Entered CNET Catalog: 02/09/2005
SKU: 0097855029584
Manufacturer: Logitech Inc.
Manufacturer description
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3100 is a high-performance keyboard and mouse combination that redefines expectations. It's the only cordless desktop that includes the award-winning MX 1000 Laser Cordless Mouse - the world's first laser mouse - and an advanced cordless keyboard.Product summary
The good: Lots of programmable keys; comfortable mouse and keyboard; comprehensive software package.
The bad: Function keys and buttons are small.
The bottom line: This keyboard-and-mouse set is comfortable and operates flawlessly.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: Yes
- Reviewed on: 03/15/2005
The mouse, the keyboard, and the RF receiver (which also serves as a recharging base station for the mouse), require minimal setup: simply plug in the receiver to your computer's USB port--1.0 or 2.0 will work--and sync the devices by pressing the connect buttons. The set works as a plug-and-play device, and the default settings on the shortcut and media keys are useful when using media players and other common programs, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. To customize the buttons and change the settings on the keyboard or mouse, however, you do need to install Logitech's SetPoint software--a software CD is included. The software takes only about five minutes to install and onscreen instructions guide you through setup. Once installed, the SetPoint software lets you program the keys to access your preferred media players and messaging clients. You can also choose to install MusicMatch Jukebox 9.0, a media player, and Logitech's MediaLife software, which helps you manage and view pictures, music, and video.
The standout piece in this set is Logitech's MX1000 Laser Mouse, which also won CNET's Editors' Choice award. It features a four-way scrollwheel, with buttons for cruising up or down, as well as three buttons above the thumb. All of the buttons are programmable. In tests, the rechargeable battery lasted four days of solid use, and it never lost its signal or jumped, even on a slightly shiny metal surface.
The keyboard is packed with function keys and media controls. A four-way scrollwheel and cruise up and down buttons, which let you move up and down in a window faster than scrolling, sit on the left side of the keyboard. Above that is a zoom in/out rocker button accompanied by a "%" button, which returns the screen to 100 percent size. Below are three unrelated buttons: one to close a window, an Enter button, and a programmable button that defaults to a task button, which shows all open applications. The raised top-center section is devoted to media: a large volume-control wheel, standard playback control buttons, and buttons for burning and recording. Unfortunately, the burn button works with only MusicMatch Jukebox 8.2 and Windows Media Player 9.0. To the left, you'll find programmable buttons that default to open video, music, picture and document folders. The keys in the upper-right part of the keyboard are also programmable but default to open e-mail and instant-messaging clients, set your status on instant messenger, and start a Webcam. Although very useful, most of the function keys are very small.
And, if that's not enough programmable functionality, the F-keys are also programmable. F1 through F8 default to the tasks of opening help, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Power Point, undo, redo, print, and save. Keys F9 through F12 are unassigned. All of the F-keys are about half the size of regular key--we'd like them a bit larger.
In addition to its plethora of buttons, this sleek, black-and-dark-blue set is attractive and comfortable. The typing keys on the keyboard are all at the same level, thanks to Logitech's Zero-Tilt technology, which improves the ergonomics and comfort. The wrist rest adds to the keyboard's overall comfort, too. The sculpted mouse, with a deep thumb area and a high arch, perfectly fits a right hand.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22out of 22 user reviews
Excellent Mouse. Average Keybaord
Pros: Possibly the greatest mouse ever built.
Cons: Poorly designed mouse caddy, Ropey keyboard drivers.
out of 22 user reviews
Sometimes less really WOULD be more
Pros: Keyboard has great "key feel", comfortable responsive mouse, long battery life
Cons: Too many useless controls on keyboard, mouse thumb buttons badly placed
The keyboard is very comfortable, and the keys have just the right amount of "spring" to them -- I'm very comfortable typing on it for long periods. The mouse is very responsive, which is most noticeable for gaming. The keyboard takes two AA batteries, and the mouse is recharged on a small docking station. Both have very long battery/charge life, although I have on a couple of occasions had the keyboard batteries go dead on me with no warning whatsoever, so I've just gotten in the habit of swapping in fresh ones (rechargeables) occasionally even if there's no sign that I need to. Better safe than sorry.
