The Logitech Cordless Desktop LX310 Laser product consists of a keyboard, mouse, USB RF receiver, software CD and the various batteries required to power the mouse and keyboard.  As I had been sent the product direct from America, I was not too surprised to find that the keyboard layout followed the standard US pattern of positioning some of the keys in locations that might cause confusion some UK users.  What did surprise me, however, was the discovery that this particular wireless desktop set did not form part of Logitech's current UK product portfolio.  You can find this product available in

America, Spain, Portugal, France, Australia and New Zealand but for UK users it is only available via an online purchase.  But we are not going to let this inconvenience stop this review.

This kit use two AA and two AAA batteries which are supplied.  I naturally assumed that the AA batteries would be housed in the keyboard while the smaller AAA version belonged to the mouse.  I was wrong as the pairing of the batteries and device was the other way round.  There was no confusion over the RF receiver, looking a little like a hump-backed bridge, which connects via a spare USB port.

The three main components of this kit are predominantly black in colour although matt silver is also present especially with the mouse.  The keyboard is fairly slim; smaller in both width and depth that my current model; and featuring tasteful curves at the front edge.  The standard (US) keyboard layout is supplemented by various additional keys and controls. 

Positioned between the left Ctrl and Alt keys is a specific Windows Vista Start keys while a file menu key is located between the right Ctrl and Alt keys.  On the left side of the keyboard are a pair of matt silver navigation buttons while a further three sets of controls running across the top of the keyboard provide media, volume control plus access to your email client, Internet home page and an on-screen calculator

Apart from the idiosyncrasies of the US style layout, which can be partially overcome by using a UK keyboard driver and maybe adding labels to certain keys, this keyboard is a well designed piece of kit.  It is responsive; allows for tasks to be carried out well away from the computer; and according to Logitech, will give up to six months of use with a single set of batteries.

As mentioned earlier, the mouse is decked out in black with a broad matt silver stripe running down the length of this slightly elongated sized mouse.  Rubber side panels help with gripping the mouse which fits comfortably in the hand.  The use of laser technology ensures that there is smooth tracking and excellent precision when using this device. 

Positioned between the standard left and right mouse buttons is a rubber wheel which provides tilt, zoom and sideway scrolling capabilities.  Situated just behind the wheel are small buttons for navigating backwards and forwards when Internet browsing.  A low-battery LED completes the furniture on top of the mouse.  To help conserve on battery life which, as with the keyboard, should give up to six months, there is an on/off switch on the base of the mouse.  Five of the mouse buttons can be reprogrammed using the supplied software.

While the mouse worked fine I did encounter one problem with the positioning of the navigation buttons.  I often found that, especially in the heat of game play, that it was too easy to press these buttons by mistake as my fingers tended to rest on them.  I have seen this product advertised at $52.95 from Cable Organiser which, with the current dollar/sterling exchange rate, could make this a bargain for the Internet shopper.

http://cableorganizer.com/logitech/