This Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro is a combination of a cordless version of the Logitech Wave Keyboard and a single (rechargeable) battery version of the Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse (910-000718). In general, I'd have given it a 4 star ranking except for one thing: I had to buy a Cables To Go - 19018 - 2M USB A/A Extension Cable to stop the mouse from lagging/stuttering (just plain stopping for several seconds at a time). The problem could be a combination of the thumb-drive sized receiver for the keyboard/mouse and my steel Antec LifeStyle Solo ATX Quiet ATX Mini-Tower Case (Piano Black). The receiver plugs directly into a USB port instead of sitting on the desk with a cable extending to the USB port. For a laptop (or maybe a non-steel case), this shouldn't be a problem (in fact, it would be very convenient). But, in my setup, I'd lose the mouse connection repeatedly. Just using a foot-long USB extension cable so the receiver rested on top of my computer case got rid of most of the lagging. With the two meter extension, I've got the receiver on top of my desk (like the receiver for my old Logitech 967692-0403 Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser (Black) and haven't had any problems at all.
Regarding the keyboard part of this package, it's pretty good. Compared to my old keyboard, I find it a bit cramped. But, I think this is a function of my being used to the more separated hands of the pure ergonomic design. The wave design is better than a regular, straight design. But, not as good a real split-hand ergonomic keyboard. My only other complaint about it is a minor one: the palm rest is non-detachable (it's a soft, padded rubber, though). I had a micro-bead palm rest that was great. But, with the non-detachable nature of this keyboard, it's no longer really workable. One other thing to be aware of is that the two AA batteries that come with the keyboard are non-rechargeable (unlike the mouse's).
For the mouse, I've already mentioned the stuttering problem and my solution. The only other problem I have with it is that the Back and Forward buttons are a bit small and awkwardly placed (again, this could just be because I'm used to a different mouse). On the positive side, the mouse feet are great. My old mouse didn't slide well at all. On the very same surface, this one glides smoothly and easily. So, the mouse feels good and moves well. The next biggest positive would probably be the standard rechargeable AA battery (instead of a proprietary version -- and note that there's only one battery instead of the two that come with the stand-alone mouse). The set comes with a charger for the mouse. But, I'll just be using my standard battery charger and batteries instead. I also like the little button below the scroll wheel which converts the scroll wheel from free-spinning to click-spinning.
So, if it weren't for the receiver interference problem (which could be specific to my steel case setup), I'd have been happy to rate this set at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5. But, because of it, I'm dropping my rating by one to a Good 3 stars out of 5. Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
This is a great keyboard/mouse combination. In fact, it's worth buying the Wave Pro set over the Wave set just for the upgraded mouse...which you cannot buy outside of this combo.
The keyboard is the best ergonomic keyboard I've used and involves almost no learning curve. In fact, typing feels more natural than I'm used to...even as a writer. The keyboard is responsive (albeit a little bit louder than I prefer, but then again no external keyboard will be as quiet as a laptop keyboard).
MAC USERS, READ THIS:
It is true that the Wave Pro DOES work just fine with apple OS X. What does NOT work is Logitech Control Center (commonly referred to as LCC). It's not the LCC isn't compatible with Mac OS X, it's that LCC doesn't recognize the Wave Pro keyboard.
A call to Logitech support revealed that the infrared receiver for the Wave Pro combo differs from the Wave combo. It's the infrared receiver in the Wave Pro set that makes LCC unable to recognize a connected keyboard or mouse. It seems strange that Logitech would support OS X on the lesser priced version of this combo and not the Pro version, but that, unfortunately, is the case.
There have been stories of the difficult to find LCC version 2.6 (currently in version 2.7) working with the Wave Pro set, but such was not the case for me. If you want to give it a shot yourself, grab it from logitech's public FTP page here: ftp://ftp.logitech.com/pub/techsupport/mouse/mac/. You're looking for the "lcc260.zip" file.
It's both a blessing and a curse that LCC isn't supported for the Wave Pro on OS X, as it has been the reported problem of SOOOOOO MANY problems, including a blue screen of death, kernel panic issues, program crashes, and random freezes. We mac users are definitely not used to such issues.
If you want to map your mouse buttons, simply download the VERY popular SteerMouse program. Problem solved. As far as the keyboard goes, I personally haven't found a good 3rd party keyboard mapping software to regain the functionality of the media and specialty keys on the keyboard itself. Note that the volume and iTunes controls DO work, out of the box, just not the zoom, webcam, settings, calculator, and other launcher keys.
If anyone DOES know of a program to map these keys, I'd love to know about it.
In conclusion, if you're a mac user considering this combo, don't let the problems with Logitech Control Center deter you. As I mentioned before, it's both a blessing and a curse. At least you can the very stable SteerMouse to regain functionality of the many wonderful mouse buttons. - Wireless Keyboard - Cordless - Mouse Combos - Ergonomic Keyboard'
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