Before I get into my findings and such, I want to take a minute and show you the LCD screen and its functions.
The LCD screen has six preset programs. The first is date and time. The second one is media, which shows the current media playing and the length of the track. Next up is temperature, which can be displayed in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Next we have favorites A - D, followed by a key counter and an inbox monitor. The far left of the screen is reserved for icon indicators: new e-mail, caps lock, mute and low battery.
There is also an integrated calculator, accessible by pressing the calculator button directly above the number pad. I have included a quick video below, showing the LCD screen, each of its functions (including the calculator) in use, as well as the MX Revolution mouse (hyper scrolling, etc.).
I have been using the MX 5500 keyboard and mouse combo for about a week now, and there are several things I really like about it. Starting with the keyboard, I really like its relatively slim size and stylish, modern look. The orange function keys really look nice against the black board. I also really like how Logitech added the shortcut key descriptions on the front of each key. The media keys on the left side of the board worked well, as did the function keys. Being able to program the hot keys and function keys via the SetPoint software is a great asset, as I don't use all of the preset programs.
I also really like how the keyboard types. The keys have a nice tactical feel, but aren't overly loud like keys on other boards. The LCD screen has some useful preset programs - my favorites being the key counter and temperature monitor. My room is always warmer than the rest of my apartment, so much so that I have a thermometer on top of my printer to keep an eye on room temps. Now I can just look down at my keyboard for this same info.
The fact that the MX 5500 is Bluetooth wireless is will appeal to a lot of people. I sometimes like to prop my legs up on my desk and type with the keyboard in my lap, something that can be a bit of a task with a wired keyboard.
Of course, there were a few things that I didn't really care for with the MX 5500 keyboard. My first issue is with the LCD screen. While Logitech pulled off a classy look with a solid-mounted screen, I would have preferred something with a hinge so I could adjust it to my exact liking. Also, there is no backlight on the screen, which renders it useless in low light situations. The same can be said for the keys - no backlighting either. The lack of key backlight doesn't bother me near as much as the LCD backlight does.
The wrist rest on the MX 5500 is very comfortable, but it is not removable. I would probably never remove it anyway, but I imagine some people would want to for whatever reason. Also, and this is not specific to the MX 5500 but every keyboard I have ever used... why don't manufacturers put rubber grips on the bottom of the retractable feet? I prefer to use the keyboard in the upright position with the feet out, but hate losing grip on my desk.
Moving on to the mouse, there wasn't anything that I didn't like about the MX Revolution. I have been using an MX Revolution for over a year now, so I am pretty familiar with it and still consider it the best mouse that money can buy. The mouse has a really nice, ergonomic design that feels great under your hand. The Revolution has a lot of buttons, but they are all strategically placed and are actually useful one you get used to them being there. The mouse tracks perfectly, even on my desk surface, something that most optical / laser mice simply can't do on this surface.
I love being able to customize every button with the SetPoint software. I have global hot keys enabled in Winamp, so I can control the player using the side scroll wheel without it even being the active program on the screen. A simple flick of my thumb and I can navigate previous and next tracks with ease.
Perhaps my favorite feature of the MX Revolution is the main scroll wheel. I have grown accustomed to using the SmartShift feature to quickly navigate playlists, websites and my e-mail inbox.
The battery indicator on the MX Revolution does a good job of letting you know exactly how much time you have left before your mouse needs a recharge. Battery life is really good as well. Depending on how much you use your computer, you could probably expect about a week or two between charges. Charging the mouse completely from a near-empty battery takes only a few hours - I usually put mine on the charger at night before I go to bed once a week, so I am not "down".
Overall, the MX 5500 is a pretty nice combo, but I feel the keyboard could use a few updates - namely a backlight for the LCD scree. As of writing, the MX 5500 Keyboard / Mouse combo sells for $169.99 USD at a popular online reseller. Thanks to Logitech for supplying us with this review sample.
