Software
Sat, 12/22/2007 - 10:31 — Michal Kiradziev
Before I begin evaluating drivers and software for MX Air(tm) I have to mention one thing that seems little weird to me. The latest available version of software for the MX Air(tm) is Setpoint 4.0L. For correct operation of G9 Laser Mouse, Setpoint version 5.0 is needed. Problem starts if you want to use both mice on the same computer. Assuming you've already installed Setpoint 5.0, version 4.0L will refuse to install.
Newer version 5.0 will not recognize MX Air(tm) so it's not possible to use all of its features. As shown on the picture, device manager will find both mice, but Setpoint 5.0 will only recognize G9 Laser mouse.
Although the MX Air(tm) will work fine (both on the desk and in the air), you will not be able to program the buttons. One possible solution is to uninstall 4.0L first and then install 5.0 - this will however not replace version 4.0L, instead both versions will coexist. So you end up installing both versions of software for two mice from the same manufacturer. Funny thing is - you can't uninstall 4.0L without first uninstalling Setpoint 5.0.
Software installation takes surprisingly long. It can take up to several minutes!!
But let's get back to the software features. It offers endless amount of options and programming, some of them are specific for use "on the desk", others "in the air". Left and right buttons cannot be reprogrammed besides the standard "left and right-click". However, the remaining 6 buttons are fully programmable. Other than the standard functions (Close, Enter, Back, Minimize, Start menu, etc...), there are other "special" functions available for use "in the air", such as "Air Zoom", "Air Volume", "Menu Cast", "Freeze Air Cursor", and "Air Next/Previous".
Air Zoom
Classic zoom feature, works as in any program using this function (tested with Word, IrfanView, Photoshop...). Simply press and hold the assigned button and move the mouse vertically or horizontally (depending on your selection). Sound will notify you that the mouse has recognized your command (similar sound is produced by scrolling the mouse wheel, or Half Life's radioactive detector :)). It is also possible to turn the sound notification off.
Air Volume
Works the same way as the Air Zoom and functions to adjust the volume. It calls out Air Volume menu where you can see the actual volume level.
Menu Cast
Function that shows a special menu where you can add various commands for programs or files. It can also be used as a QuickLaunch or various Windows "docks". It's activated by simply pressing a button. But that's kind of boring, isn't it? Instead you can just shake the MX Air(tm) in the air! Menu size can also be adjusted to small, medium or large.
Freeze Air Cursor
This will do exactly what it says - freeze the cursor. This function is useful when you move the mouse around the room and don't want the cursor to move all over the monitor or screen during presentation. After holding the appropriate button for less than 2 seconds, cursor will be active again. If we press and hold for more than 2 seconds, cursor will freeze again until we deactivate it with the same button.
Air Next/Previous
As the name suggests, this function will skip to next or previous task. It works slightly different than the previous functions. Air Next/Previous is activated by pressing a pre-programmed button, while moving the mouse clock-wise (next) or counter clock-wise (previous).
In the next tab we'll find for example sensitivity and acceleration adjustment (possible to adjust for both modes). Another feature is notification for "in the air" mode by displaying a different cursor - different cursors can be selected for each mode. Scrolling speed, enable/disable SmartShift(tm) are other selections available.
Last tab serves as a battery level indicator. It estimates the remaining charge in the battery (in days) or indicates the actual battery level in percent. Let me also mention that it is possible to use individual configuration profiles for various applications.
Newer version 5.0 will not recognize MX Air(tm) so it's not possible to use all of its features. As shown on the picture, device manager will find both mice, but Setpoint 5.0 will only recognize G9 Laser mouse.
Although the MX Air(tm) will work fine (both on the desk and in the air), you will not be able to program the buttons. One possible solution is to uninstall 4.0L first and then install 5.0 - this will however not replace version 4.0L, instead both versions will coexist. So you end up installing both versions of software for two mice from the same manufacturer. Funny thing is - you can't uninstall 4.0L without first uninstalling Setpoint 5.0.
Software installation takes surprisingly long. It can take up to several minutes!!
But let's get back to the software features. It offers endless amount of options and programming, some of them are specific for use "on the desk", others "in the air". Left and right buttons cannot be reprogrammed besides the standard "left and right-click". However, the remaining 6 buttons are fully programmable. Other than the standard functions (Close, Enter, Back, Minimize, Start menu, etc...), there are other "special" functions available for use "in the air", such as "Air Zoom", "Air Volume", "Menu Cast", "Freeze Air Cursor", and "Air Next/Previous".
Air Zoom
Classic zoom feature, works as in any program using this function (tested with Word, IrfanView, Photoshop...). Simply press and hold the assigned button and move the mouse vertically or horizontally (depending on your selection). Sound will notify you that the mouse has recognized your command (similar sound is produced by scrolling the mouse wheel, or Half Life's radioactive detector :)). It is also possible to turn the sound notification off.
Air Volume
Works the same way as the Air Zoom and functions to adjust the volume. It calls out Air Volume menu where you can see the actual volume level.
Menu Cast
Function that shows a special menu where you can add various commands for programs or files. It can also be used as a QuickLaunch or various Windows "docks". It's activated by simply pressing a button. But that's kind of boring, isn't it? Instead you can just shake the MX Air(tm) in the air! Menu size can also be adjusted to small, medium or large.
Freeze Air Cursor
This will do exactly what it says - freeze the cursor. This function is useful when you move the mouse around the room and don't want the cursor to move all over the monitor or screen during presentation. After holding the appropriate button for less than 2 seconds, cursor will be active again. If we press and hold for more than 2 seconds, cursor will freeze again until we deactivate it with the same button.
Air Next/Previous
As the name suggests, this function will skip to next or previous task. It works slightly different than the previous functions. Air Next/Previous is activated by pressing a pre-programmed button, while moving the mouse clock-wise (next) or counter clock-wise (previous).
In the next tab we'll find for example sensitivity and acceleration adjustment (possible to adjust for both modes). Another feature is notification for "in the air" mode by displaying a different cursor - different cursors can be selected for each mode. Scrolling speed, enable/disable SmartShift(tm) are other selections available.
Last tab serves as a battery level indicator. It estimates the remaining charge in the battery (in days) or indicates the actual battery level in percent. Let me also mention that it is possible to use individual configuration profiles for various applications.
