The speed you need. The control you crave. This is the only Cordless Desktop to feature our rechargeable MX Revolution hyper-fast scrolling laser mouse, and a dynamic keyboard display.
$ 130.00
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Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard
Bluetooth Bundle – Logitech May Have Done It Right This Time!,
I have been a fan of Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combos for several years, and have owned nearly every new model they have come out with. My family has three computers, and all of them get used several hours a day, so I replace they keyboards and mice quite regularly. Logitech has always impressed me with their RF combo models, which have a great range and an extremely reliable signal. However, recently Logitech started dabbling with Bluetooth, and I have been disappointed with them for doing so. When the MX 5000 desktop combo was first released, I was quick to snag one immediately. It took me over two hours, and several reinstallations of the SetPoint software in order to get the combo to work. I encountered similar frustrations when I purchased the diNovo Laser combo for my wife’s PC. Both of these keyboard/mouse combos use Bluetooth wireless to communicate with the PC, and both have proven to be extremely unreliable and frustrating to use. Many of the problems involved keystrokes not being recognized, sluggish mouse response, or even one of the devices losing connection entirely; requiring device reset or a complete reboot of the computer. I recently replaced both the MX 5000 and diNovo combos with Logitech’s RF model MX 3200, which works flawlessly, and I swore that I would never buy a Bluetooth wireless desktop combo from Logitech again. Well, when I saw that Logitech was releasing a combo that offered the MX Revolution mouse, I just had to have it. You can imagine how disappointed I was to see that Logitech had decided to make this a Bluetooth set. Why would they do this? After all of the problems people have had with recent Bluetooth models, and all of the complaints that have been posted all over the net, I Should think that Logitech would have learned their lesson! Yet I had hope that maybe Logitech had learned from their mistakes and had improved the design and communication of this new model. I decided to order the MX 5500, as soon as it was released, and I have been using mine for the past few days. So far I am VERY impressed.
Installing the MX 5500 system was far better than my previous experience with Logitech Bluetooth combos. As recommended by Logitech, I first uninstalled my previous SetPoint installation and rebooted the computer. I still found that I had to use my MX 3200 keyboard and mouse to let logged into my computer, as Windows had still not detected the new Bluetooth dongle (included with the MX 5500) I had inserted into a USB port. Once I was logged into my Windows account it popped up a message saying that new hardware had been detected. Windows first sees it as a USB hub, and soon installs a two new HID devices, one for the keyboard and one for the mouse. I was then able to remove my 2.4GHz RF dongle for the MX 3200 combo, and my new MX 5500 was working just fine. This is BEFORE I reinstalled the SetPoint software! Logitech has found a way to pair the MX 5500 devices at the factory, to make it easier to install your new devices. This improvement alone won some big points with me. I then proceeded to install the included SetPoint 4.24 software, included with the MX 5500 combo. Installation was a breeze and a Bluetooth Connection Assistant soon popped up on the screen. It showed that the MX Revolution mouse was connected but that the keyboard was not. As the Connection Assistant suggested, I pushed the little red “Connect” button, located on the bottom of the keyboard, and was soon prompted to enter a 4-digit PIN number from the keyboard. After completing these simple steps my keyboard was successfully connected, and both the keyboard and mouse have remained connected every since.
I spent some time customizing the features of my new MX 5500, which can take a while since there are so many possibilities with this combo. The so-called backlit 2.95- x .79-inch LCD on the keyboard is very nice. This display can be toggled to several different modes, including time/date, media (shows artist name, song title, and progress bar), temperature, ABCD “favorites” key assignments, key counter, and e-mail inbox. Very impressive is the fact that the LCD updates quite quickly, when you receive a new e-mail or start playing a music track. This LCD also displays information like Caps Lock status, calculator, volume level, mute indicator, low battery warning, etc. The LCD is not really backlit, persé, but rather has a type of reflective property that shows up really well (if you have enough ambient light in the room).
I will not go on about every feature of this desktop combo. Most everyone will have already heard of (or used) the Logitech MX Revolution wireless laser mouse. The only change made to MX Revolution, from the original, is the change from 2.4GHz RF to Bluetooth. For a complete review of the new MX 5500 wireless keyboard/mouse combo, please look here:…
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|Not a real upgrade from the MX5000,
I have been using Logitech products for many years and have always found them to be of the highest quality and innovation. However, I was somewhat disappointed with MX5500 Desktop. I base this on a direct comparison with the MX5000 Desktop which this product is designed to replace.
The Keyboard: The MX5500 keyboard doesn’t really improve on the MX5000 keyboard. The display is smaller and you have to scroll to access some features that are included in the main MX5000 display. The section of the MX5500 that contains the display is raised higher than the MX5000 which makes the keyboard taller. In my case, with the legs extended, the top of the keyboard rubbed against the bottom of my desktop. (My desk has a slide out keyboard platform. I would expect folks with similar arangements or who use keyboard drawers to have the same problem.) In general,the MX5500 keyboard feels lighter and less substantial than the MX5000. I think the silver/blue and black colors of the MX5000 make for a “classier” appearance. I also prefer the detachable wrist rest on the MX5000 (a concern if space is a consideration.) In a nod to the MX5500, I do not miss the touch sentitive keys for Zoom and Volume control on the MX5000.
