Logitech is known for quality keyboards, mice, web cams and more so when they announced and then released the new Cordless Desktop Wave Product Shot keyboard and mouse package I was thrilled to be able to get one to review. Besides stellar build quality it is without a doubt the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used and I think the reason for this can be laid right at the feet of the uniformed size keys that are much more comfortable not only for your fingers, but for your hands as well. Besides the uniformed sized keys, the curved keyboard also promotes a more ergonomically correct hand position, more so than the split ergonomic keyboards and the past.
The ergonomics don't stop with the keyboard either, the high-performance laser mouse features contoured sides and soft rubber grips for precision, control and comfort. I have long been a big fan of the ergonomic spit keyboards. I have always felt that they were more comfortable than the standard keyboards, well that is once you got used to where the keys were located. However, the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave keyboard has all of that plus a smaller foot print, extreme comfort and the keys are placed so they more closely match that of a regular keyboard yet it is still an ergonomic keyboard. It really is an innovation.
Besides the awesome keyboard you get a really great mouse with the package as well. It is a nice size, not to big not to small. I have rather large hands and found it to be quite comfortable. The buttons are located on the mouse in natural positions so you don't have to do any finger acrobatics to get to them. The scroll wheel has a nice feel it's not too stiff not to loose. The sensitivity and accuracy of the laser mouse in great, laser and optical mice have really been an improvement on the old ball mouse design and have really brought the mouse in to the 21st century.
I love the look of both the mouse and the keyboard. The texturing on the wrist rest of the keyboard and the sides of the mouse gives them both a modern flare. It makes them look unique without being foreign.
Since both the mouse and keyboard are both battery powered I am sure you are wondering what kind of life you get from a set of batteries. While we do not do any benchmark testing I can say that both the mouse and the keyboard seem to do very well. We are still using the 4 alkaline batteries that came with the package and we have been using this keyboard since early August 2007. Based on the performance so far I am guessing we will get a year or more from the included set of batteries which I think is pretty good. Because of the laser in the mouse we expect it to get less millage from the batteries than the keyboard, but that isn't a surprise lasers require a lot more power to operate even small low power lasers like in this mouse.
I would recommend you get a good set of rechargeable batteries; two sets would be good so that you can have a set charging while using a set. In the long run a charger and four sets of two rechargeable batteries (AA's) will be cheaper than disposable batteries. This is perhaps my only complaint about this package. I wish they had included rechargeable batteries with it and made the dongle dock Product Shot a charger as well. With so much emphasis put on the environment and given that you can't just toss batteries in the trash any more a rechargeable solution would have really pushed this keyboard and mouse package over the top.
Features
- One-touch controls give you direct access to many of the new features in Windows Vista, including Flip 3D, Zoom, Photo Gallery, and Gadgets.
- Programmable F-keys add instant access to applications, games, folders and Web pages.
- A cushioned palm rest encourages a relaxed position for typing.
- Wave key design: Contoured, wave-shaped key design conforms naturally to your fingers.
- Constant Curve design: A curved profile and uniform-size keys promote an ergonomically correct, more comfortable hand position. Start enjoying the benefits instantly, without having to re-learn typing on a different keyboard layout.
- Cushioned, contoured palm rest: The soft surface encourages a relaxed position for long typing sessions.
- Adjustable keyboard height: Use the three-way tilt legs to set the height to suit your personal style.
- Comfortable mouse design: Contoured sides and soft rubber grips add support and ease of use.
- Audio cable management: Keep headphone cords out of the way by routing them through the channel on the underside of the keyboard.
- Easy access to Windows Vista: Large, one-touch controls give you direct access to key Windows Vista features, including Flip 3D, Zoom, Photo Gallery, and Gadgets.
- Instant media access: Use the convenient one-touch controls for volume and media playback. A dedicated button starts Media Center or Front Row.
- Programmable F-keys: Get instant access to favorite applications, games, folders, and Web pages with customizable F-keys.
- Longer battery life: Enjoy extended battery life—up to 15 months for the keyboard and 6 months for the mouse. Battery status lights on both the keyboard and mouse alert you when power is getting low.
- Cordless freedom: End cable clutter with fast, reliable Logitech wireless technology.
- High-performance Laser Mouse: Experience unmatched precision and control on surfaces where ordinary optical mice can’t go.
This is a wonderfully designed, comfortable, easy to use, well made keyboard and mouse package that will give you many years of use and much less finger, wrist and arm strain. Yes, indeed Logitech has come a long ways and the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave keyboard is cream of the crop.
Needs
- A PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista
- USB port
- CD-ROM drive
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