One of the more low cost wireless mouse and keyboard combos out there, the Logitech EX100 Cordless Desktop is priced at a point where value almost begins to override durability and function. Selling for less than $30 this cheap wireless mouse and keyboard combo seem to be an excellent bargain for those in the market for a simple replacement for their existing computer system. But is the price too low? Do the lower end features and design leave the buyer wishing they had spent an extra 20 for something more versatile?
The Logitech EX100- In The Box
The Logitech EX100 ships with three parts, a 1000dpi cordless laser scroll mouse, a 101 key cordless keyboard, and a receiver unit that connects to the computer via a USB cable. Setup is quick and easy, with Windows machines recognizing and accepting the receiver dongle without any hassles. After plugging in and using the keyboard for a while this reviewer found himself wishing for a little more resistance and “click” when pressing keys. The dome-switch style keyboard action is nice and quiet, but at times almost felt sluggish when typing at full speed.
Barebones Keyboard and Mouse But Still Usable
As for keyboard layout the EX100 uses the rather annoying F-lock setup that maps commonly used functions like hot keys to web browsing, email, and play/pause to the function keys by default. If a user needs to use the function keys for application specific tasks the FN key must be toggled first. Changing the F keys to custom functions requires that the user install and adjust special software that ships with the keyboard. While this is not a big problem for all users, F-lock keys are rather annoying for some people, especially gamers. Add to the fact that there is no LED light to show that the function is toggled on or off (nor is there a Caps Lock light) and it can get rather confusing at times as to what exactly will happen when a particular key is pressed.
The mouse that comes with the set is a standard, run of the mill three button red laser mouse with a scroll wheel. No fancy side buttons for navigating web pages easier, but in general use it seemed to be very accurate and more durable than expected. Even after being dropped several times it continued to work without any problems. Performance on almost any non-reflective surface was more than adequate.
Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Performance
In terms of wireless connectivity the EX100 works fine up to about eight feet away. For users that purchase the unit to replace a wired keyboard it works just fine, but do not plan on using the product as a keyboard or mouse in a home theater setup, unless the couch is very close to the host computer. Another potential issue for some users is that rather than a small USB dongle, the receiver is a piece of molded plastic that sits on top of the computer and is connected by a short wire to the computer’s USB port.
While the price of the Logitech Cordless Desktop EX100 is very inticing just remember that it is an entry level piece of equipment. Spending even as little as an additional $15 will allow a buyer to invest in a more robust and fully featured piece of hardware.
Chad Criswell - Chad Criswell is a professional educator and freelance technology writer for numerous online and print publications throughout the United ...
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