| One of the best sets for a Windows OR Mac user. |
| I'm extremely picky about the keyboard and mouse I use. Currently, I'm using the Apple BT Aluminum keyboard and Logitech VX Nano mouse with my Mac. I received this keyboard, expecting to just be able to use it with my Windows system, but how wrong I was...
First, the box is MISLABELED. It says you need a Windows XP or Windows Vista system. LIES. Second, the box shows the keyboard with no Apple-specific commands. LIES. The actual keyboard has the command logo on both Alt keys, as well as the Mac option key on the Windows button.
Bizarrely, the drivers included in the box only are for Windows XP and Windows Vista, which I cannot fathom for the life of me.. Make a quick trip to Logitech.com and download their drivers for the Mac, after which both the keyboard and mouse show up in the little Logitech control panel within System Preferences. Battery level and key bindings are all there and configurable!
Usage for keyboard:
Excellent. I was initially turned off by the layout of the keys, with its slight swoop and dip, but after using it for a bit, it grows on you and you learn to actually like it quite a good deal! The keys are soft, and not too loud, and very tactile. You definitely get the feeling of a quality keyboard. And the palm rest is lovely; a cushion-like affair. It uses two regular Duracell AA batteries.
On the Mac side, all the iTunes keys work, including play/pause/forward/back etc etc, and all the special keys for opening an e-mail or the calculator work, too! You can remap any of the function keys to open any Mac/Windows-specific application you want. Excellent!
The mouse:
A very comfortable mouse, with a "hidden" button where your thumb rests (it opens Expose in Mac OS X by default - nice!). There's not a huge amount to say about the mouse, really. It's sort of a cross between the Logitech MX Revolution (without the thumb wheel), and the VX Revolution. I really like it, and it doesn't suffer from the input lag like the Apple BT mouse does. (Note: This is a right-handed mouse only...)
A very nice feature of the mouse, and this shows that Logitech cares, is that it uses a rechargeable battery. Now that by itself isn't that impressive, but hear me out.... First, it's user-replaceable, and second, it's not just any old generic battery. It's a Sanyo Eneloop AA battery, which is a high-quality battery that suffers very little battery drain when idling. The mouse can be recharged using the included AC adapter, or from your computer. So while it's 2.4Ghz wireless, you can use it while charging it, which is great! The USB cable plugs into the front of the mouse, essentially turning it into a "wired" mouse (though it never actually stops being wireless in the sense that it always uses the 2.4Ghz adapter to connect to your PC/Mac).
Overall, I can't even begin to state how impressive this set is. That said, someone at Logitech needs a good slap on the wrist to update the box to specify that this keyboard/mouse set really is DESIGNED for Mac OS as much as it is for Windows XP or Vista.
I can't recommend this mouse and keyboard highly enough. 5/5
**EDIT**
Logitech, for no apparent reason, has updated their driver release from 2.6 to 2.7 for Macs, removing support for this keyboard/mouse set! If you want to be able to customize buttons etc on the keyboard/mouse, be sure to find the Logitech Control Center 2.6, not the latest (as of March 24, 2009) 2.7 version. I'm following up with Logitech about this madness...
| | Needs a USB Extension Cable for Receiver |
| This Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro is a combination of a cordless version of the Logitech Wave Keyboard and a single (rechargeable) battery version of the Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse (910-000718). In general, I'd have given it a 4 star ranking except for one thing: I had to buy a Cables To Go - 19018 - 2M USB A/A Extension Cable to stop the mouse from lagging/stuttering (just plain stopping for several seconds at a time). The problem could be a combination of the thumb-drive sized receiver for the keyboard/mouse and my steel Antec LifeStyle Solo ATX Quiet ATX Mini-Tower Case (Piano Black). The receiver plugs directly into a USB port instead of sitting on the desk with a cable extending to the USB port. For a laptop (or maybe a non-steel case), this shouldn't be a problem (in fact, it would be very convenient). But, in my setup, I'd lose the mouse connection repeatedly. Just using a foot-long USB extension cable so the receiver rested on top of my computer case got rid of most of the lagging. With the two meter extension, I've got the receiver on top of my desk (like the receiver for my old Logitech 967692-0403 Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser (Black) and haven't had any problems at all.
