Logitech Desktop Combo Reviewed

Aluminum writes "Logitech, who is always trying to push the input device envelope, has recently released their MX5000 desktop combo. This product not only has a cool touch-sensitive set of media controls, but has a built-in 102x42 pixel LCD screen. The LCD can be used for all sorts of tasks, like viewing media information, as a calculator, or learning about your programmable smart keys. If this was all not enough, the keyboard and included mouse use Bluetooth 2.0 Enhanced Data Rate technology which can transfer up to 2.1 Mbit/s (that's a lot of keystrokes!) and has a range of up to 60 feet."

more range

[bhalter80]

The increased range of this thing will be great my biggest complaint about my current logitech desktop is the limited range once the batteries start to go.

Re:more range

[c_fel]

The LCD can be used for all sorts of tasks, like viewing media information, as a calculator, or learning about your programmable smart keys.

I agree it's quite cool, but I already can view media information and use a calculator with my 5$ keyboard and my computer screen... Indeed I don't see why I'd use a keyboard without a screen in front of me

Ars Technica Roundup

[Cerberus7]

Ars Technica did an interesting roundup of some wireless desktop devices back in August. If you're interested in this new model, you might want to have a look at their roundup, too. [arstechnica.com]

Has the insert key become a thing of the past?

[bshellenberg]

Too bad they (like Microsoft) decided to place the Insert key in a goofy place.

Pushing the envelope

[staticsage]

"Logitech, who is always trying to push the input device envelope, will no longer be shown on FOX."

60 feet range!

[dorkygeek]

Finally!! I always wanted to lie in my garden typing away while my laptop sits in the bedroom!

But on a more serious note: the range is cool, but how is this newsworthy?? Bluetooth keyboard and mice are on the market already for a longer period. Are times that bad for /. to consider it news if a manufacturer takes some of its products, and puts them into a single box to sell them? I can see it already:

1. Put three existing items into a single coated paper box
2. Advertise it on /.
3. Profit

And yes, for once we a

Battery Life

[cylcyl]

The review looks like a rehashed product brochure.

No measurements at ALL of mouse accuracy. No measurements of keyboard responsiveness. My experience with Bluetooth products is that it goes to sleep every once in a while if you're not constantly moving the mouse or typing, and sometimes it doesn't wake up! This makes browsing the web or programming a chore. This article does NOT address this at all, which tells me that the reviewer spent a few minutes with this product at best and proceded to type the r

Re:Battery Life

[Psymin]

I just picked up one of these. IMHO, its not as good as my old wireless combo (Logitech Cordless MX Duo).

The keyboard is great aside from very occasional keystroke repeating which might be due to my setup.

The mouse on the other hand is only great most of the time. On occasion its input will lag considerably or become mostly unresponsive for about 15 seconds.

To its credit, I've never used a bluetooth device before.

I wish that I'd not spilled beer on my Cordless MX Duo .. which worked much better for my nee