Logitech Releasing Couch-Friendly Mouse, the M515

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.trustedreviews.com/peripherals/news/2011/01/21/Logitech-Wireless-Mouse-Designed-For-Your-Living-Room/p1' target='_blank'>http://www.trustedreviews.com/perip...-Living-Room/p1</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Couch surfing means different things to different people. Some see it as a way of travelling the world without ever having to shell out money for a hotel room, while others see it as a way of checking their emails while never leaving the comfort of their leather recliner. Logitech's new wireless mouse, the M515, is squarely aimed at the latter, though we're sure some of the former would enjoy this device should they find themselves in a house belonging to the latter. With the advent of smart TVs, for better or worse, the way we connect to them has become something of a hot topic. Logitech's solution is to produce a mouse designed to work specifically on soft furnishings so you don't need a mouse mat or hard surface for it to work properly</em>."</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/wpt/auto/1295648278.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>This isn't exactly new technology - we've had mice that can work on any surface for years - but this is an optimised approach that makes it a bit more appropriate for couch-bound use. Ultimately I feel like this isn't the best approach though - the <a href="http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=38&amp;Code=57Y6336&amp;current-category-id=E9ADAEB6787146E29B78400A33E7FE8A&amp;hide_menu_area=yes" target="_blank">Lenovo Multimedia Remote</a> would probably be a better solution. What sort of input device do you use from your couch if you have a connected device?</p>

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

That Lenovo is awesome. Basically integrated pointing devices work best. Lenovo's a bit too stuck with the Trackpoint as a business thing, else I think that would work really well for a living room device.

[Chris Gohlke]

Seems like a marketing solution looking for a problem. I've been using optical mice on my couch for years without a problem. Currently have a Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 (has a blue led instead of the normal red) and it seems to work on couch, blanket, leg, etc without a hitch. The feature I'd like to see it the ability to get it to make an audio ping for when I lose it in the couch.

[Hooch Tan]

I think it largely depends on what you're using it for. If it is just an HTPC, then a media remote of some sort. The Lenovo Multimedia remote seems like a bit of overkill. Even Boxee's remote seems like a bit much, though at least it is more comfortable to hold. For light web browing, those still might do.

Anything serious like lengthy emails, etc? Well, what are you doing on your living room PC? :)

Of course, for most casual use, it looks like Kinect may have a chance at becoming a new "remoteless" standard.

[Jason Dunn]

Anything serious like lengthy emails, etc? Well, what are you doing on your living room PC?

If you have an actually PC hooked up to your TV, there are all sorts of reasons why a keyboard is needed - logging in, searching, Web browsing, etc. That's why I like the Lenovo keyboard so much. They Boxee keyboard is slick as well.

[Hooch Tan]

If you have an actually PC hooked up to your TV, there are all sorts of reasons why a keyboard is needed - logging in, searching, Web browsing, etc. That's why I like the Lenovo keyboard so much. They Boxee keyboard is slick as well.

I've got an XBMC setup for my TV, and I've tried browsing on it and it just doesn't seem the same as using a laptop or tablet. Of course, that is also partly because I'd have a show running. :) I guess I just sort of see my setup more as to play videos than anything else.

[Jason Dunn]

I've got an XBMC setup for my TV, and I've tried browsing on it and it just doesn't seem the same as using a laptop or tablet. Of course, that is also partly because I'd have a show running. :) I guess I just sort of see my setup more as to play videos than anything else.

Oh, no doubt it's a bit awkward - but if, say, you want to look up a video on YouTube or browse to Apple's site to watch movie trailers...some sort of mouse/keyboard input is important to have.

[Hooch Tan]

Oh, no doubt it's a bit awkward - but if, say, you want to look up a video on YouTube or browse to Apple's site to watch movie trailers...some sort of mouse/keyboard input is important to have.

That I can agree with. From what you've mentioned before, the Lenovo Remote is quite easy to use? It's on sale at a store nearby me and I could be persuaded to make an investment.

[Jason Dunn]

That I can agree with. From what you've mentioned before, the Lenovo Remote is quite easy to use? It's on sale at a store nearby me and I could be persuaded to make an investment.

I'll be reviewing it in the next couple of weeks...but yes, for being a tiny keyboard, it's quite good!