Logitech Wireless Combo Mk520 With Keyboard and Laser Mouse (920-002553) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Logitech MK520 is a well featured, basic wireless keyboard/mouse combination.There are a few quirks with the keyboard that should be addressed and merit the loss of a star, as will be explained shortly.

PACKAGING/OVERALL EXTERIOR DESIGN: The package comes with a wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, receiver, and female USB cord.I immediately impressed by the small size of the USB receiver; compared to my wireless Logitech G7 receiver, this thing is microscopic!The keyboard itself is black, with a clear transparent plastic frame overlaid on top with a slight bit of overhang.It's a nice clean design, and reminds me of some of the "floating glass" frames of certain Sony Bravia TV models.The transparent plastic also has a functional purpose, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing- it makes the keyboard spill resistant.The mouse is a pretty standard design, and fits my palm nicely and comfortably.Nothing extraordinary about the mouse.

FUNCTIONAL USAGE:As soon as I plugged the receiver into the USB jack, Windows XP automatically installed the drivers and I was up and running in a few seconds. The keyboard types smoothly, and there's very little clicking to be heard.The keys are comfortable to depress, and the built in wrist rest makes typing over long durations quite comfortable.I tested the wireless keyboard and mouse about 10 feet away from the receiver without problems.Curious, I decided to try the combination in a gaming situation, where I output Bad Company 2 from my PC to 42" TV, and played on my couch using the wireless keyboard and mouse.The keyboard worked well, but the mouse is clearly not a gaming mouse.There was considerable lag, and movements were imprecise.So the mouse is not optimized for gaming!

I then plugged in my Logitech G7 Wireless mouse, and used it in tandem with the wireless MK520 keyboard.I was concerned that since the G7 was also operating at 2.4 GHz, there might be interference between the 2 devices.Fortunately, my concerns were premature, and the two devices worked beautifully together!

KEYBOARD THOUGHTS:The keyboard comes with 12 special Function keys which are shortcut keys to start various programs.Some include bringing up web browsers, opening My Computer, defaulting to the desktop view, etc..I found only a few of these buttons to be useful, e.g. the open web browser key (Fn+F1).However, the web browser shortcut key closes all other web browsers (even if you're using Firefox), which is rather annoying.I would've preferred that it open a new window or tab, rather than close all existing windows.Pressing the shortcut for the media players brought up Winamp for me; the problem with these shortcut keys is that there are no provisions to allow the user to re-program the corresponding applications for personal customization.I would've liked to see an ability to change the default media player from Winamp to my media player of choice, e.g. Media Player Classic.Similarly, I would've liked to see an ability to change the web browser so that existing windows are not closed.

There is a shortcut key to bring up the Windows Calculator, which I think is a brilliant shortcut key.I actually use the built-in calculator quite frequently, and the shortcut key is conveniently placed.

**UPDATE**: The keyboard offers limited personal customization by downloading the latest Setpoint software drivers from Logitech's website.I would've preferred if the drivers had been incorporated into the package to begin with onto a CD, or some explanation given in the manual however.

FINAL THOUGHTS:Lastly, the MK520 claims a remarkable miserly battery life of 3 years for the keyboard, and 1 year for the mouse.Both the keyboard and mouse automatically go to sleep after a period of no usage, and both have on/off switches, a thoughtful touch.It's quite remarkable considering that the keyboard only uses 2 AA batteries, and the mouse 1 AA battery (note: batteries are already provided by Logitech in the package).

In conclusion, it's a very good basic wireless keyboard/mouse combo that could use some reprogramming to address the shortcut keys.

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Product Description:
The logitech wireless combo mk520 puts convenience and control comfortably at your fingertips thanks to its full-size keyboard with concave keys and hand-friendly, contoured laser mouse.

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IOGear Long Range Media Center Desktop Keyboard and Mouse Combo,2.4GHz Wireless GKM551R (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Had this combo now for 3 months.Battery life is good (2-3 weeks on rechargables) mouse wheel will flash red when I need to recharge.Keyboard is flat, light weight and has quiet keys.Volume, mute buttons are handy, space bar pauses starts video.I use Ctrl +,- and 0 to increase,decrease,normalize screen size alot.My complaint about this board is the occasional pointer stutter that happens.Occasional being the key word here.This happens with full batts, line of sight with receiver and at around 10 feet.Tolerable as it doesn't happen all the time.Keyboard has only lagged behind my typing once.No complaint there.This has made couch surfing on my 32" panel a lot of fun and wouldn't be without it now.Have given up my laptop armrest surfing for this.Would recommend this (already have) to a friend.Great value.

