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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."

11 of 255 comments (clear)

  1. I don't get the whole "wireless" thing by jackcarter · · Score: 5, Insightful

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

    1. Re:I don't get the whole "wireless" thing by Espectr0 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      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

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  2. RTFA = NFW! by EtherAlchemist · · Score: 5, Funny


    Sorry, but no fucking way am I reading a 10 page review for a keyboard and mouse.

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    R(k)
  3. So... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    we're calling mice "desktops" now?

  4. modern desks by hotdiggitydawg · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

    1. Re:modern desks by Darth+McBride · · Score: 5, Funny

      You can always tape the corded receiver to the wireless mouse...

  5. Odd... by thephotoman · · Score: 3, Informative

    I use the LX 700 (which I bought earlier this month) as my keyboard and mouse. I don't have any problems with reception with the reciever on top of my box, which is about the only place where I have room for it, due to my desk size.

    Furthermore, I use Linux, where the drivers aren't compatable, but the hardware works very well. The side buttons on the mouse even work as an extra center and right click, which comes in handy from time to time.

    Of course, the function keys don't work, but that's not a problem. I wouldn't use them even if I was using Windows.

    Also, the mouse fits my hand quite well, which is rare for a mouse.

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  6. "Less than two physical barriers" by DancesWithBlowTorch · · Score: 3, Insightful

    ... 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.

  7. Re:If you need more power, Captain... by Caharin · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm not that concerned if my mouse or keyboard doesn't work through walls.

    My monitor doesn't.

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  8. Re:Bluetooth by the_rev_matt · · Score: 4, Informative

    I went through quite a few BT mice before I found two that work consistently and have reasonable battery life.

    The MS and Kensington mice were buggy on OS X and slightly better on XP. The Logitech bluetooth mouse was a complete joke, didn't work with anything but XP and not very well at that (tracking was hopeless, battery life was worthless). A few other brands I don't recall were OK, but weren't very comfortable.

    I ultimately settled on the iogear bt mouse for the laptop and the MacMice bt mouse for the desktop. I hear Apple's mouse is solid but I can't give up my scroll wheel.

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  9. 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.