The Mouse: I absolutely love the scroll wheel on the MX Revolution Mouse! That said, I much prefer the shape of the MX1000 Laser mouse that comes with the MX5000 Desktop. For me, it just feels more comfortable and is less fatiguing to use over extended periods. With the exception of the scroll wheel operation and search button on the MX Revolution, the mice are functionally identical. Additionally, the time between charges is longer with the MX1000 Laser mouse.
The Bluetooth Connection: Much has been written about the issues (drop outs, mouse lag) with the Bluetooth connection on the MX5000 Desktop. These have been corrected with firmware updates and the later releases of the Setpoint software. I fould no such issues with the MX5500 and consider the two equal in this area. Both units use the same BT 2.0 dongle.
In Summary: The MX5500 is a good product. I just don’t see it as an advance over the MX5000. I would recommend purchasing the MX5000 while you can – it is less expensive (plus a $40 rebate!), does just about everything the MX5500 does and has a better display. In my case, I returned the MX5500 and ordered another MX5000 to have in case the one I am using breaks (and before they are no longer available). Of course, all opinions are subjective – your mileage may vary.
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|Logitech’s Flagship Keyboard and Mouse Combo,
I got the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution to replace my Dell Bluetooth Keyboard-Mouse Combo, which I strongly advise you to steer clear of.
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution comprises the MX Revolution mouse and the MX 5500 keyboard. I have evaluated each unit individually (under the headers, MX REVOLUTION MOUSE, and MX 5500 KEYBOARD) and in combination (under the header MOUSE & KEYBOARD).
>> MX REVOLUTION MOUSE <<
– Function
The MX Revolution has, of course, the usual controls on a mid-range to high-end mouse: forward button, back button, and scroll-wheel. The scroll-wheel is clickable and can be rocked from side to side (default function: horizontal scrolling). In addition, there is another button located right behind the scroll-wheel (default function: Internet search). The mouse also has a thumb-wheel (default function: Document Flip). What sets this mouse apart is its much-hyped hyper scrolling feature.
– Hyper Scrolling
I didn’t understand what all the fuss over this Hyper Scrolling business was about, but after I saw it in action – boy, was I impressed. The Hyper Scrolling feature is used thus:
1. A quick flick of the wheel in either direction sets the wheel spinning like a flywheel, and correspondingly, sends a scroll bar moving very rapidly in the designated direction – a useful feature for speeding through those arduously long Web pages or documents with ease.
2. For regular scrolling, turn the wheel as you would normally. The wheel actually responds with feedback so the user feels each notch as the wheel is turned (“click-to-click” mode). What’s amazing is the feel of the wheel is indistinguishable from that of a regular mouse.
3. The wheel can also be set (using the SetPoint application) to scroll smoothly (“free spin” mode). A smart electronic mechanism in the mouse controls whether the scroll-wheel is in “click-to-click” or “free spin” mode. Nifty!
4. Hyper Scrolling can be disabled with the SetPoint application if you choose not to use it.
– Tracking
The MX Revolution uses a laser for tracking instead of an optical sensor that picks up images taken by a built-in camera. The primary advantage of laser over optical mice is that laser mice can track on any surface. This mouse took on surfaces that my optical mice had trouble tracking – with no problems. The tracking resolution is 800 dpi, which some people find to be slightly low. I find that it provides very smooth and accurate tracking regardless.
– Customization
For whatever reason, Logitech decides that you should have complete customization on all the buttons except one, namely, the thumb wheel located on the side of the mouse. For this button, you’re limited to the following choices: Document Flip, Zoom, Volume, Media, Thumb Scroll, and keystrokes customization for each of the forward, back, and wheel-click motions of the thumb-wheel.
– Power Consumption
A full charge of the mouse usually lasts me about 6-7 days with heavy use (8 or more hours a day). The mouse fully charges in about 2 hours. The battery indicator in the Logitech SetPoint software shows the battery level in terms of “days” and “percentage” of remaining power. When the mouse is fully charged, the indicator always shows “9 days” and “100{b81fbfd19e1fca5890798868c0714c408bbd5ec471654b6f9630c0fffa6e7eb3}” in remaining battery power. I reckon with moderate use, the battery indicator should be a fairly accurate gauge.
– Ergonomics
The MX Revolution continues the tradition of Logitech’s line of exceptionally well-designed and ergonomic mice. The placement of the scroll-wheel, the thumb-wheel, and all buttons are perfect for me as they are within comfortable reach of my fingers. The mouse is ergonomically shaped and fits very comfortably in my hand (I have average-sized hands). Last, I should also mention that this mouse is designed for right-handed use only. Sorry, lefties.
>> MX 5500 KEYBOARD <<
– Size
The keyboard has a sizable footprint. The dimensions are approximately 18.5″ x 9″ x 1.5″ (Length x Width x Height measured at the widest points). The wrist rest is, unfortunately, not detachable.
– Weight
The keyboard isn’t what I would call light, but it’s not intolerably heavy either. In terms of the ease of portability, I wish it was just a tad lighter. On the other hand, its moderate weight also helps to keep it securely weighted down on its rubber feet so it doesn’t slide around while you’re typing.
– Ergonomics
The wrist-rest helps a little with fatigue. Its has a rubberized texture and has a nice soft feel to it. The tactile feel of the keys is more like that on a “regular” keyboard rather than on a laptop keyboard. The…
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