Touch Mouse
iPhone App
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Touch Mouse

Our Review by Chris Hall on February 22nd, 2010
Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: SIMPLE
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Logitech's Touch Mouse isn't the first foray into turning your iDevice into a mobile touch device for your computer, but it may be the easiest to use.

Developer: Logitech
Price: FREE
Version Reviewed: 1.0

iPhone Integration Rating: starstarstarstarstar
User Interface Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

When I think of what really makes the iPhone an exciting device, I think of ways that the iPhone can take over other devices. To me, with so many developers working on so many apps, there is really no reason that my iPhone shouldn't be able to perform any task I can imagine.

Touch Mouse, by Logitech isn't exactly the most original app, but it does what it sets out to do quite well. The app acts as a mobile input device, effectively letting you control your entire computer with your iDevice. I've seen a few complaints on iTunes about incompatibility, but the app worked flawlessly with my MacBook Pro running the latest version of Snow Leopard.

What sets apps apart in the input device app category is the ease of the setup, ease of use, and its ability to stay connected without too much lag. The setup, possibly what is the most important thing to me with such an app, is about as simple as it gets. All you have to do is download the iTouch Server file on the Logitech website, make sure your computer and your iDevice are on the same wireless network, and then wallah! It's really about as simple and seamless as it gets.

Using the app is about as simple as the setup process. Basically, the screen turns into a large touch screen that works in either vertical or landscape mode. At the top of the screen you get a left, center, and right mouse click, and the pad works with multitouch up to two buttons. It unfortunately doesn't do expose due to the lack of four finger support, but in my opinion Apple ruined expose anyway with the Snow Leopard update. The app also has a pop up keyboard which works quite well. The keyboard is just like the iPhone text message keyboard, so if you are comfortable with it, then you will be fine.

If I were to pick on anything here, it would be the occasional lag that I get while using it. I will say that the lag in no way prohibitive of use, but it's not flawless. My WiFi connection is quite solid with 20 down and around 2 up, but there is a small lag occasionally when moving the mouse around. I don't want to make a big deal about this, because the lag is very small… so don't let this stop you from using TouchMouse.

Overall, I'd say that Logitech's Touch Mouse makes for quite a good touch interface on your favorite iDevice. I know that there are many other apps that do the same thing, but this one works very well and has a setup that is about as easy as it gets. If you are on the road and need a portable presentation device or if you have your computer hooked up to your TV and need a convenient wireless setup, this may be your best bet. At the price of free, I'd definitely recommend giving it a shot.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Touch Mouse screenshot 1 Touch Mouse screenshot 2 Touch Mouse screenshot 3 Touch Mouse screenshot 4 Touch Mouse screenshot 5
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