Customer Reviews

Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard

5 star:		(143)
4 star:		(52)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(22)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

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:
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,2252551,00.asp?kc=ETRSS02129TX1K0000532

As mentioned before, I have never been impressed by Logitech Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combos. In fact, I have not been impressed with Bluetooth technology as a whole. RF seems far more reliable and works at much greater distances. Bluetooth is OK for cell phone headsets but I have never thought of it as a sensible wireless technology for keyboards, mice, or anything else in my home. I am happy to say that Logitech has changed my mind, and has proven to me that this technology can work in a home or office setting. They now use Bluetooth 2.0 technology and claim a range of 30 feet. I have tested both the mouse and keyboard at a range of roughly 16 feet and they continue to work very well. My only complaints are as follows:

- Scrolling feature on mouse sometimes hesitates, but eventually smooths out.
- Caluculator button on keyboard uses keyboard LCD as a calculator, rather than bringing up the Windows calculator.
- Keyboard volume controls use LCD to display volume level, and the level indicated is not very accurate.
- No included USB extension cable and/or desktop Bluetooth receiver (they just give you a USB dongle).

Other than these small complaints, I am very happy with my new MX 5500 wireless keyboard/mouse combo. It appears that Logitech got it right this time. I am still not a big fan of Bluetooth technology, but the MX 5500 may potentially change my outlook altogether. One little thing to mention, the Bluetooth USB dongle that Logitech gives you should really not be plugged into the back of a PC, but rather out in front or preferably up on the desktop itself. I would suggest using a USB extension cable. Logitech should have included one with the MX 5500 kit. In fact, I am using the little USB cable and stand that Logitech included with the MX 3200 RF combo kit. Why they didn't include one of these with the MX 5500 is anybody's guess. So if you are considering the MX 5500 for youself, but have been holding back because of the troubled Bluetooth problems from previous models, I can honestly tell you that my experience has been wonderful and trouble free. At over $160, this combo is not for everyone. But if you have been waiting, as I have, for a wireless combo that includes the fabulous MX Revolution laser mouse, then order up the MX 5500 today and try it for yourself. I think Logitech has really done it right this time! =o)

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.

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%" 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 keyboard is fairly quiet when in operation.

- Power Consumption
The keyboard uses 4 AA batteries. The battery life is pretty decent. I've owned the combo set for 2 months now and I'm still on the same set of batteries (I'm using 2400 mAh rechargeables). At this point, the battery indicator on the Logitech SetPoint application says it has 30 days' worth of battery life left.


>> MOUSE & KEYBOARD <<

- Connectivity
The keyboard and mouse both use Bluetooth wireless technology. I was able to set them up very quickly and easily - without a hitch. The Bluetooth connectivity has proven to be extremely reliable. Neither the keyboard nor mouse has lost connectivity since I had them set up - not once - a pleasant surprise, considering my old Dell bluetooth combo dropped out of connection several times a day. The wireless range is equally amazing. I tested the Bluetooth connection by bringing the keyboard and mouse to a room adjacent to the one my computer was housed, and lo and behold, both the keyboard and mouse worked!

- Response
I am unable to perceive any lag in the responses of both the mouse and keyboard. Even after the units have gone to sleep after a period of inactivity, it takes no time, or at most a split second, to wake up and respond to any keystrokes or mouse movements.


>> Conclusion

The keyboard is more on the large side for me (larger keyboards seem to be the norm now). Otherwise, it is top-notch and one of the best keyboards I've ever used. The mouse earns high marks for its ergonomics, styling, performance, and innovative hyper-scrolling feature - It's the best mouse I have ever used, and I've run through quite a few from Logitech. Overall, the desktop set has performed exceptionally well and I have never encountered any quirks or annoyances. I don't think you can go wrong with this one!

Sorry in advance for the book, but seeing as how this product is amazingly overrated in my opinion, I feel like I need to expound in great detail and with concrete examples of why I am rating a product that so many others seem to love so lowly. I urge you to consider the following points very carefully and diligently try to use this keyboard in person before (literally) buying into the feature hype. On paper it sounds cool, but I have been sorely disappointed with it.

I rate this keyboard/mouse combo two stars instead of one because for general use, it will do, and one specific feature (the scroll flywheel) is genuinely clever. However, it has some significant limitations that detract significantly from its usefulness; limitations that for this price, there really is no excuse for. Feel free to read on as far as you can tolerate for my issues with it, roughly in order of importance to me.

First of all, maybe I was just spoiled from the G15 keyboard I used to use, but the LCD is not backlit. This, combined with the discernible distance between the LCD pixels, makes it difficult to read except in well-lit conditions at a somewhat optimal viewing angle. Even under these conditions, almost everything in non-large letters is difficult to read and requires a conscious effort to do so. It would have been nice to at least have a button that would back-light the LCD for a few seconds.

