|
|
Logitech has been the leader when in comes to mice and keyboards. When Logitech recently launched their new keyboard, I was a bit confused as to where these would fall relative to the MX series. Today, I will be looking at two products: the Logitech LX 501 Cordless Desktop and the Media Keyboard. In Logitech’s press release, they announced the LX 501, LX 500, LX 300 Desktop series as well as the Media Keyboard. The LX 300 desktop isn’t released until mid-September, but we can only imagine it will be very similar to the LX500 and LX501. The only difference between the LX 501 and LX 500 is the color. The LX 501 is white and the LX 500 is black. Both of these desktop sets use the Media Keyboard which is the focus of this review. |
What's in the Box?
The LX 501 Cordless Desktop as the name implies is cordless. The Desktop set consists of Logitech’s Cordless Click! Optical Mouse and the new Media Keyboard. Both the mouse and keyboard are wireless so you can enjoy using it without the hassle of wires. The desktop set includes everything you need to get you started. It includes a detachable plastic wrist plate, 2AA batteries each for the mouse and keyboard, the software and drivers, and the receiver.
The Media Keyboard is also sold separately, in this case the separate version is the black keyboard. It looks slightly different than the Media Keyboard for the LX 501 Cordless Desktop, but generally has the same functions.
Installation
To install the desktop set, you just plug in the two wires connected to the receiver. The keyboard uses a USB port or a serial port with the adapter. The mouse only has a serial connection. Don’t forget to install the provided batteries into your mouse and keyboard. Both the mouse and keyboard use 2 AA batteries. Since my computer uses Windows XP, it was able to detect the devices immediately and I was ready to use them.
A Closer Look
The goal of the new Media Keyboard was to allow control of your media and to provide a high level of comfort. If you are familiar with Logitech’s product line, you will notice that the Media Keyboard sparks a resemblance to Logitech’s Elite Keyboard. Although the keyboard has a few keys less than the Elite Keyboard, it still manages to keep the important functionality. At the top left of the keyboard, there are the favorites and home buttons. At the very left of the keyboard, there are more essential browser functions such as the back, forward, and search buttons. These buttons are great when browsing the web. At the top right of the keyboard, there are buttons that allow you to quickly open up your email program as well as your instant messenger. The most important buttons are at the top of the keyboard. You have your usual keys that allow you to control playback. There are the play/pause, stop, fast forward, reverse, and even mute buttons. There is also the essential volume buttons to be able to quickly adjust the volume levels.
Obvious differences in design compared to the Elite keyboard is that the Function keys are roundish, yet stylistic. Another difference compared to a standard keyboard is that buttons such as the Home, End buttons, etc. are placed in a narrow way to save space on the keyboard. Although arranged differently, they are positioned in a way that you should still feel acquainted with.
Subtle things you should know about the keyboard is that it incorporates the Zero-Degree Tilt feature. If you look at a standard keyboard, you’ll notice that each row seems to increase in height. With Zero-Degree Tilt, all the rows of keyboard are the same height. When first placing my hands on the keyboard, I immediately noticed that the keyboard felt flat. Another subtle thing I noticed about the keyboard is that the letters are centered on the key rather than being labeled at the top-left corner.
The purpose of placing all the different multimedia and Internet keys is to make it easier and faster to do certain functions. It is much easier to press the forward and back buttons on the keyboard when browsing the web rather than having to constantly reach for your mouse.
The LX 501 Cordless desktop is all about wireless. Since it is wireless, it is expected that you probably lift the keyboard a lot. When lifting the keyboard, I could feel the thinness of the keyboard when gripping it at the sides. Based of fast RF radio technology, I decided to test the range of the wireless receiver. I discovered I was still able to use the keyboard and mouse at a range
As mentioned before, the desktop set includes Logitech’s Cordless Click! Optical Mouse. The mouse has an 800dpi optical sensor just like the MX 700. Since it doesn’t have the MX optical engine, it isn’t really ideal for gaming. I found that there were times where the mouse couldn’t keep up with my quick hand movements. The Cordless Click! Optical Mouse seems to be geared toward those who primarily use their computer for office work or just browsing the Internet. The mouse features the similar kind of technology as Microsoft’s Tilt-Wheel Technology. As usual, you can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move up and down. You can also tilt the wheel left and right. This can be used for a variety of functions. This can be used also as the back and forward buttons on your browser.
Conclusion
I really like the new Media Keyboard over the Elite Keyboard. It looks modern yet is simple. This desktop set is great for those who use their computer for anything, but gaming. If you are a gamer, I’d still recommend the MX series keyboard and mouse. At the retail price of $79, this keyboard is $20 less than the MX series which makes it more affordable while still offering nearly the same features as the more expensive Elite Keyboard. If you already have a great mouse, but would like just a new keyboard, the Media Keyboard is available separately. Keep in mind that the one sold separately is a wired keyboard and is black.
|
