Comment on Logitech Wireless Desktop MK320 Keyboard by Gadget Geek.
It just works!,
Perplexed. A keyboard and mouse combo designed for laptop, NOT the desktop. I did a double-take when I received this Logitech MK320 review unit and saw that Logitech’s target market for this product is for the laptops/notebooks/netbooks. I recently purchased the ASUS U43JC-X1 14-Inch Bamboo Laptop (10 Hours of Battery Life), so was searching for a wireless mouse. I knew I would get a lot of use out of the mouse but questioned whether the keyboard would be of any use. After using it for a few weeks, I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised!
Before getting to the review, I should note an error on Amazon’s product page (that is correct in Logitech’s documentation). The keyboard utilizes (2) AAA batteries while the mouse uses (1) AA battery. Logitech includes pre-installed alkaline batteries for both units.
SETUP:
Setting up the keyboard/mouse combo was a breeze. Taking the devices out of the box took more time! Running Win7, I just plugged in the receiver and the system instantly recognized both devices. Every time I start the computer and plug the receiver back in, there is absolutely no noticeable lag time for the keyboard/mouse to start working. This was certainly not the case with the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows, where it took a few seconds before I could begin using it.
KEYBOARD:
The keyboard has all your standard keys with several extra shortcut keys. Shortcut keys include Window Toggle (allows you to toggle between open applications), E-mail, Home Page, Music/Media, Show/Hide Desktop, Music Shortcuts (Back, Play/Pause, Next), Volume (Mute, Increase/Decrease), Calculator, and an extra backspace above the number pad. There are also a few special function keys such as turning off the computer, locking the computer, and other functions that I have yet to figure out.
The keyboard is also advertised as spill-resistant, though I hope I won’t need to test that feature.
MOUSE:
The mouse is about the size of most notebook mice. It has a left and right button with the scroll button that also doubles as the middle button when clicked. Though I am right handed, it feels comfortable enough using it with my left or right hand. The battery indicator light is situated just below the scroll wheel between the left/right buttons. The receiver snaps onto the bottom of the mouse just above the ON/OFF switch. I pack and unpack my laptop and mouse at least twice a day and the receiver has yet to come loose. The bottom of the mouse also has a battery cover release button.
The one thing lacking, more common with desktop mice than notebook, are page front/back buttons.
BATTERY LIFE:
I’ve only used the wireleess keyboard/mouse combo for about 3 weeks now so cannot attest to the advertised 15 months of keyboard battery life or the 5 months for the mouse. However, as I am a heavy user, it has worked very well thus far. There is a battery life indicator on the mouse, which has yet to turn on, and none for the keyboard. For the aforementioned Microsoft Bluetooth 5000 mouse, I would be on my second set of batteries by now.
HOW I USE IT:
As I noted above, I wasn’t sure if I would get much use out of the keyboard. My new laptop has Intel’s new Wireless Display (WiDi) technology and HDMI, so I have been using it to watch videos on my TV. While my laptop sits on my desk, I’m able to control it from my couch.
PROS:
– Excellent battery life
– Convenient shortcuts
– Receiver snaps into the bottom of the mouse
– Spill resistant keyboard
– Mouse battery cover is very secure. Not prone to pop off unless you press the battery cover release button
– Receiver snaps on securely to the bottom of the mouse
CONS:
– Included batteries aren’t rechargeable
– No battery indicator on the keyboard
– Mouse does not have forward/back buttons
CONCLUSION:
Though this wireless keyboard/mouse combo is targeted for laptop users, it should serve desktop users just as well. At a relatively inexpensive price, this combo delivers excellent battery life, great performance and convenience, and good value. I would recommend this to anyone, even for those that are just looking for a mouse as the keyboard adds considerable convenience!
EDIT (9/19/10) – After about one month of daily usage, the mouse battery just died. Not bad I’d say, but far from the advertised 5 months. I’ll try with some decent rechargeable batteries and report back!
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