Regarding the keyboard part of this package, it's pretty good. Compared to my old keyboard, I find it a bit cramped. But, I think this is a function of my being used to the more separated hands of the pure ergonomic design. The wave design is better than a regular, straight design. But, not as good a real split-hand ergonomic keyboard. My only other complaint about it is a minor one: the palm rest is non-detachable (it's a soft, padded rubber, though). I had a micro-bead palm rest that was great. But, with the non-detachable nature of this keyboard, it's no longer really workable. One other thing to be aware of is that the two AA batteries that come with the keyboard are non-rechargeable (unlike the mouse's).
For the mouse, I've already mentioned the stuttering problem and my solution. The only other problem I have with it is that the Back and Forward buttons are a bit small and awkwardly placed (again, this could just be because I'm used to a different mouse). On the positive side, the mouse feet are great. My old mouse didn't slide well at all. On the very same surface, this one glides smoothly and easily. So, the mouse feels good and moves well. The next biggest positive would probably be the standard rechargeable AA battery (instead of a proprietary version -- and note that there's only one battery instead of the two that come with the stand-alone mouse). The set comes with a charger for the mouse. But, I'll just be using my standard battery charger and batteries instead. I also like the little button below the scroll wheel which converts the scroll wheel from free-spinning to click-spinning.
So, if it weren't for the receiver interference problem (which could be specific to my steel case setup), I'd have been happy to rate this set at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5. But, because of it, I'm dropping my rating by one to a Good 3 stars out of 5.
| | Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro Set - Same Wave Keyboard With The MX 1100 Mouse, Perfect For Righties |
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Logitech's Cordless Desktop Wave Pro Set builds upon the positives of the original Wave set. The Pro version adds improved range and a better mouse with the Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse. The mouse with this set is equipped with the added benefit of a convenient rechargeable battery. The Wave keyboard retains all of its design elements, including extra function keys and hot keys for some common tasks. Of course its main feature is the great Wave shape that I prefer to any of the other ergonomic keyboards. Considering the integrated number pad and wrist wrest, this keyboard is actually still small compared to similarly outfitted models.
The original Wave combo is still a solid keyboard and mouse set. But by adding the "Pro" set to the mix, Logitech has given customers some more choices to make. Assuming you already know that you want the "Wave" keyboard shape, here are my thoughts regarding your options.
THE CHOICES
1. If you are a right-handed (or ambidextrous) mouse user and you prefer a higher profile mouse like the Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse, then the Wave Pro Set is the way to go to get the ergonomic keyboard and top mouse combo.
2. If you are a lefty, but think you can adjust to a flatter (lower profile) mouse, the original Wave Set is the way to go.
3. If you are a lefty, or a very picky mouse user who wants to use a more powerful or customized mouse like the Logitech G9 Laser Mouse, then the corded Logitech Wave Keyboard is the way to go. Plug in the mouse of your choice and you only have to live without the wireless connectivity.
PROS
+ Nice Wave keyboard I have grown to really like, very comfortable and durable
+ Keys are shaped to be closer to your fingers, requiring less hand movement
+ Integrated wrist cushion - comfy and convenient!
+ Integrated number pad in a nice form factor
+ Great wireless design for both keyboard and mouse
+ Nice MX 1100 mouse, which is perfect for most righties
+ Mouse is rechargeable conveniently via USB!
+ Improved wireless range with a supposedly more stabile connection
+ Included packaging can be used as a dust cover for the keyboard
+ Works well with Windows Vista & XP and Mac OS X
+ Weak battery indicator
+ Vista key shortcuts work nice!
+ Programmable smart keys
+ Batteries included!
