Logitech enters portable peripheral market with $80 Mobi Fold mouse
The Swiss manufacturer’s latest device prioritises compactness and battery efficiency, though it faces stiff competition from established ergonomic models.
Logitech has released the Mobi Fold, a foldable Bluetooth mouse priced at $80, targeting professionals who prioritise portability over traditional ergonomics. The device features a silicone-wrapped hinge that allows it to fold in half, reducing its volume to 4.83 cubic inches while weighing just 2.79 ounces. The Swiss company states the hinge is durable enough to withstand 50,000 folds, a claim based on testing under controlled conditions until wear or functional issues appeared.
The launch follows market research from Logitech, which claims that while 72 per cent of professionals own a mouse, only 26 per cent use one in public places. The methodology for these statistics was not disclosed. The company argues the device reduces muscle strain by 22 per cent compared to standard laptop trackpads, addressing the awkward wrist positioning often seen in mobile work environments.
Technically, the mouse utilises a touch panel for scrolling and includes auto-power features that activate when unfolded and deactivate when folded. It senses when lifted to disable buttons during folding, though the scroll function and tracking remain active. The device also features two programmable buttons with discernible travel under the touch panel, configurable via Logi Options+ software. However, the mouse lacks onboard memory, meaning programmed inputs are not saved unless the software is used on the paired computer.
Logitech positions the Mobi Fold against competitors such as the Dell MS700 and Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse, which offer more rounded shapes when in use. The Mobi Fold’s tented shape creates a nearly 90-degree angle when folded, which may not suit all users. While the flat click buttons and touch panel differ from traditional mice, the device offers up to 30 days of battery life on a single charge, aided by its auto-power sensors.
A key differentiator for the Mobi Fold is its replaceable and rechargeable battery, an advantage over some competitors. However, Logitech’s own MX Anywhere 3 and 3S models offer superior ergonomics, a tactile scroll wheel, and a longer 70-day battery life, despite being larger and heavier. The Mobi Fold represents a trade-off between extreme compactness and the tactile familiarity preferred by many long-term users.
