This package from Logitech does have a touch of class about it to justify the £100 price tag. For a start the mouse is the much respected MX1000 laser mouse and here it also acts as the RF receiver and charging base. Obviously the main attraction for potential users are the number of function keys available which is in excess of 20. these offer the ability to fire off many applications or macro features and all are fully assignable.

The extra keys are grouped into 2 categories navigation and function, the navigation keys provide a very quick way of moving around the screen and within applications there is a 4 way scroll wheel with a slide up and down key which allow you to literally zoom around the keyboard.  There is also a zoom in / out pad and keys to bring the screen back to 100% plus open and close windows, this cluster of navigation controls al sit on the left-hand side of the main QWERTY keyboard making a very natural feel to operating the Logitech.

When we switch to application buttons most come pre configured in some way the most obvious being the media control functions which when hooked to a programme like music match or windows media player allow fingertip operation of playback and tracks selection as well as skipping and volume control.

Across the top of the top of the QWERTY layout the plethora of function keys give quick access to commonly use applications like internet explorer, outlook, messenger and even a web cam, these keys are smaller than most the buttons on the MX3100 and those with bigger thumbs may find you catch two at once resulting in unwanted applications popping up.

Almost all the extra buttons can be re configured to fire any application or macro you like using the Logitech medialife software, installing this not only allows configuration but gives you some fairly simple yet nice to use media viewing applications.

Our tests gave the Logitech MX3100 keyboard and mouse a hard workout and the rechargeable battery gave well over 3 days of solid use with needing a top up, but in reality you'll sit the mouse and keyboard in to charge when you leave the PC. Its easy to see the battery status with a 4 level LED display which constantly reminds you how much juice your master control centre has left.

Days of serious work left us impressed with the ergonomics of the keyboard which is comfortable to use and the extra keys seem in logical positions especially the navigation functions, it might have been a nice touch to include a fingerprint reader but that was the only thing we thought was missing. The mouse is in a class of its own and its what makes this bundle good value for money, the laser pointer is fast and highly accurate and the mould of the mouse is deep and infinitely comfortable even for long surfing sessions.

Logitech do make a real high end "Di Novo" desktop and there is a new version coming which we can't wait to test, but some of us can't really justify spending upwards of £150 on a keyboard combo even if it is Bluetooth.

The Logitech MX3100 offers the right blend of comfort and extra features at a shade under £100, it has enough extra configurable buttons to run Dr Evils underground lair so there should be enough for all the applications on your PC!

Published - 30/03/2005

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