Unwired keyboards, mice

GIZMO GALLERY

Logitech's DiNovo Edge, a striking, slim (at 11 mm thick), well-thought-out piece of gadget, befits a modern day household.

The very fact that Edge does not include a mouse, spells Logitech's confidence in impressing the user with all the built in features (including the functionality of a mouse).

A circular touch pad, similar to those on notebook computers -- along with two buttons for the right and left click and a volume control that is touch-sensitive -- makes up for all the bells and whistles. Backlit symbols over keys and shortcut buttons and even a backlit touch pad, lend a rich, surreal touch.

Besides looks, Logitech's keyboard also packs in Bluetooth capability, a charging deck (so there are no AA batteries to be charged) that keeps the keyboard running for days on a single charge. Logitech claims that in two hours, you can charge the Edge for up to two months of use and the claims are well-based.

On the other hand, Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 looks good, but has its own share of rookie mistakes. The silver-black style is nice but the keys feel like Juju Bees. The enclosed mouse uses the most precise technology available, but again feels too fragile.

The fact that Microsoft has put in an USB and PS/2 keyboard connector, instead of relying on USB alone, is refreshing. The contentious stepfather of the PC industry, Microsoft has spruced up its keyboard layout with a zoom in/out slider, and Favourites buttons that provide quick access to 5 favourite websites or folder.

The keyboard comes with a mouse, which might take time to get used to. The added Back and Zoom buttons should be good news for gamers and the scroll wheel scrolls away like butter. Fussy users might find hard to reconcile with the cheap feel of plastic when they pay Rs 6,347 for it.

How they compare The DiNovo Edge and Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 are compatible with Windows XP SP2 and Vista.

But in case, you decide to use Microsoft's Wireless Laser Desktop on a PC that also uses a Logitech keyboard and mouse, then you will have to uninstall the Logitech software before installing Microsoft software.

Those hoping to use the Microsoft's keyboard with a mouse (or vice versa) from another manufacturer will be disappointed. Despite being behind a wall, the Edge and Wireless Laser typed away as if one was sitting right next to the computer.

The Microsoft keyboard, though, does not have good battery support and lacks rechargeable features. Logitech's Edge definitely scores higher. But priced at Rs 15,995, you will need to be sure you want to go wireless before you buy it.