Logitech MX5500 Revolution

The price tag on Logitech's new top end keyboard and mouse combination, the Revolution MX5500, may be quite high but in return you get some top quality components. Not only does it pack in the company's awesome desktop mouse from last year, the MX Revolution, but it also contains a new keyboard featuring a ton of shortcut keys and an LCD display.

While not an ergonomic model like some of the others we've looked at recently, the MX5500 keyboard is comfortable to use. There is a basic rubber wrist rest which is serviceable if not noteworthy, and the keys have good tactility and are nicely spread out ensuring you're never cramped. Of course the downside to this is that it takes up a fair bit of real estate on your desk but you can't have your cake and eat it too unfortunately. Our only complaint with the layout is some buttons such as insert, print screen and pause/break have been shifted to the top row instead of sitting in their usual place, which takes some getting used to. We also noticed the keys were quiet on the whole, making this a good unit if disturbing your colleagues or room mates is a concern.

As you'd expect for a keyboard in this price range, a full complement of shortcut keys are on offer. There are media controls running down the side which are nicely positioned, however they are a little small, so those with big fingers may find them clumsy. Meanwhile the F keys strung along the top of the unit double as function keys for things like word processor and e-mail. There is also a nicely disguised row of links to Media Center, Photo Gallery and Gadgets, as well as a power button and calculator key.

The other funky feature of the keyboard is its LCD screen, which displays a variety of info such as temperature, number of keystrokes and the time/date. It can also do things like interface with Outlook Express and provide alerts when new e-mails are received. On the whole we think it is a nifty addition, but it doesn't make or break the product.

Of course the keyboard isn't the only part of this package. The MX Revolution mouse is included as well, and it is one of the better desktop mice we've used. Its laser sensor tracks at 800dpi, which isn't as high as some gaming mice but is adequate for most other uses.

Its signature element is the jutting thumb groove which is much wider and deeper than on any other mouse. We found it comfortable to hold but it does make it unusable for some paws. This groove also houses a second scroll wheel which acts as an application switching tool. However, we did take issue with the main scroll wheel on the unit's top. It is designed to be able to scroll both precisely and on mass, but we found that it was often a little too enthusiastic even when moved only a little.

Both components connect to your machine via Bluetooth 2.0 with a range of about 30 feet, which is more than adequate for most rooms. Connection is achieved through a simple dongle and we experienced no loss of signal or sluggishness in the response. We should also note that in order to make the most of your peripherals you'll need to install Logitech's SetPoint software which can be a little fiddly and slows down your system somewhat.