New Product Review
Logitech MX-5000 Wireless
Keyboard and Mouse
R. Allen Leider
Business, Finance and Technology Editor
 Ordinary keyboards and mice only send information to your PC, but the Logitech® Cordless Desktop® MX™ 5000 Laser is the world´s first intelligent desktop that also sends information back to the user. It's the smart desktop that combines an LCD keyboard display, a high-speed wireless hub with Bluetooth® and SecureConnect™ technology, the precision of a MX™ Laser mouse, and innovative touch-sensitive media controls. Combine this with a Logitech Ultra Vision or Fusion Quick Cam, and you have a cutting edge combination for the best in home or business computing.
I couldn't wait to hook this peripheral to my PC. In a few minutes I took a quantum leap into the wonderful world of Bluetooth wireless technology and made input chores a breeze.  The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser is Logitech's newest and best desktop keyboard-mouse combo and it's a marvellous matching of technology with features that are both unique and impressive for users of all ages. The streamlined black and silver keyboard features a built-in LCD on the keyboard that helps users manage the constant flow of information that their desktops generates minute by minute. The LCD screen can display e-mail and instant message notifications, favorite playlists and Internet radio stations. There are other messages as well, such as the status of the caps lock and F lock keys, volume levels and mute - the keyboard also alleviates visual clutter that would ordinarily be displayed on the computer monitor.  These capabilities mark an evolutionary leap in the role of a cordless keyboard and mouse on a desktop PC. This keyboard is more than just an input device because it's Bluetooth connectivity gives it the ability to send information to and receive information from the computer. This makes it a smart device and turns the host computer into a Bluetooth wireless hub, as it features the new Bluetooth 2.0 Enhanced Data Rate wireless technology.

The rechargeable MX™ Laser mouse is very comfortable in the hand and features quick recharge in it's base.  It comes 20x the tracking power of standard optical, the MX™ Laser mouse delivers record-setting performance on virtually any surface except clear glass. The rapid-charging base station ensures that your MX™ Laser mouse is always ready to go. The extended battery life enables you to work and play longer between charges.  The Mouse feature Tilt wheel Plus Zoom™, Side-to-side scrolling and in/out zoom.

By connecting the wireless USB Mini-Receiver equipped with Bluetooth technology to your PC lets you do voice over IP  ( VOIP ) with a headset, transfer pictures from a mobile phone, listen to music through Bluetooth® enabled headphones and much more.  The receiver looks much like a flash memory module. Set it up quickly and easily. With Logitech´s new SecureConnect™ technology, your keyboard and mouse have been pre-paired to the wireless mini-receiver, providing a secure link with your computer so you can use everything right out of the box without hassle.  Receive notification of new IM or email messages, view application information, check the date and time, or see caps lock status at a glance. All multimedia functions are easily asseccible with the MX-5000's Touch-sensitive media controls. The controls allow you to glide to the desired volume or image size and programmable smart keys launch your favorite applications, websites or folders instantly.

The MX™ 5000 Laser also works seamlessly with your Windows Media Center PC, allowing you to control your computer from up to 60 feet away.
One-touch synchronization is possible with Bluetooth® enabled phones such as the Motorola Q phone and others.  You can also synchronize your PC calendar and address book with your mobile phone or PDA via the Bluetooth hub created with the MX-5000's transmitter.  Bluetooth® 2.0 Wireless technology with SecureConnect™ technology has Enhanced Data Rate provides three times the speed of previous versions of Bluetooth® technology and an extended range of up to 60 feet — with virtually no interference from other devices.

The unit has Smart power management and there are Illuminated battery indicators on both the keyboard and mouse let you know when it's time to recharge.

Specifications

System Requirements    Package Contents
• PC with Pentium® processor or compatible   • MX™ 5000 keyboard for Bluetooth®
• Windows XP (Home, Pro, Tablet or Media Center Edition)   • MX™ 1000 Laser mouse for Bluetooth®
• USB port   • USB Bluetooth® mini-receiver
• CD-ROM drive   • Rapid-charging base station with AC adapter
Product Specifications    • 4 AA alkaline batteries
• Dot Matrix LCD at 102 x 42 pixels (LCD supports Western characters only)    • CD with software, comfort guidelines and Help Center
• Touch Sensitive Zone with 2 strips and 7 backlit controls   • Quick Start Guide
• MX Laser Engine™ with 800-dpi resolution and 5.8-Megapixel image processing   • 3-Year limited warranty
• Mouse with Li-ion batteries and Fast Charging Station
• Bluetooth 2.0 EDR Technology
• Support for Widcomm BTW 5.0 and Microsoft XPSP2 Bluetooth stacks
• Bluetooth Profiles: Audio Gateway, AV, Basic Imaging, Dial-up Network, File Transfer, Hard Cable Replacement, Headset, Human Interface Device, Local Area Network, Object Exchange, Serial Port, Synch

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