Logitech MX3200 Cordless Desktop Laser (Black) by Logitech
|
Our Price: $159.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $51.00 (click here) Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
Digital camera reviews of Logitech MX3200 Cordless Desktop Laser (Black)
Digital camera Review: A Good Combination from Logitech with a Few Notable Flaws
Summary: 4 Stars
Pros: Cordless; highly functional, stylish, affordable; Logitech
Cons: No Cap & Number lock LED's.
Bottom-Line: Final analysis: Together the pair is a winner in my book, and mated with the excellent Set Point software, the Cordless Desktop MX-3200 is a clear winner.
I dislike clutter. And my desk at work is configured such that the keyboard, mouse and headphone cords run across the desktop and not only create an eyesore, but also get in the way of work. So I had to find a solution. I decided to go wireless; i.e. wireless keyboard, mouse and headphones. The first device I purchased was the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX-3200, which mates a wireless keyboard with a wireless MX-600 laser mouse (I will discuss my wireless headphones choice in a later review).
The Product
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX-3200 is a complete system that will take up a limited amount of space on the desktop. Logitech ships the combination with everything you will need to get the system up and running including (6) AA batteries (4 in the keyboard and 2 in the mouse). As with all Logitech cordless (wireless) devices shipped within the past year or so, the Cordless Desktop MX-3200 uses a very small USB transceiver to communication with the keyboard and mouse. But Logitech take this a step further by providing a convenient extender/stand for the transceiver that is ideal for the desktop; clever and practical.
The keyboard is of course matt black with white keys that are none too bright; i.e. they will be hard to see in limited lighting situations. The keys feel good under the fingers; smooth operation, but without an audible click. Functionally, the MX3200 keyboard has the (now) standard multimedia keys as well as a search section developed to take advantage of Windows Vista.
At the top of the keyboard is a handy little (non-backlit) LCD readout for the time and date. Again in low light this readout is difficult, if not impossible to read. Another little annoyance: there are no LED's on the keyboard to denote caps & number lock(s). However, there is a monitor display read out whenever either key is depressed. But I am used to the LED lights, so this will take some getting used to. Logitech wanted to perhaps save battery power by omitting the LED's but...
The MX600 laser mouse is about what I have come to expect with Logitech mice; it is just the right size, highly functional, and attractive. The right-handed mouse takes two AA sized batteries and is fitted with a handy search button that when depressed will bring up a dialog box giving you a list of possible search engines; i.e. Google, Yahoo, Microsoft Live, among others.
In addition the mouse has four other functional buttons, not including the zoom/tilt/scroll wheel. One of these buttons is a "zoom in" and "zoom out" on the side that works within any active page; i.e. it worked well with MS Word and Internet Explorer. There is "forward" and "back" button as well I use extensively while browsing. Anyone who has used the functionality of a Logitech mouse can attest to the addictive nature of these buttons.
Installation
Installation of the Cordless Desktop MX-3200 is pretty straight forward: plug in the transceiver install the batteries in the keyboard and mouse and one is set. Just to make sure everything worked the way they should I rebooted my Windows XP computer after which the transceiver was recognized by the OS and the mouse and keyboard worked flawlessly.
I then installed the Logitech Set Point software package, which consumes about 43MB of disk space. Set Point enables one to fully customize almost every button on the keyboard and mouse, though the interface could be more attractive.
Conclusion
Goodbye cords, hello cordless wonder. The Cordless Desktop MX-3200 was a wise choice at a decent price-point. There are a plethora of other choices on the market, but form my money Logitech does input devices, be they keyboard or mice, the best.
The MX 3200 keyboard is one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of typing on using; the keys give a nice tactile feedback yet have a soft touch and feel. The key layout coupled with the ergonomics of the keyboard; i.e. palm rest, make the MX3200 suited for long-term use. I do however miss the LED readouts for cap & number lock.
The MX600 mouse continues Logitech's leadership in pointing devices. Highly functional, precise, stylish, and comfortable to use, the mouse is the perfect mate for the keyboard. Together the pair is a winner in my book, and mated with the excellent Set Point software, the Cordless Desktop MX-3200 is a clear winner.
Digital camera Review: A definite A+ product
Summary: 5 Stars
I got one of these with my new Dell and loved it so much I bought another from Amazon for my husband's computer. The mouse is especially comfortable for me, and the keyboard is great since I usually put it in my lap. Both have more features than I'll ever use, but there is always the possibility that I'll learn!Digital camera Review: A nice product
Summary: 4 Stars
I got this product on a deal; I just paid $50.
So, the value for the money is awesome.
I was able to get rid of 2 cables and free one USB port.
It has many useful keys (like opening MS Word or Excel); you need to get used to them to like this feature.
When I upgraded my computer (from XP to Windows 7), I had issues connecting the keyboard.
I called their Tech Support; they were so helpful.
In less than 30 min, they got my keyboard running.
When I am shopping for an electronic item next time, Logitech is one of the first few places I would check.
Digital camera Review: Acceptable Wireless Keyboard/Mouse -- with reservations
Summary: 3 Stars
I am of the opinion that the designer of this keyboard doesn't have a left hand little finger -- or sticks it straight out like a tea drinker. The placement of the zoom, etc. controls on the left side of the keyboard is maddening. The keyboard also isn't "centered" properly, so when I type (keyboard on lap), I have to shift the keyboard to the right. I agree with other reviews that the date/time window is difficult to read and therefore basically useless. On the plus side, the volume controls are particularly nice, better than the rotary style. I'm also not enamoured of the mouse. My previous keyboard mouse combination, also from Logitech, included an optical mouse instead of laser, which was much more accurate and responsive. If you need a cordless mouse for gaming, this one won't please you, but for business purposes, it's fine. System is compatible with Windows Vista, and the keyboard has a nice "feel", neither too stiff nor too loose. If it weren't for those left-hand zoom controls, I'd rate this combination much higher.Digital camera Review: Aggravating
Summary: 2 Stars
Both the keyboard and mouse are comfortable to use. However, I find the wireless mouse to be eratic and jumpy. I've cleaned the lens, tried different mouse pads, repositioned the USB dongle and waited through compute-intensive processes on my computer to no avail. My pet peeve with the keyboard is the zoom control along the right edge. It is hyper-sensitive. If so much as a single sheet of paper touches the edge of the keyboard, it wildly and unexpectedly zooms the content on screen. To make matters worse, the 100% button on my keyboard (which should restore the screen to normal magnification) doesn't work.