Page 1: Intro, Parts
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<b>Intro</b>:
In my opinion, <a href="http://www.logitech.com">Logitech</a> makes the best computer input devices, period. They pioneered both desktop laser mice and wireless mice, paving the way for the amazing »MX1000 to come to fruition. Unfortunately, the MX mouse series is rather expensive, and the »MX3100 isn't exactly easy on the wallet, either. Finally, there is an affordable, cost-effective solution: the MX3000 Laser Combo. This nice kit combines the MX3000 keyboard with the MX600 Laser mouse.
<b>Box</b>:
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You can spot Logitech's products a mile away, since most of their gear is sold in their signature green and white boxes.
<b>Parts</b>:
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</center>
Here we have a pretty standard assortment of parts. You get two sets of AA batteries, the mouse and keyboard, the receiver, documentation, and some software. Missing from the box is the USB to PS2 converter. The spec sheet does list the convertor as being included, so this may be an isolated case. Nevertheless, it wasn't in the box that I picked up.
<b>The Receiver</b>:
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The receiver is very light in weight and comes in the usual black color. The combo comes pre-connected so there is no setup other than plugging in the receiver. It has some small, green indicator lights on its face as well.
<b>The Keyboard</b>:
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The MX3000 keyboard is very similar to the model that came with the »MX3100 combo that I previously reviewed, so I won't go into the keyboard in detail. However, there are some minor differences. The first, and most obvious, is the color. This keyboard and mouse combo has the pleasant (and now common) charcoal gray and black color scheme. The other difference you'll notice is located at the very top of the keyboard. The functionality is the same, but the key size and placement are asthetically different. Also located on the keyboard is a battery level indicator. I do not know why Logitech went with this newer layout for the function keys and such, but it is something I'm not entirely fond of. I actually liked design of the older, Elite keyboard better. The same minor quirks that I found with the »MX3100 are present with this keyboard as well. I installed the software to test the functionality of the extra keys, and found that I wouldn't really be missing anything important if I hadn't. I prefer to have my systems run with as little background apps as possible, so this is a good thing.
<b>The Mouse</b>:
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The real star of this kit is the new MX600 Laser mouse. It claims to have 6 months of use on one set of batteries. This is impressive considering that my »MX1000 and »MX3100 mice both die after about 16-20 days of heavy use. Both the »MX1000 and »MX3100 have Li-Ion batteries powering them. I emailed Logitech to find out how they get the power savings high enough for 6 months of use, but I haven't received a response just yet. I remember using the older Cordless Elite Duo and the mouse in that kit would die after about 3-5 weeks depending on the usage. I understand that the mouse saves power with the fact that it uses newer laser technology, and it also turns itself off more quickly when not in use, but jumping from 20 days to 6 months is a big increase. Time will tell.
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The mouse a bit curvier than the »MX1000. It is slightly longer and slightly thinner. The forward and back buttons require less reach to press, and there is a pretty useless zoom button on the top. The mouse wheel has the scroll and tilt feature as other models have had. The battery indicator light is visible only when the mouse is low on power. Needless to say, this mouse is not intended for left-handed people, but it does fit nicely into the right hand. The MX600 is slightly heavier than the »MX1000 (1/2 ounce more).
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</center>
Tracking is excellent with the mouse, but the »MX1000 responds to a cold start better. If the mouse is left on the desk and not moved for some time, it will take about a second to 'wake up' and start tracking again. Once this happens, the motion is again fluid and precise. In a nutshell, the mouse is pleasant to use and appropriate for most home users.
<b>Intro</b>:
In my opinion, <a href="http://www.logitech.com">Logitech</a> makes the best computer input devices, period. They pioneered both desktop laser mice and wireless mice, paving the way for the amazing »MX1000 to come to fruition. Unfortunately, the MX mouse series is rather expensive, and the »MX3100 isn't exactly easy on the wallet, either. Finally, there is an affordable, cost-effective solution: the MX3000 Laser Combo. This nice kit combines the MX3000 keyboard with the MX600 Laser mouse.
<b>Box</b>:
<center>
</center>You can spot Logitech's products a mile away, since most of their gear is sold in their signature green and white boxes.
<b>Parts</b>:
<center>
</center>Here we have a pretty standard assortment of parts. You get two sets of AA batteries, the mouse and keyboard, the receiver, documentation, and some software. Missing from the box is the USB to PS2 converter. The spec sheet does list the convertor as being included, so this may be an isolated case. Nevertheless, it wasn't in the box that I picked up.
<b>The Receiver</b>:
<center>
</center>The receiver is very light in weight and comes in the usual black color. The combo comes pre-connected so there is no setup other than plugging in the receiver. It has some small, green indicator lights on its face as well.
<b>The Keyboard</b>:
<center>
</center>The MX3000 keyboard is very similar to the model that came with the »MX3100 combo that I previously reviewed, so I won't go into the keyboard in detail. However, there are some minor differences. The first, and most obvious, is the color. This keyboard and mouse combo has the pleasant (and now common) charcoal gray and black color scheme. The other difference you'll notice is located at the very top of the keyboard. The functionality is the same, but the key size and placement are asthetically different. Also located on the keyboard is a battery level indicator. I do not know why Logitech went with this newer layout for the function keys and such, but it is something I'm not entirely fond of. I actually liked design of the older, Elite keyboard better. The same minor quirks that I found with the »MX3100 are present with this keyboard as well. I installed the software to test the functionality of the extra keys, and found that I wouldn't really be missing anything important if I hadn't. I prefer to have my systems run with as little background apps as possible, so this is a good thing.
<b>The Mouse</b>:
<center>
</center>The real star of this kit is the new MX600 Laser mouse. It claims to have 6 months of use on one set of batteries. This is impressive considering that my »MX1000 and »MX3100 mice both die after about 16-20 days of heavy use. Both the »MX1000 and »MX3100 have Li-Ion batteries powering them. I emailed Logitech to find out how they get the power savings high enough for 6 months of use, but I haven't received a response just yet. I remember using the older Cordless Elite Duo and the mouse in that kit would die after about 3-5 weeks depending on the usage. I understand that the mouse saves power with the fact that it uses newer laser technology, and it also turns itself off more quickly when not in use, but jumping from 20 days to 6 months is a big increase. Time will tell.
<center>
</center>The mouse a bit curvier than the »MX1000. It is slightly longer and slightly thinner. The forward and back buttons require less reach to press, and there is a pretty useless zoom button on the top. The mouse wheel has the scroll and tilt feature as other models have had. The battery indicator light is visible only when the mouse is low on power. Needless to say, this mouse is not intended for left-handed people, but it does fit nicely into the right hand. The MX600 is slightly heavier than the »MX1000 (1/2 ounce more).
<center>
</center>Tracking is excellent with the mouse, but the »MX1000 responds to a cold start better. If the mouse is left on the desk and not moved for some time, it will take about a second to 'wake up' and start tracking again. Once this happens, the motion is again fluid and precise. In a nutshell, the mouse is pleasant to use and appropriate for most home users.