CeBIT: Logitech Launches a Host of New Consumer Products

HANOVER, GERMANY -- Logitech introduced a host of new consumer products at CeBIT Wednesday, including new offerings for digital music listeners and the company's first cordless mouse designed specifically for left-handed users.

Other new products the company launched included three Web cameras priced for the low end of the consumer market, the company's first noise-cancelling headphones, and new universal remote controls in its Harmony family of products. Logitech also introduced a new version of its digital pen technology designed to let users easily turn notes into Microsoft Word documents.

The company, which is celebrating its 25th birthday, made the announcements at a press conference a day before the official opening of the CeBIT technology show here.

Digital Music

New digital music products introduced Wednesday are a version of its Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPods--in black to attract users of the new black iPods--and the Logitech Noise Cancelling Headphones.

The headphones feature Logitech SilentSound noise-cancelling technology and can remove up to 22 decibels and 92 percent of background noise, the company said. They will cost about $179 and will be available both in Europe and in the U.S. beginning in April.

Still Selling Mice

Though Logitech is focused on providing products to capitalize on current trends like the "digital music explosion," said Jerry Quindlen, the company's new senior vice president for worldwide sales and marketing, it will continue to focus on delivering innovation in core products that are the foundation of the company's success, such as keyboards and mice.

The Logitech MX610 Left-Hand Laser Cordless Mouse will be available in early April for a suggested retail price of about $70.

Logitech also launched a special edition of its mouse aimed at computer gamers, the Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse, as well as two other new mice, one for desktop users and one for laptop users.

The company's new corded Logitech MX400 Precision Laser Mouse for PC users will be available in Europe and in the U.S. beginning in April, with a suggested price of about $48. The LogitechV150 Laser Mouse for Notebooks will be available in Europe and the U.S. beginning in June, and will cost about $36.

Additional Products

Other products launched by Logitech Wednesday are:

-- The QuickCam Connect, QuickCam Messenger, QuickCam Chat and QuickCam Express Web cameras, which feature a minimalist version of Logitech's "eyeball" design and cost $24 to $49;

-- The Logitech io2 Digital Pen, available in Europe and in the U.S. beginning in May for $177.

-- The Harmony 785 and 555 universal remotes, which will be available in Europe beginning in the spring for $297 and $255, respectively.

For more coverage from CeBIT, the world's largest technology show, go here.