Pros & Cons
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- Wireless.
- Programmable keys.
- Vista ready.
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- Area above arrow keys take some getting used to.
If your keyboard and mouse are in need of a makeover—or that is, need to be replaced—one option is to purchase a package that includes both peripherals. Logitech and Microsoft both have plenty of these packages, called "desktops," ranging from cheap generic mice and keyboards to more expensive combos that have creative, ergonomic designs. The Logitech Cordless Wave Desktop includes the Wave Cordless Keyboard and the LX8 Cordless Laser Mouse. Both units are new to the market, and are, as their names imply, wireless. They both sync directly to the same USB receiver.
The Logitech Wave Keyboard's design veers slightly from a generic keyboard with its stretched U shaped typing area and differently elevated keys. This is where the term "wave" comes in: Keys on the left and right of the main typing area are lower than the keys in the middle (G and H for instance), forming a wavelike design. Aside from its design, the Wave keyboard has multimedia and Windows-centric buttons to the north and left of the main typing area, and it even includes ten programmable F-keys.
The LX8 Cordless Laser Mouse's symmetrical shape makes it equally suitable for lefties and righties. It includes a button above each rubber side grip and has a tilt wheel for horizontal scrolling. Like the Wave keyboard, it requires a pair of AA batteries—all of them included with the package.
The duo will cost you $89.99—not bad for a high-end keyboard and mouse combo. That's considerably cheaper than our recently reviewed