Logitech's Cordless Desktop Wave Pro Set builds upon the positives of the original Wave set. The Pro version adds improved range and a better mouse with the
Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse. The mouse with this set is equipped with the added benefit of a convenient rechargeable battery. The Wave keyboard retains all of its design elements, including extra function keys and hot keys for some common tasks. Of course its main feature is the great Wave shape that I prefer to any of the other ergonomic keyboards. Considering the integrated number pad and wrist wrest, this keyboard is actually still small compared to similarly outfitted models.
The original Wave combo is still a solid keyboard and mouse set. But by adding the "Pro" set to the mix, Logitech has given customers some more choices to make. Assuming you already know that you want the "Wave" keyboard shape, here are my thoughts regarding your options.
THE CHOICES
1. If you are a right-handed (or ambidextrous) mouse user and you prefer a higher profile mouse like the
Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse, then the Wave Pro Set is the way to go to get the ergonomic keyboard and top mouse combo.
2. If you are a lefty, but think you can adjust to a flatter (lower profile) mouse, the original Wave Set is the way to go.
3. If you are a lefty, or a very picky mouse user who wants to use a more powerful or customized mouse like the
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse, then the corded
Logitech Wave Keyboard is the way to go. Plug in the mouse of your choice and you only have to live without the wireless connectivity.
PROS
+ Nice Wave keyboard I have grown to really like, very comfortable and durable
+ Keys are shaped to be closer to your fingers, requiring less hand movement
+ Integrated wrist cushion - comfy and convenient!
+ Integrated number pad in a nice form factor
+ Great wireless design for both keyboard and mouse
+ Nice MX 1100 mouse, which is perfect for most righties
+ Mouse is rechargeable conveniently via USB!
+ Improved wireless range with a supposedly more stabile connection
+ Included packaging can be used as a dust cover for the keyboard
+ Works well with Windows Vista & XP and Mac OS X
+ Weak battery indicator
+ Vista key shortcuts work nice!
+ Programmable smart keys
+ Batteries included!
+ Reasonable list price given improved mouse
+ Logitech software has improved a lot over the past year
CONS
- Mouse may still not be ideal for all; lefties and power users may need another
- Key design may not suffice for those who prefer full split ergonomic designs
- Key pad is stationary on the right side, also not-ideal for lefties
THE MOUSE
The MX 1100 is a great new design for mice that fits perfectly with this set. This mouse is very similar to the MX Revolution, and is also sold as a stand-alone product. The stand alone MX 1100 still uses batteries. This version of the MX 1100 has a convenient rechargeable battery that only requires plugging it in via USB once in a while.
One thing that comes as an unintended byproduct of the more powerful mouse are features that take some getting used to. For example, *turbo* mode allows you to click the scroll wheel and quickly scroll through long documents. If you are not familiar with this feature, you may think your mouse is broken. Simply click down on the scroll wheel to return it to *normal* mode and it should scroll in a slower / more controlled way.
The sad part of that is that the mouse from the original Wave Set has grown on me some. I used to exclusively use another mouse with the set, but recently had to go back to that one for a few days. It has a lower profile and is probably an easier adjustment for lefties.
THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard design has now been proven with almost a year of usage. The wave shape is REALLY nice, with nice sized keys that work very efficiently. This will please those who want something less extreme than full split keyboard designs but something more firm than the standard squishy keyboard. I've tried both wireless and wired models and they both perform very well.
The design of the keyboard is sturdy and comfortable. The function keys and the additional number pad are nice features. The integrated keyboard wrist pad is nice and comfortable, and the design gives you one less thing you have to have on your desk. This is a great keyboard that can be used well by lefties and righties, though it is perhaps less flexible than models with the moveable number pad such as the ambidextrous
Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard. Still, the comfort of the Wave shape gives it plenty of positives for most people.
I have actually come to prefer this to the split keyboard design after using it for a period of months. I can move my hands less and let my fingers touch the keys with ease. As a result, my typing speed has actually improved slightly.
The added range will open up this keyboard for use with a media center PC. The original offered good working distances from the USB mini-receiver, but the 2.4 GHz band has to improve upon that greatly. That makes it a solid improvement for media center applications. I've yet to determine its full range, but I plan on testing that soon.
The only concern I have about the new frequency is that many more devices have moved into this 2.4 GHz range, creating the possibility of interference. Once again, I haven't seen that happen to me yet, but I will definitely be mindful to note any such issues.
The keyboard is available in a stand-alone corded version, but most will prefer this wireless set unless you need or want to use a different mouse.
Many simply need the ergonomics of a split keyboard or other design. Of the many options for ergonomic keyboards, you may want to investigate these if the wave keyboard doesn't satisfy you.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort LaserAdesso Intellimedia MediaPro Flat Ergonomic KeyboardCONCLUSION
This set is a nice improvement and absolutely should be on your list. The original Wave set was a strong 4 star product for me, but this one has just enough improvements to get up to 5 stars. While I rarely give 5 star reviews, this one deserves it as long as you are the intended audience. So if you are a right-handed, this should be a 5 star product for you. If you are a left-handed, we will have to wait and see if Logitech plans on offering this set in a *lefty* version.
Enjoy!