Tiny little function keys annoy me. On this keyboard, not only are they tiny, but they are low-profile compared to other keys and scrunched closely together and in odd groupings. There is also no separation between the keys, so if you're touch typing or gaming, it's extremely impractical to be able to tell where one ends and the next one starts. No matter how proficient you are at using a keyboard, you must resign yourself to having to hunt-and-peck for the function keys even after months of usage.

Look carefully above the number keypad. Notice that little calculator button in the top right? Normally, a calculator button launches the calculator utility on whatever operating system (OS) you happen to be using. However, on this keyboard, it does not. Instead, it puts the number keypad and LCD into a special "calculator" mode with no interaction with the OS at all. There are several problems with this "feature," and it just wasn't thought out by Logitech. For one thing, I *like* my OS's calculators. The keyboard calculator function doesn't include a memory or scientific functions (forget exponents, square roots, easy access to pi, etc.). It is actually less functional than simple small pocket calculators that banks and insurance salesmen give out for free, and you're stuck using the aforementioned hard-to-read LCD to see your results. For another, Logitech's answer to not having a memory function is that you can configure the software to copy answers to the OS's clipboard when you press the number keypad enter key. However, this is the ONLY OS interaction you get. You can't paste numbers into the keyboard's calculator, and you sure as heck can't run multiple instances of the calculator.

You cannot disable or reassign the calculator button on the keyboard. Logitech simply doesn't give you a choice of what you want it to do, and if you accidentally hit it, it throws your number keypad into its weird calculator mode. Speaking of which, it IS a weird calculator mode. When in calc mode, ONLY the number keypad works to enter numbers. (The number keys over the letters do not.) ONLY the Enter key on the number keypad performs calculations. (The Enter key above the right Shift doesn't.) This is honestly the most boneheaded design for a calculator I've seen.

Speaking of boneheaded keys, look closely at the little button to the right of the calculator button. It's a "sleep" button. It's VERY easy to hit this button by accident, it's even lower-profile than the other buttons, so barely brushing it presses it. And of course, the default action of the button is to immediately put your computer into "sleep" mode with no confirmation or warning. The first time this happened, I was staring wide-eyed (and wide-mouthed) at my monitor wondering, "What the [bleep!] is going on?" This little exercise in frustration will cause you many minutes of wasted time until you get everything started back up again. If you do end up with one of these keyboards, one of the first things you should do is to go into the software and change that button's functionality to "Do Nothing."

Speaking of software, the included SetPoint software positively stinks. The actions to perform for hitting a button are EXTREMELY limited, you can only pick from one of a few things. For example, if you want to reprogram that "sleep" button, you only have five options: Sleep, Restart, Shutdown, Log off, and Do Nothing. You can't launch a custom program, you can't run a script or macro, or anything else. Logitech as decided in its infinite wisdom that because there's a picture of an on/off logo on the button, those are the ONLY things you would ever possibly want to do with it. Do you want to transpose the F4 (calendar) and F6 (messenger) buttons because you like it better that way? Too bad. Also some keys (see calculator button) can't be programmed at all. The "Favorites" keys (of which there are only four) can only be programmed to launch applications, and only in a very bizarre manner (launch the application, hold down the favorite key for 2-3 seconds) that doesn't allow running an app with command-line parameters and imposing various other extreme restrictions.

And speaking of keys that can't be programmed, see that "Clear Calc" key that is where the Num Lock key is on most other keyboards? That is a key designed specifically for this keyboard's calculator function and, when not in use, is hardwired to function as a backspace. Instead of having it function as the Num Lock when not in calculator mode, or even have it optionally programmable to perform the Num Lock function, it is yet another dead key to me, destined to never be pressed. Like the calculator button, it is NOT programmable in SetPoint. This has the added mind-boggling inconvenince that there is NO Num Lock key. No, I'm not kidding. There is no way to access non-Num Lock functionality, so if you're one of the unfortunate who use the number keypad as your cursor keypad, delete key, etc., you're just out of luck. (Tip: This is NOT documented anywhere, but I found out that if you hold down shift, you can access the non-Num Lock functionality of the number keypad. However, there's no way to lock this functionality, so I hope you don't mind holding down Shift a lot.)

Also, this might not be important to you, but it most certainly is to me. SetPoint is Windows-only software. This means that if you use Linux or MacOS or anything else, you are destined to have issues. You cannot program ANY of the buttons. Because SetPoint is used to initialize the clock, if you try to use this keyboard with, for example, a Mac, the LCD will forever be stuck with the text "NO CONNECTION" / "NO TIME & DATE" on it. Also, though I haven't personally verified this, I've read reports that it does not process the "I'm shutting down" Bluetooth signal from other OSes. As a result, the Bluetooth radio on the keyboard stays on 24x7, causing the batteries to burn out in a few days or a couple of weeks instead of the months it normally is supposed to. In short, this is pretty much a Windows-only keyboard.