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Product Description:
IOGear GKM551R Long Range Media Center Desktop US English, Enjoy the freedom of 2.4G wireless connectivity with IOGEAR Wireless MCE Desktop (keyboard/mouse combo). The keyboard and mouse allow you to work up to 33 feet away from the USB receiver connected to your computer. In addition, the laser mouse provides great accuracy over most surfaces requiring minimal hand movement due to its 800 dpi resolution. The ultra thin, lightweight, and stylish keyboard offers comfort wherever you type. The Media Center (MCE) hotkeys give you quick access to My TV, My Music, My Video, and My Pictures.

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Logitech Wireless Desktop MK 300 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)OUT OF THE BOX

I own a Logitech C-BK16A Dual wireless keyboard and mouse.My first impression of the Logitech MK 300 is that the keys are full size; but the keyboard is thinner, lightweight and shorter in length and width.There are some tabs in the back we can open to prop the keyboard at an angle.

The receiver is small and bent to rest inconspicuously on the desktop tower out of my way.A direct line of sight is not necessary for the keyboard and mouse to work -- huge improvement over the Dual, which means I have a less cluttered desktop.

MK 300 is advertised as spill resistant, but I hesitate to test that claim.

SOFTWARE

Although the keyboard and mouse work right out of the box, I need to install the software to adjust the sensitivity of the mouse and flip the function of the mouse buttons.I couldn't do that from the Vista mouse control screen.The software is also necessary to control the function button assignments and the hotkey assignments.

The Logitech software has a keyboard encryption feature.I never really thought about that before, but now my keyboard is secure from the prying eyes of other computers.

KEYBOARD

The hotkeys give one touch control to the keyboard.At the touch of a button, I can download email or launch my browser or Google something.

While programming the hotkeys and function keys, I notice the calculator.I always need a calculator when working on my computer.I press it and one pops up immediately on the screen.

Also available is the PC power button.Push that and the FN key and the computer goes quickly to sleep.Do it again, and it wakes up.

The keys respond well to typing.Logitech advertises a quieter experience.I can still hear myself typing and banging the space bar, although it is more muffled compared to the Dual.I wouldn't pay that much attention to this normally, except that it was on the box and it made me take notice.

One thing I miss is MK 300 lacks a volume dial, a function available on my Dual keyboard.Volume is instead controlled by the hotkeys.

MOUSE

The mouse is where this package shines.It is lightweight, fits in both my left and right hands comfortably, slides along the desk smoothly.As for responsiveness, I didn't know responsiveness could be any better until I tried this mouse.The mouse glides like it's on butter and the cursor flows right with it.

It is a little difficult for me to highlight material that requires scrolling.The pointer is extremely sensitive and I find myself scrolling and highlighting an entire page.Moving the mouse back the other direction will have me overshoot my starting point.I haven't found a way to make the scrolling while highlighting less sensitive.My workaround is to zoom out, so that I don't need to scroll.

Zooming in and out is made easy on this system.Just press the CTRL key and roll the wheel on the mouse.Whatever page I'm viewing, whether website or document, is instantly enlarged.

Of course, the wheel and buttons on the mouse are also customizable via the Logitech software.

PROS:
+ customizable one touch control of many computer functions
+ advertised to be spill-resistant
+ receiver can be hidden, doesn't require a direct line of sight to the keyboard
+ no wires to get in the way
+ stroke encryption feature
+ mouse glides smoothly and is more responsive than any other mouse I've ever used
+ zooming is quick and easy
+ keys are full size but keyboard is more compact and lightweight
+ graphic intensive manual is easy to follow
+ comes with a 5 year warranty

CONS

- no volume control dial, must use hotkey
- highlighting material that requires scrolling is difficult
- need to install software (compatible with Vista and XP) for full functionality

SUMMARY

Not all keyboards are created equal.I spend a lot of time on my keyboard and I do appreciate many of the subtle improvements: no cords to get in the way, no unsightly receivers, quick access to a calculator, quick and easy zoom, a secured keyboard, smooth mouse control.It's an excellent package, the best wireless keyboard and mouse I've ever owned.

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Product Description:
For an easy and reliable way to "go cordless" without sacrificing features, the Logitech Wireless Desktop MK300 offers a contemporary keyboard and mouse combination for your home desk. It features one-touch access controls for media and applications; extended battery life; and wireless technology that connects right out of the box--all in a sleek design.

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