A couple of things could be improved, though. First, the keyboard footprint is much too large, and most of the buttons, knobs, and other bizarre doohickeys don't seem to serve any purpose at all. They keyboard would be greatly improved by chopping off about an inch and a half at the top and left, because none of those controls is actually of any use. The large footprint makes this keyboard a little awkward on the small desk I use in my home office.
The mouse is in general very comfortable for my hand, but the placement of the thumb buttons is a problem. There are three buttons there, only two of which serve a purpose -- they're the "forward" and "back" buttons on a web browser. The middle one? No idea what they put that there for. The "back" button is well placed, but the "forward" button is physically too far forward on the mouse to be reached, so it's not useful. The design would be improved by omitting the useless middle thumb button and making the other two more reachable. Naturally, this is subjective from one user to another, but I do have fairly long thumbs, so if I can't reach it, I expect others can't, either. To be fair -- the only mouse I've ever seen that got the positioning of these two buttons right is the MS IntelliMouse Explorer (both 1.0 and 3.0 versions). If the Logitech MX1000 mouse got those two buttons right, it would be pretty much perfect.
If I'd known about these problems, would I have bought a different set? It's hard to say. I really do like the feel and function of the parts I use; but Logitech tried to stuff too much into their layouts, and by going overboard, they weakened their product.
out of 22 user reviews
this was the icing on the cake!
Pros: the best cordless with 'working' functions
Cons: none, none, none
out of 22 user reviews
Best Wireless Combo Available
Pros: MX1000 Mouse,Tons of options
Cons: Flakey Set Point software
out of 22 user reviews
God Bless the MX3100
Pros: slim, sexy, and reliable
Cons: no longer sold
I got it from the egg for only 53 dollars after MIR at a Christmas sale. It is a real shame that it is no longer for sale.
The keyboard is slim and light. The whole set has great range, but my mouse's battery lasts for only 8 or 10 hours, less than the advertised 20.
One issue though, my keyboards palmrest broke off due to the antics of a little cousin. Although my mx3100 has a 3 year warranty, Logitech refused to either replace the palmrest or le me buy one.
Frustrating that my palmrest, only attaches by the right side.
Godbless the mx3100, if you have it or can get it you are very lucky.
out of 22 user reviews
HORRIBLE!!!
Pros: nice keyboard
Cons: quirkey mouse, too many wires
First product that has been unacceptable based on CNET reviews!
out of 22 user reviews
Sadly Disappointed
Pros: Great feel, nice look,
Cons: Odd positioning of HOME and END keys. Keyboard delays when playing games. Some buttons I find are useless. Software lacks.
Now I don't want to bash this product completely. It is a great product, when you're not playing games that is. There seems to be some sort of confusion while pressing multiple keys at the same and using the mouse. For instance, when I am playing Counter-Strike it'll often stop my movement and then carry on when I press two keys at the same time; this happens often as many will know the keyboard keys WASD is used for movement. Or when I hold down the right-click button, and then push W, I won't move for a good second. Often as well, after releasing a key it'll still register as if the key is still be pressed down. This is a **** off because a lot of the time I'll be on a edge and the keys will mess up.
This unresponsiveness is not acceptable!
I don't really like how the HOME and END keys are positioned, for now, but I am sure that I'll get used to them. I am just so used to them being in closer reach.
The software used for configuring the keyboard and mouse isn't all that configurable, well to me anyways. Microsoft's InteliPoint software allows each applicaiton to have their own set of key mappings, whereas with Logitech the key mappings are global and used for every application.
Lastly, who the hell uses a Zoom button? A calculator button, messenger, webcam, and all this other garbage? I wonder where their marketing team got their opinions from, but to me these button's are just useless.
It seems to me that a lot of these keyboards are geared to more "not so tech-savy" audience. Pretty soon they'll make a keyboard with keys for every single little thing you can do. Ah well.
