Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser Review - Part 2

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Installation and Bluetooth Technology

Thanks to Logitech's SecureConnect technology, installing the MX 5000 desktop is completely hassle free. Both the keyboard and mouse are preprogrammed to connect to the USB micro-receiver right out of the box. It's as simple as plugging the USB receiver into an empty port, then hitting the connect buttons.

One of the major bonuses of the MX 5000 is the added Bluetooth connectivity to your computer. By connecting the USB micro-receiver to your computer, you are able to create the ultimate Bluetooth network. The USB micro-receiver is a Bluetooth adapter that is a little over two inches in length and half an inch wide. It is small enough to fit into a USB port without blocking any adjacent ports.

USB Micro-receiver

The micro-receiver utilizes the very latest 2.0 EDR Bluetooth technology, which allows for better range, security, reliability, and improved data transfer speeds. Bluetooth 2.0 EDR is three times faster than previous versions of Bluetooth. By adding Bluetooth connectivity to your computer you will be able to conduct voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls with a Bluetooth headset, send pictures from your cell phone, sync your PDA calendar and address book with your computer, and listen to music through Bluetooth headphones.

The average range of most Bluetooth devices is up to 30 feet. When I tested the range, I was able to maintain a reliable connection between the keyboard and my computer at a distance of a little over 30 feet. The Bluetooth connection does not require you to be in line-of-sight with your computer. This is great when using the keyboard as a remote for controlling your computer’s music.

The Keyboard

When I saw the MX 5000 Cordless Keyboard for the first time, I was blown away by its futuristic appearance. The device’s black and gray plastic body is ultra-sleek and very modern. Its multifunction LCD screen was definitely the first thing that caught my attention. In addition to the LCD display, the device’s layout includes a full size keyboard, an attached ten number keypad, a touch-sensitive media control pad, and a slew of hot keys. I thoroughly examined all of the keyboards features, so let’s have a closer look.

MX 5000 Keyboard

LCD Screen

The MX 5000 Cordless Keyboard is the world’s 1st keyboard to offer an LCD screen. The 102 x 42 pixel mini-screen, which is located at the top of the keyboard, is certainly the device‘s flagship feature. The LCD is what separates the MX 5000 from almost every other keyboard, and it is all thanks to Bluetooth technology and its ability to transfer data between devices. Unlike most keyboards, the MX 5000 isn’t just an input device, but also a smart device that is capable of receiving and displaying information.

MX 5000 LCD Screen

The LCD’s default view displays the user name, the date, time, and even temperature (The device has a built-in thermometer). The time, date, and temperature remain displayed even when the computer is off. When using your computer’s media player, the screen will show playback information such as the name of the artist and song, allowing you to use the MX 5000 as an interactive remote for controlling all your media playback. You can also use the LCD to view your computer’s zoom display and volume levels. When the keyboards batteries are low, the screen will display a notification instructing you to change the batteries.

With the push of a button you can transform the LCD screen and ten number keypad into a smart calculator. Furthermore, you can even paste your calculations directly into an application like an Excel spreadsheet. The only drawback of the LCD is the fact that it is not backlit so it can be a little tricky to view if you are working in an environment with bad lighting.



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3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

 

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