Look Mom -- No Wires!
Written: Jun 01 '02 (Updated Apr 01 '04)
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Pros: no cords!, hot-keys, volume control on keyboard, 3-button & wheel optical mouse
Cons: Mouse batteries quickly wear out if using mouse 10-12 hours a day.
The Bottom Line: Unchain me from from the computer! No more tangled cords! Easy to install and use. I love this set and would buy it again.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Logitech Cordless Freedom (970044-0403) Keyboard a... |
I can't say enough how much I love the Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical Keyboard and Mouse. I could say "buy it" and end the review here ... but I'm sure you want the juicy details.
The Keyboard
The keys type smoothly and quietly, and the keyboard has the usual Insert/Home/PageUp/Delete/End/PageDown keys at the right, arrow keys, numeric keypad at the extreme right, and "F" keys across the top. The one "typical" feature that is missing are the number and cap lock lights that indicate whether you are in number or capital letter mode.
What's new and exciting are the programmable internet hot-keys along the upper left and right corners. On the left, the buttons are titled: Finance, My Sites, Community and Favorites. Along the right corner the buttons are titled: iTouch, E-Mail, Shopping, Search and My Home. A large volume control dial and mute button are centered at the top of the keyboard with Next Track, Previous Track, Stop and Play buttons for multimedia applications. At the extreme left of the keyboard is a mini scroll wheel for page navigation and a button that when pushed initiates the Shut Down screen.
Another benefit is that the keyboard features Zero Degree Tilt design for comfort. They keyboard also comes with a removable palm guard. This set includes a 5-year warranty.
The Mouse
This cordless mouse fits easily and comfortably into the hand. It has left and right programmable buttons with a wheel in the center for scrolling. On the side of the mouse is an additional programmable button, which I set to act as a "Double Click". Since the mouse is optical, there is no "ball" to clean.
The one drawback to the cordless mouse is that if you are on the computer a lot (about 10-12 hours a day), the batteries need replacing about every two months. One thing that helps prolong battery life is to use a WHITE mouse pad. To learn more about this mouse, please read my review of the Logitech Cordless Optical MouseMan.
The Receiver
The receiver is a small triangular device that plugs into the back of the computer into the keyboard and mouse ports. This is the only part of the system that has cords. The device measures about 3 1/4" at its widest point and is about 3 1/4" long. The receiver sits on the desktop near the keyboard and mouse, acting as the "communicator" between the battery-driven devices and the computer.
Going Cordless
The keyboard and mouse come with batteries that install into both units. What makes these pieces cordless is the compact receiving unit that plugs into the tower (I used the USB connector). As long as the mouse and keyboard are within about 6 feet of the receiver, they work. Pop the batteries into the back of the keyboard (4 AA) and bottom of the mouse (2 AA), plug in the receiver, press the "Connect" buttons, install the software and start working!
Software
The keyboard and mouse set comes with iTouch software, which allows you to personalize the shortcut keys and internet browsing. The software took only minutes to install; a setup wizard guides you through all the steps. A user manual is also loaded onto the computer.
Summary
I can't imagine trading my Logitech Cordless Optical Keyboard and Mouse for anything else. I've been using this set for five months now and my enthusiasm is even stronger than when I first started using them. A great gift for you or someone who needs freedom from cords!
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy your day!
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Update (April 1, 2004)
I'm still using this keyboard and mouse and love them! I find that the cordless optical mouse operates as far away as ten feet, which is great when I need to consult paperwork at a desk away from the computer and use the mouse to scroll the computer screen. The keyboard keys work great (no sticking or wearing out -- even the letters, numbers and symbols are legible on the keys, no wearing off). I anticipate using this keyboard and mouse for a long time.
In case you are wondering ... I find the keyboard batteries last longer than the mouse batteries. On average, I replace the keyboard batteries about every four months and replace the mouse batteries about every 2 1/2 to 3 months.
I have encountered one problem since switching from Windows 98SE to Windows XP ... some of the keyboard shortcuts cause software conflicts. I have no problem with the shortcut keys on the left side of the keyboard, but for some strange reason, three out of five of the shortcut keys on the upper right of the keyboard refuse to properly work. But this is a minor problem. I still wouldn't surrender my cordless keyboard! It's a great convenience.
System Requirements
** IBM compatible system
** USB port or 2 PS/2 ports (1 mouse / 1 keyboard)
** Windows 95 or higher for iTouch functionality (Windows 3.x for basic functions)
** CD Rom Drive (to install software)
** For Internet Browser: Netscape 3.0 or higher or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or higher. Also, internet service provider. If using AOL, need AOL 4.0 or higher.
** For Multimedia: Need sound card and speakers
Package Contents
** Logitech Cordless Freedom Keyboard
** Logitech Cordless MouseMan Optical
** Compact RF Receiver
** 6 AA Batteries
** iTouch software and user guide on CD Rom
** Quickstart Card
Please read my other computer reviews:
Logitech Elite Duo Cordless Keyboard and Mouse
Gateway 500X Desktop Computer
HP LaserJet 1000 Printer
HP LaserJet 2200dse Printer
QuickPad Pro Laptop Computer
Belkin Emergency Backup UPS System
Sandisk ImageMate CompactFlash Card Reader
Dazzle 6-in-1 Multimedia Reader
Fellowes Gel Mousepad with Wristrest
Rubbermaid 3-Drawer Storage Tower
Copyright 2002 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 80.00
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