PROS
The mouse is great, it fits perfect and is very comfortable.
A nice shade of blue.
Good price.
Wireless.
out of 22 user reviews
cool product from Logitech
Pros: mouse is really good for gaming
Cons: very large keyboard, mouse is not very conf.
out of 22 user reviews
Huge Time Saver
Pros: Amazing Keyboard Shortcuts, No Mouse Jumps, Easy to customize
Cons: Mouse slides on inverted surface
I had previously used a wireless optical mouse that would often lose contact with the receiver or jump erratically. I did not like this so I gave up on wireless and used a corded optical mouse. The laser mouse has yet to skip or lose connection with the receiver. This technology is finally ready for prime time. My only complaint is that my keyboard platter/drawer is sloped at an angle and with no cord to hold the mouse in place the relativly light mouse may coast down the sloped surface from gravity. I suspect this would be the same for any cordless mouse and would not be an issue for users placing the mouse on a level surface.
The keyboard is a gem. With a single click Word launches, and there is another hotkey for Outlook or Express. I programmed another to take me stright to G-mail and another key for the firm's online legal research vendor. I thought customizing the media keys would require tinkering and reading the Help menus. I was wrong, customizing the keyboard was easy and straight forward.
Before the MX3100, it was lauch a borwser, type in a web adress or drag through "favorites" ... now with a single click you can be at your most used website. This device makes computer tasks faster and more pleasant. The time it saves you will easily justify the products cost.
out of 22 user reviews
Easy and customizable
Pros: listed below
Cons: listed below
Mouse, Pros:
- ergonomic
- many customizable buttons
- looks nice
- battery indicator
- easy to charge
Mouse, Cons:
- none
Keyboard, Pros:
- many customizable buttons
- standard multimedia controls, work with many players
Keyboard, Cons:
- some buttons are quite software specific
Remember to get the latest software update.
out of 22 user reviews
Awesome Product
Pros: Great battery life, Great Usability, Great Ergonomics
Cons: Can only set mouse function buttons to perform a limited number of tasks
out of 22 user reviews
A geat keyboard combined with a super mouse. If you haven't already, go get one NOW !
Pros: very ergonomic, very cool design, docking station, battery leds, high speed reaction, lots of very handy function buttons
Cons: the keyboard isn't rechargeable (minor downside)
It's very comfortable, battery lasts very long (mouse a week or so).
The looks of the mouse and keyboard are simply stunning. Videos and pictures do nothing, you have to see it in action in your local store to see it in it's full glory. A very little downside of this set is that the keyboard doesn't have a rechargeable battery but uses 2 aa batteries. But since batteries for keyboards lasts for ages it's isn't really that bad.
I give this desktop set a perfect score since it really is perfect to me. And the function buttons are just the right sise.
out of 22 user reviews
The best upgrade to any system
Pros: No wires, great one touch function buttons, mouse responds perfectly
Cons: More color options would be nice
out of 22 user reviews
Works great
Pros: Long range with no problems. Accurate mouse.
Cons: Expensive. The mouse is buggy with mousepads that have an aluminum base.
The mouse is truly excellent. Accurate and smooth. My main problem with the mouse is that it's buggy with my mousepad that has an aluminum base. Logitech only mentions that the wireless signal won't work if the receiver is near metal objects. I didn't expect the mouse to have the same problems, but it does. I fixed the problem by simply taking away the metal mousepad base.
I love the range. I was able to sit on my couch with the keyboard and mouse facing away from the receiver and it still worked fine with ZERO problems. It's very gratifying without the wires. I love it and I think everyone who wants to be freed from wires should check it out. I was only disappointed that I couldn't use it with my gaming mousepad with the aluminum base.
out of 22 user reviews
Truly Awesome!
Pros: VERY comfortable keyboard and mouse.
Cons: strange arrangment of Delete/Home/end keys takes getting used to.
I'd otherwise had good experience with Logitech products so I took a chance on this and it paid off handsomely.
