Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical Mouse and Keyboard

The Cordless Freedom Optical is actually comprised of three modules. The heart of the system is the receiver, a stylish triangular gadget approximately half the size of a typical mouse. Encased in a translucent shell that lets you see its high-tech inner circuitry, the receiver resides on the desktop or other convenient surface and gathers in the airborne signals produced by both input devices. It interfaces with the PC via a six-foot Y cable that connects to the PS/2 and/or USB ports, and operates best when within six feet of both the mouse and the keyboard.

The keyboard, a wireless adaptation of Logitech's own Internet Navigator Keyboard, is, in effect, a full-blown command center. Apart from its 104 standard keys, it features 20 additional controls for one-touch operation of common multimedia, e-mail, and Internet functions. Its eight Internet-specific buttons are labeled with designations such as Shopping, Finance, and Search, and by default access various regions of Logitech's own www.myitouch.com gateway site, although all buttons can quickly be reconfigured to your own preferences.

Three additional controls are at the keyboard's left edge, each designed to facilitate mouseless browsing. The Go button activates a tiny dialog box in which you can enter the URL of your choice. The Back button returns you to the last viewed page and will also move you forward once Logitech releases a downloadable patch in January 2002. The most innovative control of all, a miniature scroll wheel, can be programmed to support a variety of functions including cut and paste, vertical scroll, and zoom. The unit also features a sleep/shutdown button, an instant e-mail access key, and a seven-piece audio-video panel with handy amenities such as a mute switch and rotating volume wheel. Each single-click operation is accompanied by an onscreen text confirmation, and all 124 controls offer noiseless action.

Logitech has partnered this very capable keyboard with its Cordless MouseMan Optical, a wireless mouse that sports four buttons, one wheel, and a tiny light sensor on its underside that translates movement more accurately and with less tracking hassles than a traditional ball. With no cords to clutter the desk, no moving parts to get dirty, and no need for a mousepad, the Cordless MouseMan has a number of obvious advantages. Unfortunately, its asymmetrical design is just as uncomfortable for lefties as it is comfortable for right-handed folk. And certainly some users will long for the fifth button found on some competing mice. Otherwise, the Cordless MouseMan is a fine controller.

In action, the system offers a striking balance of functionality and futuristic good looks. With its unique gray-on-black color scheme, low aerodynamic profile, and curvy, detachable palm rest, the keyboard in particular adds a sense of drama to any desktop. The mouse isn't a perfect color match, yet it does sport a distinctive two-tone finish with a pretty Logitech logo up top and a glowing red light underneath.

The price for this level of performance is paid in batteries. Although its demand is no greater than that of comparable cordless products, the keyboard does gobble up four AA batteries twice a year and the mouse uses two more every three months. Even if you use rechargeable batteries, the maintenance cost is much higher than that of corded components. Is it all worth it? If cutting-edge wireless control is truly important, there's no question. --Gordon Goble

Pros:

• Cordless operation
• Powerful, versatile keyboard
• Optical mouse with no moving parts
• Sleek profile
• Full programmability
• One-touch access to Internet and multimedia with onscreen confirmation

• Formidable price point
• Mouse not suitable for lefties
• System requires six AA batteries
• One less mouse button than some competing products

I think Logitech make outstanding products but they refuse to accept the responsibility for supporting the product after they get your money.

If you buy this Keyboard/Mouse system you may find it annoying to have a message pop up every 5 minutes saying "device connected on channel 2" You will not be able to type another keystroke until you click the "OK" button.

I went to the Logitech's website, read the help, read the forums, installed the lastest drivers & software. None of it worked. But the bummer part is that they do not even answer your email request for help. They SUCK !

I have solved the problem by removing all the software that came with the unit as well as the updated software from the Logitech website. I then installed the default driver from Microsoft. The bad part of this solution is that the Logitech software is what allows all of those nice little buttons on the keyboard to work. Without there software, I have a generic cordless Keyboard/Mouse. I could have saved $30 and bought any number of just as good units from other vendors.

I think my next Keyboard/Mouse system will be from Microsoft. They already have the drivers maybe they can get their buttons to work.

So in conclusion; Logitech SUCK when it comes to supporting there product.

Do NOT Buy This Product


device connected on channel Window Problem   February 6, 2004
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

Worked great for a while then the "device connected on channel" window started appearing all the time. The focus goes to it, which interfers with your activity on your PC. (Must press OK on window or click on title bar of window your working on. Whatever you were typing is lost.) Have tried all the suggestions from Logitech such as moving things around, but no luck. Changed batteries, etc. Will not purchase any Logitech products in future, because Logitech is not addressing the problem. If they would not display the device connected on channel window, would not be should an annoyance. Looks like something left over from their debugging their software.


Great Product   November 18, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

The Logitech Cordless Freedom Optical is an awesome keyboard/mouse combo. I've had mine for years and it has yet to fail me once. Sometimes it loses its wireless connection or it doesn't detect right, but I think thats just something you have to deal with in the earlier stages of wireless desktop computing. The mouse is very comfortable and the keyboard lets me type for hours with minimal discomfort.