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Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave


Date
: 11/2/07 – 05:49:32 PM

Author
:

Category
: Input Devices

Page 1 : Index

Manufacturer
: Logitech

Price
: $67.85 @ Shopzilla

We have reviewed a great many Logitech products here at Overclockers Online. What do all these products have in common? Just the usual Logitech innovation, style, and quality we have come to expect. In my experience, Logitech's input devices have never failed to impress with their unique emphasis on comfort and functionality.

Over a year ago, I reviewed Logitech's MX5000 which remains one of my favorite keyboard/mouse sets to this day. Today, I introduce to you the latest keyboard/mouse set from Logitech: the
Cordless Desktop Wave
.

Page 2 : Package

The exterior of the Wave's package is unmistakenly Logitech thanks to its turquoise-and-white color scheme. Making a prominent appearance are pictures of the actual keyboard and mouse. Also, key advertising phrases are present to catch the consumer's eye.

A closer look at the left side of the top touts the namesake feature of the keyboard, the wavelike design.

On the right, the 5-button LX8 laser mouse's main features can be found. Furthermore, the Cordless Desktop Wave is Windows Vista certified.

The lateral sides of the package feature contents, system requirements, and more advertising.

Turning to the back, we get a lot of information. Most of this is composed of statements designed to grab attention; after all, the package is the first thing the consumer sees when shopping at a retail store. We will look at the features and specifications more closely in the next section.

Items of interest include the emphasis Logitech places on comfort. The Wave is marketed as a comfortable ergonomic keyboard thanks to the keys' wave-shaped contour, a curved layout, and a contoured palm rest.

We also have three tables outlining the main features of the set.

The top of the package is actually held on to the package by two velcro dots and easily opens up to give us a peek at the keyboard itself thanks to a plastic window.

Before getting our hands on the contents, let us take a look at the main features and specifications of the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave.

Page 3 : Features & Specifications

Logitech's website has a page with some information about the Wave.

An overview of features can be found which places an emphasis on comfort, control, and convenience:

The system requirements are modest:

Finally, the package contents:

Now we can take a look at the package contents!

Page 4 : Keyboard

Open the box and we are immediately greeted with the keyboard, protected by a plastic dust cover.

Beneath it, we find a tray with the mouse and all the accessories. These include a user's manual, four AA batteries, the USB mini-receiver, and a USB extension cord with a stand in which you can plug the receiver in.

The RF mini-receiver looks very similar to the Bluetooth version we saw in the MX5000 review. It even has a similar "Connect" button on the back.

Our first real look at the keyboard and mouse reveals a sleek design. One of the first things that caught my eye was the large, textured palm rest that is integrated into the keyboard which also matches the grips on the sides of the mouse.

First and foremost, we will take a look at the Wave keyboard.

The left side of the Wave has two sets of buttons. The top two are for zooming in and out and the bottom button is for activating Windows Vista's Flip 3D feature. Since some users prefer Flip 3D over Alt-Tab, Logitech has placed the button somewhat close to Tab. Looking at the top of the keyboard, we have some more special keys for accessing music, photos, and the like. At the top middle are media controls; I listen to music a lot and these will come in handy.

Our first look at the top row F keys reveals the curved layout of the Wave. These F keys serve a dual purpose: other than the usual F functions, Logitech has implemented special functions such as launching programs when these keys are pressed while holding down the Fn key found to the right of the space bar. Of course, the functions can be customized using Logitech's SetPoint software.

The main keys also follow the curved layout. If you look closely, you will notice that some keys are elevated and others are depressed. This feature, according to Logitech, increases comfort and allows the Wave to act like an ergonomic keyboard while not having to opt for the "split-keys" layout as in most ergonomic keyboards; apparently, this will help eliminate any learning curve when first starting use of the Wave. The bottom row of keys are much larger than usual, especially the space bar which has the word "Wave" engraved on it.

Certain keys such as the "Caps Lock" and "Num Lock" keys are recessed to avoid accidental pressing. Also, many keys have helpful labels on them.

The middle right area of the keyboard looks much different from a normal keyboard but identical to the MX5000. I will quote what I said about that:

It will take a while to get used to this new layout but it is certainly a welcome change.

The arrow keys are asymmetrical but elegant. Beneath them is a battery level indicator which can be activated by pressing Fn+F11. The number pad features large keys and is flanked at the top by a dedicated calculator button and a PC power button.

