I suppose the increased functionality that you get by using the SetPoint software is worth the long install & the need for the HAL process. Being able to completely alter the sensitivity settings to your liking and game profiles are definitely useful additions to the Logitech software suite; the only question is whether gamers will actually use them. Of course, I guess they're there to give them a shot, & if you don't like how they work, you can always disable the software.

A couple of minor things I noted that I didn't like about the new mice: a. pressing down the mouse wheel isn't nearly as easy as it was with my MX500, & b. the batteries on the G7 only last for a couple of days. The middle mouse button (depressing the wheel) is central for me because I use it to open links in new tabs in Firefox. It's now a totally different mechanism, no doubt due to the side-scrolling hardware included; & a bit difficult to get used to. Yeah, I know, it's minor, maybe even petty, but worth mentioning. The battery issue also really isn't much of an issue either, because you get two batteries in the package, which means you'll always have one charging up, ready to go (unless, of course, you lose one...). Having the charger within easy reach pretty much writes this worry off the map.

Overall, I'd say that Logitech is definitely going in the right direction with this new generation of gaming mice. The features, looks & usability have earned the G series a spot on my gaming desk.