Perplexed. A keyboard and mouse combo designed for laptop, NOT the desktop. I did a double-take when I received this Logitech MK320 review unit and saw that Logitech’s target market for this product is for the laptops/notebooks/netbooks. I recently purchased the ASUS U43JC-X1 14-Inch Bamboo Laptop(10 Hours of Battery Life), so was searching for a wireless mouse. I knew I would get a lot of use out of the mouse but questioned whether the keyboard would be of any use. After using it for a few weeks, I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised!
Before getting to the review, The keyboard utilizes(2) AAA batteries while the mouse uses(1) AA battery. Logitech includes pre-installed alkaline batteries for both units.
SETUP:
Setting up the keyboard/mouse combo was a breeze. Taking the devices out of the box took more time! Running Win7, I just plugged in the receiver and the system instantly recognized both devices. Every time I start the computer and plug the receiver back in, there is absolutely no noticeable lag time for the keyboard/mouse to start working. This was certainly not the case with the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows, where it took a few seconds before I could begin using it.
KEYBOARD:
The keyboard has all your standard keys with several extra shortcut keys. Shortcut keys include Window Toggle(allows you to toggle between open applications), E-mail, Home Page, Music/Media, Show/Hide Desktop, Music Shortcuts(Back, Play/Pause, Next), Volume(Mute, Increase/Decrease), Calculator, and an extra backspace above the number pad. There are also a few special function keys such as turning off the computer, locking the computer, and other functions that I have yet to figure out.
The keyboard is also advertised as spill-resistant, though I hope I won’t need to test that feature.
MOUSE:
The mouse is about the size of most notebook mice. It has a left and right button with the scroll button that also doubles as the middle button when clicked. Though I am right handed, it feels comfortable enough using it with my left or right hand. The battery indicator light is situated just below the scroll wheel between the left/right buttons. The receiver snaps onto the bottom of the mouse just above the ON/OFF switch. I pack and unpack my laptop and mouse at least twice a day and the receiver has yet to come loose. The bottom of the mouse also has a battery cover release button.
The one thing lacking, more common with desktop mice than notebook, are page front/back buttons.
BATTERY LIFE:
I’ve only used the wireleess keyboard/mouse combo for about 3 weeks now so cannot attest to the advertised 15 months of keyboard battery life or the 5 months for the mouse. However, as I am a heavy user, it has worked very well thus far. There is a battery life indicator on the mouse, which has yet to turn on, and none for the keyboard. For the aforementioned Microsoft Bluetooth 5000 mouse, I would be on my second set of batteries by now.
HOW I USE IT:
As I noted above, I wasn’t sure if I would get much use out of the keyboard. My new laptop has Intel’s new Wireless Display(WiDi) technology and HDMI, so I have been using it to watch videos on my TV. While my laptop sits on my desk, I’m able to control it from my couch.
PROS:
Excellent battery life
Convenient shortcuts
Receiver snaps into the bottom of the mouse
Spill resistant keyboard
Mouse battery cover is very secure. Not prone to pop off unless you press the battery cover release button
Receiver snaps on securely to the bottom of the mouse
CONS:
Included batteries aren’t rechargeable
No battery indicator on the keyboard
Mouse does not have forward/back buttons
CONCLUSION:
Though this wireless keyboard/mouse combo is targeted for laptop users, it should serve desktop users just as well. At a relatively inexpensive price, this combo delivers excellent battery life, great performance and convenience, and good value. I would recommend this to anyone, even for those that are just looking for a mouse as the keyboard adds considerable convenience!
After about one month of daily usage, the mouse battery just died. Not bad I’d say, but far from the advertised 5 months. I’ll try with some decent rechargeable batteries and report back!