The Perfect Desktop?

Paul McGowan · 11-24-2007, 10:52 AM

I think I have found the perfect desktop combination - FINALLY!

After trying and then returning multiple times trying to find the best keyboard and mouse combination, I have got something I actually like. and I thought I'd let everyone know.

I ended up buying just the Logitech WAVE keyboard (HATED the mouse in that combo), which is wired. this keyboard is a semi-ergonomic with keys that rise and fall to match your individual finger "heights" when typing. It has plenty of shortcut keys INCLUDING a calculator key which is VERY handy. The only thing I'm struggling with this particular keyboard now is that there is no F-lock key, so I have to press Fn and then the specialty key each and every time. You can customize what your F1-F12 keys do fully, however most are prelabelled, which helps. You can customize all of these, but there are 3 keys that are meant to be customized. I've set those to change tabs in safari left and right, and switch applications.

For the mouse, I've bought the Microsoft Natural Laser 6000. When you first see this thing, it will be the strangest looking thing you've ever seen. it's a behemoth. but that's actually a good thing!! It's an ergonomic mouse that keeps your palm 'high up' off the desktop. It's meant to be held like you are doing a handshake. Put your hand vertical on it's pinky side down on the table, and fold your hand overtop of the mouse. What this does is take the pressure away from the carpel zone. It's taken me a bit to get used to using it at first but I'm getting better. I don't have a particularly big hand, but this still fits me well. It is SO comfortable.

Anyways, them's my thoughts. Try them out!!

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/ke.../3071&cl=ca,en

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mo...s.aspx?pid=086

Ronald Epstein · 11-25-2007, 04:04 AM

Paul,

That's a nice keyboard, but what bothers me about Logitech
is that they are very "Mac unfriendly." I mean, they make
beautiful, elaborate keyboards that are designed for Windows
and have no Mac drivers. I would love to own one of their
diNovo keyboards but they are not Mac compatible. While the
WAVE keyboard you are purchasing may have Mac drivers, I am
bothered by the Windows functions keys and the lack of Mac keys.

The mouse looks really nice. I decided to go with the
MX Revolution. A little more expensive, but it's a really
comfortable mouse with great battery life.

I'm not knocking your choices. Actually, the keyboard is very nice
and the mouse is perfect. I'm just kind of down on Logitech keyboards
because of their lack of vision for Mac.

Bob_L · 11-25-2007, 04:20 AM

Let us know how the Revolution works out for you, Ron. I'm now on my second one and it's also failing in exactly the same way the first one did. The flywheel works fine for awhile and after a month or two, completely bogs down. I can hold the mouse upside-down and get the flywheel to spin freely as it once did, but it no longer does so in normal operating position.

Aside from the Mac-related issues, I've been sorely disappointed in all the Logitech products I've owned over the past two years. I keep coming back to them because I used to swear by their products. Now I just swear at them. I've had one MX 1000 wireless mouse "explode" (the rechargeable battery failed and leaked toxic material), a Revolution mouse fail, a second Revolution mouse fail, a Harmony 676 remote just stop working entirely, and a Harmony 880 which a friend gave me because he hated it is, IMO, badly designed (though it works, at least). The teeny buttons are just impossible to use.

As Logitech products grow less and less robust and reliable, I feel like I'm losing an old friend.

Paul McGowan · 11-25-2007, 07:39 AM

Ron - I'm not sure what you really mean as far as mac compatibility, but I've not experienced a problem thus far with this keyboard.

The Windows key has a subscript "option" written on it as well.
Both Alts also have the proper mac symbol.
iTunes sound controls work flawlessly.
Windows Media Center brings up Front Row and there are similar buttons for iPhoto, Dashboard and Calculator.
The W button defaulted to bring up Pages, the X button defaulted to bringing up Numbers, the e button defaulted to activate Safari, and the msn symbol defaulted to iChat. All of these buttons are reconfigurable, however the Pages, Numbers, Safari and iChat keys were labelled using their Microsoft counterparts.

If the problem you're having is that the keys are not labelled with the Pages, Numbers, Safari and iChat, I guess I could understand, I mean that would be nice. However those are just 4 keys (Plus the Windows Media Centre key) that aren't labelled "the mac way" out of many. Otherwise, I couldn't ask for much more mac "compatibility" out of this keyboard. The "Enter" key even has a subscript "OK"!! I can even shut down/sleep/restart my mac from the keyboard.

Perhaps you could clarify what has been irking you about the mac compatibility from Logitech Keyboards. I've seen other products from Logitech, and they don't have any mac compatibility to them at all. This one's a keeper, and if you can find a place with a return policy, it's worth a try.

DaveF · 11-25-2007, 09:00 PM

Paul -- congratulations on finding your perfect setup! I'm a big fan of being selective about mouse and keyboard options. I thought about the Wave keyboard, but couldn't find the wired keyboard only unit to try. I went with an inexpensive MS Keyboard 2000 -- a basic curved keyboard that is really great for mac use.

For the mouse, considered the MS mouse you bought but preferred the MX Revolution. I've experienced some of the issues Logitech is notorious for, but I really like it and the issues have really been minor. Fortunately, I found the Leopard update to the MX a noticable improvement.

I still wish there was a good, affordable Mac-specific ergo keyboard. But until then, Logitech and MS options work well enough.

**HTF Ads**

Ronald Epstein · 11-26-2007, 03:54 AM

Paul,

Your keyboard seems to be a true hybrid of Windows and Mac
compatibility. Doesn't sound like any issues are there.

I have a diNovo keyboard that cost me $200 or more a few years
back. It's the most beautiful keyboard I have ever used, but it
is not Mac compatible. None of their recent "upper line" of keyboards
are Mac compatible. You would think it a simple process to create
drivers for Mac users, but Logitech has refused to do this.

If you have a moment, go to Logitech's website and look at their
line of keyboards and you'll find very few of them are designed for Mac.
I initially owned their white s530 keyboard and hated it.

Again, it looks as if you made a good choice with your Logitech
keyboard as long as it is labeled for both platforms.



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