+ Reasonable list price given improved mouse
+ Logitech software has improved a lot over the past year
CONS
- Mouse may still not be ideal for all; lefties and power users may need another
- Key design may not suffice for those who prefer full split ergonomic designs
- Key pad is stationary on the right side, also not-ideal for lefties
THE MOUSE
The MX 1100 is a great new design for mice that fits perfectly with this set. This mouse is very similar to the MX Revolution, and is also sold as a stand-alone product. The stand alone MX 1100 still uses batteries. This version of the MX 1100 has a convenient rechargeable battery that only requires plugging it in via USB once in a while.
One thing that comes as an unintended byproduct of the more powerful mouse are features that take some getting used to. For example, *turbo* mode allows you to click the scroll wheel and quickly scroll through long documents. If you are not familiar with this feature, you may think your mouse is broken. Simply click down on the scroll wheel to return it to *normal* mode and it should scroll in a slower / more controlled way.
The sad part of that is that the mouse from the original Wave Set has grown on me some. I used to exclusively use another mouse with the set, but recently had to go back to that one for a few days. It has a lower profile and is probably an easier adjustment for lefties.
THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard design has now been proven with almost a year of usage. The wave shape is REALLY nice, with nice sized keys that work very efficiently. This will please those who want something less extreme than full split keyboard designs but something more firm than the standard squishy keyboard. I've tried both wireless and wired models and they both perform very well.
The design of the keyboard is sturdy and comfortable. The function keys and the additional number pad are nice features. The integrated keyboard wrist pad is nice and comfortable, and the design gives you one less thing you have to have on your desk. This is a great keyboard that can be used well by lefties and righties, though it is perhaps less flexible than models with the moveable number pad such as the ambidextrous Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard. Still, the comfort of the Wave shape gives it plenty of positives for most people.
I have actually come to prefer this to the split keyboard design after using it for a period of months. I can move my hands less and let my fingers touch the keys with ease. As a result, my typing speed has actually improved slightly.
The added range will open up this keyboard for use with a media center PC. The original offered good working distances from the USB mini-receiver, but the 2.4 GHz band has to improve upon that greatly. That makes it a solid improvement for media center applications. I've yet to determine its full range, but I plan on testing that soon.
The only concern I have about the new frequency is that many more devices have moved into this 2.4 GHz range, creating the possibility of interference. Once again, I haven't seen that happen to me yet, but I will definitely be mindful to note any such issues.
The keyboard is available in a stand-alone corded version, but most will prefer this wireless set unless you need or want to use a different mouse.
Many simply need the ergonomics of a split keyboard or other design. Of the many options for ergonomic keyboards, you may want to investigate these if the wave keyboard doesn't satisfy you.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000
Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser
Adesso Intellimedia MediaPro Flat Ergonomic Keyboard
CONCLUSION
This set is a nice improvement and absolutely should be on your list. The original Wave set was a strong 4 star product for me, but this one has just enough improvements to get up to 5 stars. While I rarely give 5 star reviews, this one deserves it as long as you are the intended audience. So if you are a right-handed, this should be a 5 star product for you. If you are a left-handed, we will have to wait and see if Logitech plans on offering this set in a *lefty* version.
Enjoy!
| | Great combo the best keyboard and mouse on the market. |
| I've always loved the Logitech cordless mice but been less a fan of their cordless keyboards. But since I really liked my stand-alone Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse (910-000718) and was happy with my 2 corded Wave keyboards, I thought I'd give this combo of a try.
I'm glad I did. It pairs a premium version of my favorite MX1100 mouse with what so-far is my favorite cordless keyboard.
My concerns with past cordless keyboards have been lack of ergonomics for extended use for the many computer hours I spend daily, and lag/key-repeat problems which manifest most obviously in PC gaming, but I notice in other usage also. Neither of these are problems with my new Wave.
The Wave keyboards (both corded and this cordless) have a great level of responsiveness. The programmable and multimedia keys offer full functionality but aren't "in the way" for people like me who don't use most of them. The keys have some firmness, giving feedback to my typing but not so much that I have to check that each keypress took. The slight undulation (the namesake "Wave") of the keyboard seems to fit the natural reach of my hands without having a learning curve.
