The MX5000 wireless desktop and mouse set puts customisation of a wide range of PC application controls at your fingertips – providing you are right-handed.
It uses Bluetooth to establish a link to the PC, and while this is generally quite reliable, we had to restart our PC twice over a two-week testing period when the connection was lost.
A spare USB socket is required for the small key-shaped plug that receives signals from the keyboard and mouse. A cradle that plugs into the mains is provided to recharge the mouse, while the keyboard takes four AA batteries. Bluetooth consumes more power than conventional wireless peripherals, but the keyboard has an off switch for when not in use.
We found the keyboard comfortable to use and after a few weeks it left us cursing the shortcomings of cheap models that come with many PCs. The reason is that the MX5000 keyboard has a very agreeable action, this is difficult to define and will depend on the typing style and hand agility of each user, but the amount of pressure required to comfortably and accurately enter a character or activate a function feels just right. Also impressive was the animated on-screen guide provided to help users customise the keyboard and mouse buttons. Dedicated keys are provided for digital media, e-mail office and instant messaging programs, and four smart keys can be easily assigned to launch favourite websites, folders or applications.
The MX5000 laser mouse is excellent, providing great accuracy although the shape takes a little getting used to and is less suitable for those with small hands. The mouse includes an application switching button that can be activated with the thumb, displaying a list of open programs that can be navigated with the scroll wheel. Only a right-handed version is available, however.
We have a few quibbles with Logitech’s desktop set, though. Previous models have used buttons, dials and sliders to adjust media functions and on-screen magnification. In the MX5000, these functions are controlled by touch-sensitive sliders at the left-hand side of the board. The problem is that as hands glide across the surface, it’s quite easy to accidentally brush against the sliders, bringing music to an unexpected end, boosting its volume or changing the viewing scale of a document or web page. And because the controls require such little pressure, it takes a few moments to remember the touch sensitivity and work out why your PC environment has suddenly gone wayward.
The keyboard also has a small mono display that notifies users when e-mails or instant messages arrive, as well as displaying the names of current tracks in media players and playlists. A set of four buttons provides access to some limited menu functions, but compared with the comprehensive customisation software included, this small display feels like a gimmick.
Verdict 8/10
The mouse, keyboard action and excellent help files provided with the MX5000 set outweighed our quibbles over the touchy sliders and pointless display. If you can find this a bit cheaper online or in the sales, it’s a worthy buy.
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