Mouse maker Logitech today introduced its first input device with a freely-rotating scroll wheel, aiming the system at gamers looking for fast weapon changes and Microsoft Office users who need to be able to whizz through long documents.

Logitech launched two mice: one, the MX, for desktop users and the other, the VX, for notebook owners. Both ship under the new Revolution brand. Out of the box, both mice have their scroll wheels set to 'gear' mode - the ratcheted behaviour we've come to expect from such input devices.

But flip a switch on each laser-guided gadget's base, and the wheel runs freely. The alloy-made wheel is weighted to spin for six seconds, Logitech said. The MX sports a Search button just below its scroll wheel, and there's a 'document flip' dial placed for thumb access - it's placed next to a pair of page-up and page-down keys.

The VX also features the Search button, but there an index-finger oriented slider control for zooming in and out of pictures instead of the MX's document flip wheel.

Both versions of the Revolution are cordless, operating over Logitech's proprietary 2.4GHz wireless link. The VX ships with a USB dongle that docks into the mouse itself when not required. The MX has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

The MX and VX go on sale tomorrow in the US and Europe. The MX will cost $100/£90, while the smaller VX will come in at $80/£60. ®