Logitech Cordless Desktop LX710 Laser

The $80 Logitech Cordless Desktop LX710 Laser looks a little like something out of a sci-fi movie. The black-and-silver keyboard with rounded edges includes a suite of buttons worthy of a spaceship's control pad (the keys are even labeled in a futuristic font). And the accompanying mouse bears more than a passing resemblance to a Star Trek hand phaser. We appreciate the functionality and performance of both keyboard and mouse, and we especially like the high level of customization that the Logitech SetPoint software allows. We were annoyed, though, by the placement and sensitivity of the keyboard's quick-launch buttons, which seemed overly prone to accidental activation. But if you can adapt your movement to avoid accidentally hitting the quick-launch keys, the Logitech Cordless Desktop LX710 Laser will let you create highly customized keyboard and mouse shortcuts for quick navigation.

You won't need the included setup guide to get started using the Logitech Cordless Desktop LX710 Laser. Just load the included batteries--two AA batteries each for the mouse and keyboard--and plug the USB receiver directly into your computer (or use the included USB dock if you want to keep the space around your ports clear). Our Windows XP and Windows Vista test systems immediately recognized the keyboard and mouse, without even pressing the connect buttons on the receiver and devices. The set works as a plug-and-play device, with all the shortcut and media keys programmed to popular defaults. For example, the mail shortcut key launched Outlook on our computers, while the music shortcut key launched the default media player (iTunes in one case and Windows Media Player in another). To customize the buttons and change settings on the keyboard or mouse, however, you'll need to install Logitech's included SetPoint software, which works flawlessly on both Vista and Windows XP. Nearly every button or launch key on the Cordless Desktop LX710 Laser can be reprogrammed to launch an application or perform an action of your choice.

The keyboard in the Cordless Desktop LX710 Laser is one of the chunkier models we've seen, measuring more than 0.5-inch thick from the bottom to the base of the keys. Typing was comfortable, thanks to the amply sized keys and a rubberized palm rest, which provides a soft landing for weary hands. In a nice touch, Logitech has included two sets of flip-up legs on the bottom so you can choose among three keyboard angles for the most comfortable wrist angle.