Not remotely expensive (Logitech Cordless Desktop EX 110)

Member Name: rabidbadger

Product:	Logitech Cordless Desktop EX 110
Date:	19/10/09 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Many functions, Easy to set up and use

Disadvantages: Have to buy batteries now and then

I bought this set when I saw it on offer at half-price in Tesco and I must say, having used it for about 3 months, it would have still been quite a bargain at the full price.

It consists of a keyboard, a mouse, a receiver, a software cd, and all the batteries you need to get started - which are 1 x AA battery for the mouse and 2 x AAA batteries for the keyboard.

It is very easy to set up; simply insert the batteries and plug in the receiver, which has one USB plug and one PS2 plug (you may need to restart your computer afterwards). My Vista machine even allowed me to start using it without installing the accompanying software - although you can't take advantage of all the function buttons until you do.

The software itself installed smoothly with no complications, but be aware that it will try to install a copy of the Yahoo toolbar if you don't uncheck the relevant box.

The mouse and keyboard both work right across the other side of my room from the receiver (about 10 feet away) and, while I had to replace the mouse battery after about 4 weeks to keep this range up, the keyboard is still on its original batteries.

The mouse does no more or less than you would expect it to, but the keyboard has several auxillery function keys dotted around the edge. Specifically, these are...

On the left:
Close (closes window)
Back (navigates back on browswer)

Top Left:
Play/Pause (music)
Stop (music)
Back (music)
Forward (music)

Top Right:
Mute
Volume Down
Volume Up
Launch Mail
Home (browser)
Launch Calculator

There is also an F Mode key that switches the standard function keys (F1 - F12) to a new set of functions, which include launching MS Office applications and Undo/Redo - although I haven't learned how to use these yet.

In summary, anything that costs less than £20 and allows you to sit in bed and answer your emails has to be worth evey penny.

Summary: A must for any couch potato

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