Among other things, I like to play video games. If you do too, you need to be aware that this keyboard has serious "chording" issues. For those not familiar with the term, many games have game functions such as moving, jumping, shooting, and so on mapped to specific keyboard keys. For example, the W key might move a character forward, and Alt-F3 might switch weapons. In normal, non-gaming use, one might never encounter a reason to press both W and Alt-F3 at the same time, so many keyboard manufacturers lower production costs by mapping multiple keys to various circuits so that it's impossible to pass the fact that three keys such as those are being pressed to the underlying operating system. This is a keyboard such as that. I've encountered several key combinations in games that just plain don't work. If you're a gamer, DO NOT buy this keyboard, as it is HIGHLY likely that you will have moderate to serious issues playing!

I haven't mentioned the mouse very much so far. I will start by saying that I do like the flywheel feature that you can use to spin the wheel freely. Once you get used to it, it makes scrolling through long documents considerably easier. However, the button-lock functionality is a bit wonky. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It's not a big deal, but they need to engineer it a bit better. Also...

The "search" button is just plain silly. It is located in an extraordinarily inconvenient place, just under the wheel, where it is very easy to hit accidentally. And when it is, whatever window you were working in immediately loses focus and a browser window pops up to whatever search engine you've selected (Yahoo as default). Very irritating! This is likely the second button you will quickly map to "do nothing" in SetPoint.

The "Document Flip" wheel on the side borders on misrepresented. Please be aware: It is NOT a wheel! It is what electricians call a 3-state rocker switch. You can push it forward and back, but it doesn't rotate. The Document Flip functionality is another thing that is extremely irritating. I would have expected it to use the familiar Alt-Tab interface to move back and forth through applications. Instead, it steals the focus from whatever window you're in, pops up its own proprietary window, not-so-helpfully moves your mouse cursor to its own window, and won't go away until you pick something, click the X in the corner, or hit escape. Also, again, SetPoint highly limits your actions for the Document Flipper. I think it might be useful to switch tabs in my browser, for instance, or switch among open application windows for apps such as Word or Excel. But of course, those just plain aren't options. Even more curious, there's not even a "do nothing" option to disable the Document Flipper! (Hint: Select Multiple Keystrokes and simply don't assign any keystrokes to it.)

Also, while the mouse is comfortable enough, the "wing" design has a serious drawback. If you need to move the mouse further than the limits of your mousepad, it's likely that you automatically pick it up and move it to the other side of the mouse pad to keep moving it over. Since I use big monitors, this is a rote action that I don't even think about. Well, DIDN'T think about. Because of the "wing" design and odd placement of the optical sensor, it's almost like the mouse is super-sensitive. I now have to make a deliberate effort to pick the mouse up at least a half inch or so off the mousepad to relocate it, or else when I move it over to the other side, my cursor "jerks" as if it is still on the mousepad. This problem is exacerbated by mouse acceleration. Sometimes the action of picking my mouse up to move the cursor one more inch to the right causes my cursor to fly to the left edge of the screen when I try to reorient it on my mousepad.

While not a complaint, for the price that Logitech is charging for this mouse, it would have been nice to have a removeable battery with a replacement included to avoid ever running out of charge. They did this with their G7 mouse and it was a great idea. However, with this one, no juice, no use until you put it in the charging unit and wait a while for it to recharge.

My last complaint about this product is really more towards the company, even the industry, as a whole. I suppose one might chalk it up to "personal preference," but it is extremely annoying. As you can see from the picture of this keyboard, they have a non-standard layout of the home, end, insert, delete, page up, and page down keys. Unfortunately, it seems that the new standard is to be non-standard, with different manufacturers having different layouts that they've decided is optimum. Even more puzzling, Logitech themselves have different standards for different keyboards! (Compare this keyboard's layout with: the G15, the Classic Keyboard 200, and the diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks. Four different keyboards, four different layouts.)

Well, I'm sorry but in my opinion, throwing away a standard that has been around since 1986 was really boneheaded. I'm not saying that companies should never try different layouts, but now, it is getting extremely hard to find a keyboard based on the keyboard layout that has been the de facto standard over 20 years. If a company decides to tinker with the layout, I expect them to keep offering the de facto standard on keyboards other than non-gaming keyboards, I expect them to at least be consistent with themselves across different lines, and I would hope that they would try to eventually come to some kind of consensus with other manufacturers. Very disappointing!

