Logitech Cordless Desktop LX500 and LX700 Showdown

msftmichael writes "CoolTechZone reviews Logitech's latest LX500 and LX700 Cordless Desktop Duo products. The author discusses problems with software, compares and contrasts the two products, and talks about wireless technology in a very in-depth review. Here's a quote: "Both of the products we are reviewing use RF (Radio Frequency) receivers to communicate between the mouse and your computer. It operates on the 27 MHz frequency, which is good for short range communication through less than 2 physical barriers. At this relatively low frequency, interference can occur due to proximity to other electronic devices, which is why Logitech recommends that you keep the receiver 8 inches (20 cm) away from your monitor or computer. They also recommend against putting it on a metal surface, and for good reason. While on top of our steel computer case, we could not get the keyboard or mouse to communicate with the receiver."

Comments

I don't get the whole "wireless" thing

[jackcarter]

Why would you want to have to recharge it and pay extra? This written with an MX500 next to me.

Re:I don't get the whole "wireless" thing

[Espectr0]

Who modded this funny? Parent is right. Wireless mice/keyboard/and such peripherals are stupid. You are using the thing NEXT to a computer. WHY do you need the range? Why pay more? Why have to use batteries?
My intellimouse explorer keeps working after like 8 years. I guess this is a "me too", mod me redundant

Re:I don't get the whole "wireless" thing

[skiflyer]

Typical slashdot response of it's not what I need, so why do they make it?

Well, let's think for a second. We use them in all our conference rooms here because we pass the keyboard & mouse around to different people during meetings.

I could imagine using one at home because I like to hook my laptop up to the TV to show photos or watch DVDs or I have a really nice large TV and I want to surf the web that way sometimes.

You know it also might be kind of nice to have had this in the lab I used to use, place was filthy, so the computer was in the next room over, with the monitor, mouse and keyboard cables coming through the wall (dunno if the range could've handled the wall though).

It's not for you, that doesn't make it stupid.

Re:I don't get the whole "wireless" thing

[DoctaWatson]

As far as cordless mice goes there are a few good reasons:

-A cordless optical mouse can go anywhere. If someone wants to show you something using your computer, you don't have to get out of your seat. Just hand them the mouse and they can use it on their lap. It's also very useful for when you don't have a full desk area (like with a laptop), you can have makeshift mousing surfaces out of just about anything and not have to worry if the cord will reach.

-A cordless mouse stays put when not in use. This doesn't seem like a big deal at first, but going back to mice with cords I can often notice a slight "drift" in the cursor when I take my hand off the mouse.

-Along the same lines, a cordless mouse has no directional resistance. It's a tactile preference that I've been spoiled with. Cordless mice always feel tethered.

-You don't have to unplug anything to clean it or check the laser.

Batteries really aren't a problem if you get rechargables.

I'm sure many of the same arguments can be made for wireless keyboards, but I wouldn't know because I use a laptop most of the time.

modern desks

[hotdiggitydawg]

interference can occur due to proximity to other electronic devices, which is why Logitech recommends that you keep the receiver 8 inches (20 cm) away from your monitor or computer.

Who has that much room on their desk? Especially room that is also 8+ inches away from any other electronic equipment? I've got printers, a scanner, a KVM switch, a phone, a stereo and speakers. Unless I tape the receiver to the side of my head, I've got nowhere to put it.

"Less than two physical barriers"

[DancesWithBlowTorch]

... that's... erm... one physical barrier, isn't it?

Besides, what is a "physical" barrier anyway? Air? Sheet of Paper? Block of lead? Sorry, but that doesn't sound like a very insightful review.

Re:Goodbye pasttime...

[BlogPope]

Thats why I'm waiting for someone to adapt the "shake to charge" flashlight tech for my Wireless keyboard & mouse...

Re:Wireless Keyboard?

[fanblade]

Why would I want a wireless keyboard?

Because my keyboard does move and wires do get in the way. My keyboard is usually somewhere on my couch or coffee table. My computer is always on the other side of the living room (connected to the HDTV).

Logitech Mice

[SparksMcGee]

Much as I disdain replying to blatant slashvertisements (or is it just a slow news day?) I have to note that the lack of left-handed mouse options in high quality mice like the LX700 has to stop. Although those of us who mouse left-handed comprise a comparatively small market, I can't see offering a left-handed ergonomic mouse (just invert all the curvature--heck, look at a right-handed mouse in the mirror and there's your design reference) as representing so great a difficulty that not even one decent left-handed mouse can be offered. Whatever company actually decided to make one should be able to get enough sales to justify it even if they offer just one model. /Rant

Re:If you need more power, Captain...

[EvanED]

I've got a Mouseman Duo Elite that works fine.

Frankly, I don't WANT a set that can be used through walls. I don't want to chance picking up my neighbor's mouse and keyboard actions and don't want him to be able to pick up mine. (I know, encryption, yadda, but still...)

Wireless-free house

[DogDude]

Personally, I've sworn off all wireless products until they quite simply quit sucking. In my mind, any lack of functionality of my mouse or a keyboard feels like a throwback to 1970, and is completely unacceptable. I'm constantly looking for a better keyboard/mouse that can keep up with me. Any input device that drops ANY data is again, 100% unacceptable. I personally stick with the old IBM, wicked heavy, clicky-click keyboards, and optical (wired) mice.

The last thing I need is one more thing that can break, and I guess that's what it comes down to. These technologies are still entirely too new, and too buggy. I want *MORE* reliability, not less. PC's are problem-prone enough without having to worry if the lowest-tech, simplest piece of my system (the keyboard) is working properly.

Re:Wireless Keyboard?

[radish]

I have a lot of crap on my desk. Trailing wires (e.g. to a keyboard) get tangled and get in the way. I love having a wireless keyboard.