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Logitech Cordless Desktop LX500 and LX700 Showdown

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the i've-got-no-strings-to-hold-me-down dept.

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."

2 of 255 comments (clear)

  1. So... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    we're calling mice "desktops" now?

  2. Wireless keyboard security by abelikoff · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Not that I want to sound paranoid, but has anyone given a thought about the security of the protocol employed by wireless keyboards? I wasn't able to find any reasonable treatment of the subject on the Net.

    I do however have a nagging feeling that because the signal is short-range by design, the security measures implemented within the protocol are minimal and/or naive. WEP initially looked like a very well thought out security framework and it turned out to be a disaster. Something tells me that whatever is used by wireless keyboards is not even on WEP level.

    Just like we have WarSpying intercepting signal from wireless cameras, nothing in theory prevents anyone from coming up with a receiver made from RadioShack parts that intercepts wireless keyboard signal. The implications will be much more serious than a couple of teenagers oogling at someone in underwear strolling around her apartment.

    Until there is an honest discussion about wireless keyboard security, I don't feel that the risk is adequately compensated by the convenience.