Flipping the keyboard over, we can see all the keyboard's specifications, certifications, and a small connection assistance box. There is also a battery compartment and a red "Connect" button. There are also stands that can be used to set the angle of the keyboard to either 0, 4, or 8 degrees.

In general, I am pleased with the keyboard's design. Now, on to the mouse.

Page 5 : Mouse

The mouse included in this set is the LX8 Laser.

With a finish that matches the keyboard, the LX8 is sure to be aesthetically pleasing. In terms of functionality, the ambidextrous design with grips on both sides should satisfy both right-handed and left-handed users.

The two buttons are extruded pieces of the shell itself. In the middle, we have the scroll wheel which can also be tapped to the left and right. Beneath the scroll wheel is a small LED which is a battery indicator.

On top of the grips on both sides of the mouse, there are buttons; the left side button is for going back while the right side button is for going forward.

Last but not least, at the bottom of the mouse, we have the laser sensor, a power button, the connect button, and the battery compartment.

Page 6 : Installation

Installation is a snap thanks to Logitech's installation guide.

It is as easy as connecting the USB receiver to your computer, inserting the batteries into the keyboard and mouse, and optionally, installing SetPoint.

Insert the CD, and just follow the instructions. Here are some sample screenshots from the installation process:

Once done, SetPoint will automatically recognize the keyboard and mouse. On my system, SetPoint had to install a firmware upgrade and update itself to the latest version.

Restart the computer to finalize installation if necessary.

SetPoint can then be used to configure the many features of the keyboard and mouse:

Let's go on to evaluating the performance of the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave.

Page 7 : Performance

The moment I started typing on the Wave, I was surprised at how similar to the MX5000 it felt. The keys were soft yet firm, quiet yet solid. Unlike a normal ergonomic keyboard which splits the keys into two sets, the Wave's unique curved design helps eliminate any learning curve. In fact, I found myself getting used to the keyboard in a matter of minutes. Everything seemed naturally in place. Since I have been using the MX5000 for a while now, I had no trouble getting used to the island of keys which include "Delete", "Page Down" and "Page Up" as they are virtually in the same positions. However, users switching from a generic keyboard might occasionally hit the wrong keys.

The built-in palm rest is very comfortable. Even after hours of use, I did not feel any pain in my wrists. Since the keyboard's height can be adjusted, as we saw earlier, the keyboard should satisfy the comfort needs of many.

Moving on to the LX8 laser mouse, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. It is extremely light, even with two AA batteries contained within its berth, and this aids in its agility and precision. Since this is a laser mouse, it can be used on certain surfaces that a normal optical or ball mouse cannot be used on. In terms of comfort, it does not fit naturally in my hand such as the MX1000 which was a mart of the MX5000 set but it is still comfortable enough that it can be used for long periods of time without causing discomfort.

Both the keyboard and mouse features can be extensively customized using SetPoint.

Due to the fact that the Cordless Desktop Wave is RF-based, there was basically no lag as users often see with Bluetooth sets. Also, the range was great thanks in part to the USB stand included that allows the mini-receiver to be placed in a convenient location.

I could not evaluate battery life but according to Logitech, they should last for several months.

Page 8 : Conclusion

After over a month of using the Logitech Cordess Desktop Wave, I have to say that this is one of the best keyboard/mouse sets I have ever used.

In terms of comfort, the Wave keyboard is innovative and effective. The mouse is also comfortable. In fact, Logitech markets it not as an "ergonomic" set but as a "comfort" set. This may be because ergonomic keyboards are often associated with having a learning curve when it comes to using them. In my experience, I had no problems adapting to the Wave. In fact, if anything, the Wave feels more natural than a normal keyboard!

With a MSRP of about $90, but available for far less through Shopzilla links, the Wave is extremely affordable and a bargain for what it offers.

The only problem I experienced with this set, a problem I also noticed with the MX5000, is that the SetPoint software sometimes prevents connections. To relieve this, one must press the "connect" buttons on the keyboard, mouse, and receiver.

Other than this minor problem, I would highly recommend the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave to anyone looking for a feature-filled keyboard/mouse set at a great price.

Advantages:

• Exceptionally comfortable

• Well-designed
• Good value

Disadvantages:

• SetPoint is a bit clunky and sometimes causes problems with connecting

• Uses disposable AA batteries but Logitech promises great battery life

Overclockers Online would like to thank Logitech for making this review possible!