feedback is too weak to really feel like a gun's recoil, but the designers can't make it any stronger because then the rumble would actually move the mouse and thus mess with the player's aim.
Even worse, the optical sensor doesn't seem as accurate as a mouse ball. Sure, the optical mouse will never "stick" like a mouse ball can, but fast movement of the mouse (such as quickly turning around in a FPS) will produce strange results: either moving much too far or hardly at all. This is not an action gamer's mouse.
Non-game performance is take-it-or-leave-it. Sure, it's kind of neat to feel something when you click on a button or slide a scrollbar, but it certainly isn't necesary. Maybe graphic artists would get better mileage--I think tactile output from a paint program would be pretty cool.
If you're a general user who only uses a computer for work & Internet access or a casual gamer looking for an optical mouse, I'd recommend this one. The iFeel tech can be fun, and the optical performance is much better than a mouseball. If you dislike the iFeel options, you can simply disable them and use the mouse as a simple optical mouse.
But if you are a hardcore action gamer, I recommend you either wait for a next-generation iFeel mouse made specifically for gamers, or skip this mouse and instead go with a high-performance ball or optical mouse that will better serve your needs.
19 Feel? Well, sort of...
I was in the market for a new mouse and picked this one on a lark. I travel a great deal and always seemed to pick up a lot of dust, dirt, and ...well... who knows what's in the mouse, so this time I knew that I wanted to try an optical mouse. While I was looking through the offerings, I came across the iFeel mouse for just a few dollars more. Hmmm...could this help me navigate windows, buttons, links, and other stuff?
During my first attempt at installing the software (regular drivers plus something called Immersion Desktop), the mouse worked, but no 'feel'. A call to tech support went great (friendly, knowledgable, didn't try to rush me off the phone) but still no feel.
I kept the mouse. Months later, a hard drive crash required me to start all over again and... it worked! Suddenly, as I moved the mouse over anything that was clickable (Window edges, Buttons, Hyperlinks, Menu Bars, Task Bar Items, Icons, etc.) there was a slight buzzing sound and feel to the mouse. Sort of a vibration, but not what I expected. I fiddled with the Immersion settings and found a configuration that seemed to work for me (less sound, less buzz).
So know I have a mouse that sort of reacts to clickable things... Does it help? No, not really. Is is distracting? Sometimes. Does it really freak others out when they use it? Definitely. Would I buy it again? No, but I would pick out the non-feeling optical version of this product line again.
So the product gets 3 stars. As a general purpose mouse, I love it. As an iFeel mouse, I don't think it does anything for me. I base this on the fact that I don't miss the feedback when I use other mouse products on other machines. I give the overall product 4 stars, though, because good, helpful, friendly tech support means a great deal to me.