I don't know how they figured it out, but they came up with an absolutely perfect design for what you use most, the regular keys on the keyboard. I'd say they are immensely comfortable to use, but that would be an understatement. They rock!
The media keys could be a bit bigger, but I rarely use them anyway so it's not a big deal. The "the regular" part of the keyboard makes up for it.
The mouse is beyond awesome. Nothing Logitech had previously compares to it. It's their first true "laser" mouse and I had no idea how much of a difference it would make.
It's really indescribable. It's highly sensitive to your movements and the cursor on screen reacts as if it's connected to you. The mouse is very comfortable, especially the left side "thumb rest".
The navigation buttons on the left could be a bit bigger and better positioned, but again the rest of the features and quality make up for it.
Considering the MX3100 costs what their previous top-of-the-line "Duos" have, it's quite a bargain.
I've had it for a few months now and it's still going strong (unlike my previous Logitech Duo - different model - see my review).
I highly recommend the MX3100! It rocks.
After having it for several months (5) the letters on the keys began to wear.
The main reason I bought this keyboard was because I'd had a previous Logitech model that also had the same problem (a model they have since discontinued).
But having this same problem on both keyboards is no fluke. It's apparent that Logitech has "cut corners" with the paint used to put the lettering on the keys.
I owned an ordinary Logitech keyboard years ago that also had keys that had letter wear, but it took 5 years to happen.
5 years seems normal. 3-5 months does not.
I've since switched to another brand of keyboard. And while i
It's not as comfortable as this one, at least the keys haven't worn in the 3 months I've owned it so far.
I now give the MX3100 a 2.0 rating.
out of 22 user reviews
Almost great
Pros: looks, feels, mostly works well
Cons: Terrible on glass desk
out of 22 user reviews
Great Mouse. The keyboard is only worth $20.00 according to Logitech.
Pros: Mouse is Superb.
Cons: Keyboard function keys and the Combo is $20.00 more than the mouse
I just cannot rave enough about the mouse. I really love the keyboard except for the small funtion buttons. If you are a person that likes to personalize the F Keys then you will have problems because the buttons are too small. I have worked around the F Keys by just utilizing the keyboard short cuts for Outlook. I set up other programs for the F keys and now I just have created keyboard short cuts for applications. I instinctively refuse to use the F Keys and in fact I am switching the keyboard to my old trusty Microsoft Multi Media keyboard where the F Keys are large.
out of 22 user reviews
AWESOME Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Pros: Laser mouse is first of it's kind and is the best I have ever used. The keyboard has tons of functionality with great feel.
Cons: The small function buttons and the media player burning button being tied to Realplayer only.
out of 22 user reviews
Really can not find anything negative
Pros: it has everything you need.
Cons: I paid 90 euro's, but its worth it.
Not that the mouse isn't good. It's rechargeable. But i wouldn't buy if was a left handed.
out of 22 user reviews
Amazing mouse, so-so keyboard
Pros: The mouse is great
Cons: The keyboard is average, and the overall cost is high
At the same time, the keyboard is only ok. The media buttons are absurdly small, for no apparent reason, given the size of the keyboard. Also, there really aren't enough customizable buttons, also a surprise. Finally, the keys actually squeak a bit. On the plus side, the wireless transmission seems rock solid and fast, and battery life isn't a problem at all.
The real problem is the cost of this combo. With its being almost twice the price of the mouse alone, you are (and I would have been) better off just getting the mouse and buying a different keyboard for less money. Note that this is the same keyboard as the one used in the much cheaper LX700 combo.
out of 22 user reviews
Great wireless combo
Pros: wireless, laser mouse
Cons: keyboard not rechargeable
I wanted to update with a long term use. Both the mouse and keyboard are still functioning w/o problems. Even though the keyboard is not rechargeable, I have yet to have to replace the batteries and I use it constantly mostly for gaming.
out of 22 user reviews
NO KVM SUPPORT!!! Really nice otherwise
Pros: Hotkeys, gaming, thin profile
Cons: NO KVM SUPPORT! Software can be tedious