I put the new cordless and old corded Waves side by side and they appear entirely identical, except the symbols on the multimedia keys are black (on this Cordless Wave Pro) instead of white. No other visible differences.
Versus my old corded Dell keyboards and the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3000 Laser (967553-0403) that this set replaced, I seem to typo less and type a little faster.
I've also tried the Logitech diNovo Edge and S500. I prefer the Cordless Wave Pro hands down to both.
The built-in wrist-rest of the Wave is the exact right size for my hands and angled well; I don't miss my separate wrist-rests at all.
Now for the mouse: the ergonomics of the older MX1000 (which I liked, but never QUITE worked for my hand, always felt a little too small) are addressed in the MX1100. Sensitivity and layout is just right; the thumb grip reminds me of the Logitech 931689-0403 MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse (Black) without the added bulk of that mouse.
Versus the stand-alone Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse (910-000718), the bundled MX1100 in this set is a lighter mouse with a single rechargeable/replaceable battery and a mini USB port on the mouse that attaches to a plug-in power adapter that lets you work while it recharges. I like this design better (lighter, no disposables). Although it seems odd for Logitech to design two nearly identicaly but notably different mice under the same name.
The software works well and is easy to understand. It's a great multi-button mouse that doesn't require additional configuration. It's a great keyboard with expanded functionality that doesn't get in the way of basic keyboard usage.
Quibble: The keyboard function (F) keys are a little small if you use them much. And that's my only quibble!
At this writing, I've been using the set for about 3 weeks.
Highly recommended. This is the best on the market today.
| | Great Keyboard, But Extra Features Don't Work for Mac Users |
| This is a great keyboard/mouse combination. In fact, it's worth buying the Wave Pro set over the Wave set just for the upgraded mouse...which you cannot buy outside of this combo.
The keyboard is the best ergonomic keyboard I've used and involves almost no learning curve. In fact, typing feels more natural than I'm used to...even as a writer. The keyboard is responsive (albeit a little bit louder than I prefer, but then again no external keyboard will be as quiet as a laptop keyboard).
MAC USERS, READ THIS:
It is true that the Wave Pro DOES work just fine with apple OS X. What does NOT work is Logitech Control Center (commonly referred to as LCC). It's not the LCC isn't compatible with Mac OS X, it's that LCC doesn't recognize the Wave Pro keyboard.
A call to Logitech support revealed that the infrared receiver for the Wave Pro combo differs from the Wave combo. It's the infrared receiver in the Wave Pro set that makes LCC unable to recognize a connected keyboard or mouse. It seems strange that Logitech would support OS X on the lesser priced version of this combo and not the Pro version, but that, unfortunately, is the case.
There have been stories of the difficult to find LCC version 2.6 (currently in version 2.7) working with the Wave Pro set, but such was not the case for me. If you want to give it a shot yourself, grab it from logitech's public FTP page here: ftp://ftp.logitech.com/pub/techsupport/mouse/mac/. You're looking for the "lcc260.zip" file.
It's both a blessing and a curse that LCC isn't supported for the Wave Pro on OS X, as it has been the reported problem of SOOOOOO MANY problems, including a blue screen of death, kernel panic issues, program crashes, and random freezes. We mac users are definitely not used to such issues.
If you want to map your mouse buttons, simply download the VERY popular SteerMouse program. Problem solved. As far as the keyboard goes, I personally haven't found a good 3rd party keyboard mapping software to regain the functionality of the media and specialty keys on the keyboard itself. Note that the volume and iTunes controls DO work, out of the box, just not the zoom, webcam, settings, calculator, and other launcher keys.
If anyone DOES know of a program to map these keys, I'd love to know about it.
In conclusion, if you're a mac user considering this combo, don't let the problems with Logitech Control Center deter you. As I mentioned before, it's both a blessing and a curse. At least you can the very stable SteerMouse to regain functionality of the many wonderful mouse buttons.
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