Wireless Desktops and Logitech DiNovo Laser Desktop Bluetooth Impressions

I've been shopping around for a decent wireless keyboard because I got bored of my old PS2 HP keyboard and also wanted something that would work with my new MacBook Pro. I've been doing quite a bit of online research and "borrowed" a Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 from Best Buy. I liked the feel of the semi-ergonomic keyboard that came with that, even though it gave me random connection quality warnings and the driver would crash from time to time. I disliked the MS Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 though. No matter how hard I tried to get used to it, it just felt "off" compared to my old Logitech MX1000. The tracking didn't seem as precise and it just didn't fit comfortably in my hand and was hard to pick up. So, I tried to use just the keyboard with my old mouse, but unfortunately, they seemed to intefere with eachother, giving me all kinds of weird movement anomalies in games. So, I took this MS combo back to Best Buy. I didn't see anything to replace it with at Best Buy and went to Staples. Staples had a much finer selection of input devices, which included the ultra cool looking Logitech DiNovo Laser Desktop Bluetooth. The idea of Bluetooth is really appealing to me, due to its increased security over the standard RF wireless and ability to connect to something without some external receiver device. Of all the Bluetooth combos on the market (all 3 of them), this one had the most decent reviews and a major coolness of design factor. Unfortunately, it was a steep $200, but I decided to "borrow it" to see how it works, figuring that if I like it, I could always take it back to Staples and buy it for much less online. So, here are my initiall impressions:

So far, I have to say, I AM rather impressed. A lot of the reviews mention how sucky and hard to install the software is, which is not that unusual with Logitech products. This is why I just avoid installing their software. Both my PC and Mac picked this up right away (Mac using its internal Blutooth) and it just worked. The volume control and media keys work just fine without the bloated software suit. The numpad/remote thingie doesn't work I'm sure (well, the numpad part of it actually does), but I already have a PC remote and thus not interested in this functionality.

I really like how small and low profile the keyboard is, in addition to looking hella cool and futuristic. It will definitelly get you some jealous looks from your buddies. Since I don't really use numpads, it leaves a lot more room for my mouse on the desk too. I am still getting used to the keys, but I think I am going to like them. Overall the keyboard is pretty comfortable, especially if you like laptop keyboards. The mouse is a new and improved Bluetooth version of the venerable MX1000 Wireless Laser Mouse. It adds a tilt wheel for horizontal scrolling and seems to be a bit lighter. The charging station is a lot smaller too and the mouse fits into it easier. As a long term MX1000 user, I really like this mouse. Despite some users of this combo reporting mouse lag problems, it seems just as accurate and lag-free to me.

I also really like how there's no big ass wireless receiver that plugs into a USB slot through a cable, like Microsoft products use. The only thing here is a little flash drive sized Logitech bluetooth dongle that plugs directly into the USB slot. I believe it lets you connect any other Bluetooth stuff as well.

Oh, I did run into one issue with this combo. I was playing Half-Life 2: Episode one and I have the Alt key assigned to Sprint. I noticed when I hold it down to sprint, it often doesn't stay pressed and instead goes into a kind of "auto-fire" mode or makes me stop sprinting all together. Hopefully I will be able to resolve this issue.