Features:
- Keyboard and mouse combo
- Wireless interface, use the mouse anywhere within 6 feet of the keyboard
- iTouch buttons give you one-touch access to the Internet and multimedia controls
- Optical mouse can be used on nearly any surface with enhanced response and control
- Attractive silver and black detailing
Description:
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
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