Microsoft Keyboard Drivers: Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical Mouse and Keyboard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're not a gamer, then get this product. They keyboard is very slim and it works great. If you ARE a gamer and are thinking about this product, please read on.
I bought this product because I wanted to control my comptuer from across the room, and the product definitely delivers what it is supposed to. The multi-media control works very well and lets me set the volume without having to touch my speakers or use my mouse. I've heard re-programming all the buttons isn't much fun, but I only use the email and Home one's.
But I bet you're wondering 1 or 2 things. First of all, 4 batteries for the keyboard and 2 for the mouse. How long will it last? Well, the keyboard lasts anywhere from 6-12 months, depending on how often you use it. The mouse on the other hand, only goes about 2-3 months, then it dies very abruptly. Yes, there are power levels, but they're only in vague words.... so it doesn't help very much.
And the second question you're asking is just how well does it perform. Let's start with the keyboard. Normally, the keyboard works fine, just like any other keyboard, but if you want to make sure you're keystrokes aren't being picked up at some frequency and logged (most likely.......they're not), but you have the option of encrpyting everything you send. This does take a toll on the response time though, but nothing drastic. I can still play CS or SC with hotkeys and bindings all intact.
But the big problem comes with the mouse. Your average PS/2 mouse is sampled at something like 40 Mhz in Win98/Me and 60 Mhz in Win2k/NT/XP. You can also tweak it up a bit too. Your average USB mouse runs at 125 Mhz, and while some gamers do go crazy and pump it up to 200 Mhz, most people can't tell the difference.
So what about this mouse? Well the limiting factor is the definitely communication rate between the mouse and the receiver. Thus, through some tests, it clocks in about an average of 50 Mhz. So yes, taking aim in CS will be much more difficult (stats courtesy of dansdata.com).
Personally, I have a USB port in the front of my computer, so I switch to my mouse when I need to be far away, then switch back to a optical USB mouse when I'm gaming.
Oh, and one more thing. If you're comparing optical cordless mice, and you're thinking about the MS Wireless Intellimouse, it's sampling rate is something like 35 Mhz. Pretty sluggish even for a non-gamer....

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical Mouse and Keyboard

Sleek, versatile, and almost completely devoid of messy cables, Logitech's Cordless Freedom Optical is an elegant and exceptionally flexible control solution. From its jam-packed keyboard to its light-sensor mouse and wireless interaction, the unit represents the current pinnacle of computer input technology and offers more options and convenience than virtually any other similar setup. If you're prepared to pay the comparatively substantial price and thereafter quench its thirst for batteries, you really need look no further.
The Cordless Freedom Optical is actually comprised of three modules. The heart of the system is the receiver, a stylish triangular gadget approximately half the size of a typical mouse. Encased in a translucent shell that lets you see its high-tech inner circuitry, the receiver resides on the desktop or other convenient surface and gathers in the airborne signals produced by both input devices. It interfaces with the PC via a six-foot Y cable that connects to the PS/2 and/or USB ports, and operates best when within six feet of both the mouse and the keyboard.
The keyboard, a wireless adaptation of Logitech's own Internet Navigator Keyboard, is, in effect, a full-blown command center. Apart from its 104 standard keys, it features 20 additional controls for one-touch operation of common multimedia, e-mail, and Internet functions. Its eight Internet-specific buttons are labeled with designations such as Shopping, Finance, and Search, and by default access various regions of Logitech's own www.myitouch.com gateway site, although all buttons can quickly be reconfigured to your own preferences.
Three additional controls are at the keyboard's left edge, each designed to facilitate mouseless browsing. The Go button activates a tiny dialog box in which you can enter the URL of your choice. The Back button returns you to the last viewed page and will also move you forward once Logitech releases a downloadable patch in January 2002. The most innovative control of all, a miniature scroll wheel, can be programmed to support a variety of functions including cut and paste, vertical scroll, and zoom. The unit also features a sleep/shutdown button, an instant e-mail access key, and a seven-piece audio-video panel with handy amenities such as a mute switch and rotating volume wheel. Each single-click operation is accompanied by an onscreen text confirmation, and all 124 controls offer noiseless action.
Logitech has partnered this very capable keyboard with its Cordless MouseMan Optical, a wireless mouse that sports four buttons, one wheel, and a tiny light sensor on its underside that translates movement more accurately and with less tracking hassles than a traditional ball. With no cords to clutter the desk, no moving parts to get dirty, and no need for a mousepad, the Cordless MouseMan has a number of obvious advantages. Unfortunately, its asymmetrical design is just as uncomfortable for lefties as it is comfortable for right-handed folk. And certainly some users will long for the fifth button found on some competing mice. Otherwise, the Cordless MouseMan is a fine controller.
In action, the system offers a striking balance of functionality and futuristic good looks. With its unique gray-on-black color scheme, low aerodynamic profile, and curvy, detachable palm rest, the keyboard in particular adds a sense of drama to any desktop. The mouse isn't a perfect color match, yet it does sport a distinctive two-tone finish with a pretty Logitech logo up top and a glowing red light underneath.
The price for this level of performance is paid in batteries. Although its demand is no greater than that of comparable cordless products, the keyboard does gobble up four AA batteries twice a year and the mouse uses two more every three months. Even if you use rechargeable batteries, the maintenance cost is much higher than that of corded components. Is it all worth it? If cutting-edge wireless control is truly important, there's no question. --Gordon Goble
Pros:
Cordless operation
Powerful, versatile keyboard
Optical mouse with no moving parts
Sleek profile
Full programmability
One-touch access to Internet and multimedia with onscreen confirmation
Cons:
Formidable price point
Mouse not suitable for lefties
System requires six AA batteries
One less mouse button than some competing products