Until very recently, I've always liked Logitech keyboards. They produced top-notch, quality products and invented many clever features that made all keyboards and mice better. However, I really think that Logitech is now getting too clever for its own good, adding features that detract from their products in irritation and frustration. I do hope that they return to a "simpler is better" philosophy for at least a few product lines. To be fair, Microsoft (their main competitor) is making many of the very same mistakes, and if they continue down this path, it won't be long before a third party comes along and takes over market share. Until they either learn from their mistakes or something better comes along, I would suggest saving your money and frustration and going with a much less expensive, much more standard solution, or if you can live with a cord, going with one of their gaming keyboards even if you're not a gamer. I've had this product for a few months now, hoping that eventually I'll get used to it, but I just haven't.

About 9 months ago I bought a large LCD screen TV for my living room and hooked up my computer from the next room to it. So I needed a keyboard and mouse to control the computer from the living room, about 25 feet away with a wall in between. I needed a bluetooth keyboard & mouse combo and purchased the Logitech MX5000. Eventhough it worked, it had a lot flaws. It would often disconnect. Mouse would jump all over the place. Keys would repeat itself. I looked around for alternatives, but could not find anything until recently.

Logitech 5500 looks almost identical to the previous model, but with substantial improvements. I do not have any of the problems I encountered with the MX5000. Keyboard and mouse have a very good feel to it. I am very pleased with this model, I highly reccomend this MX5500 to everyone.

The Revolution is a GREAT product. I lie to you not.

Keyboard: whisper-quiet (perfect for when I need to do work and my roommate needs to sleep), function keys are perfect and DEFINITELY programmable, style of the lettering on the keys is modern and streamline (they even indicate which keys, in combo with CTRL, produce common effects, i.e. bold, italics, cut, copy, paste, etc.). Screen shows number of new e-mails, music that's playing from media players (including iTunes), PC temperature and time/date.

Mouse: form-fitting to the hand, several buttons that make navigation so much easier, recharge batteries with stand that gives it 15 days of working ability.

As for Windows 7 users, if you have issues with this model and displaying information/syncing to your computer, go to [...] and download the latest software for SetPoint and do a hard restart of the keyboard (take the batteries out and make sure it is COMPLETELY off). It works like a dream! =)

My keyboard is falling apart after only more than a year old. The plastic keys now get stuck and stiff to use. It's a disappointment for such an expensive keyboard. My other dinovo keyboard does not charge either. Now I really think Logitech has reliability and quality problem.

I'm on my second set of the MX 5500. As I am writing this they are sending me another unit. It is very frustrating to all of a sudden to have your mouse and/or keyboard just stop working. Think twice about purchasing this product.

I was originally using the Logitech MX-500 wireless desktop - I wanted a mouse that I could recharge without popping batteries, and it worked well to that end. The mouse wasn't comfortable, I ended up hot-gluing some foam to the right side of the mouse. The plastic wrist rest on the keyboard lasted about 6 months before snapping off.

No, this isn't a review about the MX-500, but I wanted to state where I was coming from before getting to the real review:

The MX 5500 has been exactly what I've wanted for years. The mouse is as comfortable the first moment as it is hours later of continual use. The battery meter gives a better sense of the battery's health than an LED that changes from one color to another when it's critical. And, it charges in a base without popping batteries!

The keyboard is...pretty nice. I wish it had a volume dial instead of 2 quirky buttons (sometimes when I press to lower the volume once, it lowers all the way. Sometimes I press once to raise it, it goes to 100% immediately). I also wish it stayed on the screen I selected (I tend to like seeing the temperature, maybe it's new toy syndrome, but it doesn't stay there when I come back the next day). The fact that it needs 4 batteries was a surprise, but not an irritating one (I'm using NiZn batteries, and they seem to last better than NiMH, and nothing has blown up yet, so yay).

A word of warning, do not plug the USB Bluetooth adaptor into any part of the computer you have to walk past. I dinged it once with my foot, and luckily there was no damage, but I imagine this thing would be easy to bend or snap if it were hit hard enough. In the back of the computer, where only the spiders live, it's been much, much happier.

The price was a bit higher than I'd expect, but on the whole, I'd pay that price if I had to do this all over again. A recommended buy.

I have used Logitech products for over least 10 years and have had no significant problems but this one does not fit into this category. The first unit I received from Amazon had a problem with the sleep button. It simply did not work. I also had problems setting information on the small display unit on the keyboard. This was confirmed with a call to Logitech tech support. They asked me to ship the unit back to them free of charge. Upon receiving the defective they shipped me again free of charge a replacement unit. The second unit had more serious problems than the first. The keyboard kept disconnecting from the blue tooth controller and I was constanly required to reconnect the keyboard. While the sleep button did work I still could not set data in display window. I decided to return the profuct to Amazon for a refund. Thank GHod for Amazon's return policy. For the price of this product it should work flawlessly. I would not recommend purchase of this product. Now my search continues for a wireless desktop.