09-29-2003, 12:20 AM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 15,171
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Now, THIS Is The Way To Do Bluetooth
Logitech recently announced their MX900 mouse -- the same mouse as the MX700, but using Bluetooth. They also have a Cordless Comfort Bluetooth keyboard. So, how does this differ from Microsoft's offerings?
Logitech has designed a comprehensive Bluetooth site that answers every detailed question about their product -- for example, by just clicking on the FAQ, you can find out that they use the Widcomm drivers for their Bluetooth hub (which is, BTW, intelligently integrated into the recharging cradle of the mouse), that they don't use the Windows XP drivers because they're lacking in profiles, and what kind of laptop Bluetooth solutions would work with the mouse and keyboard (any one that supports HID, at least in theory).
But it doesn't stop there. They've gone to the trouble of creating a compatibility matrix between their Bluetooth hub and a substantial set of third-party devices, including cell phones, PDAs (including the iPAQ Pocket PCs), printers, and headsets. Not only that, they include HOWTOs where appropriate.
Now, compare this to Microsoft's Bluetooth hardware. There is no discussion of the Bluetooth aspects of the product -- all you're told is that you need Windows XP and an available USB port. In fact, a lot of people have complained that Microsoft's drivers don't support the serial profile, so that even Microsoft-based Pocket PCs don't ActiveSync with their Microsoft Bluetooth dongle. :| Some people have managed to get others' Widcomm drivers to work, but that's hardly a solution for the masses.
Personally, I think there's no comparison, and Logitech deserves some serious kudos in trying to usefully push the Bluetooth standard, and Bluetooth interoperability, forward. If more manufacturers went to this effort, I think BT adoption would be far greater than it is today. Combine that with the fact that the Logitech MX mice are, IMHO, the very best cordless mice available today, and there's simply no comparison.
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09-29-2003, 12:36 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 155
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After I found out that microsoft's bluetooth wasn't that *compatible* I had great hopes that logitech would soon follow with a bluetooth enabled keyboard/mouse combo. Looks like they're going to pull it through!
This is yet another thing that microsoft's hardware department has lost to it's competitors. They've already discontinued their line of sidewinder controller product lines. I had an old sidewinder forcefeedback and was shocked to find that they had no support for winxp. Anyhow, that's another story.
Long live Logitech!
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09-29-2003, 12:43 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 123
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bluetooth is a failure anyways
It's 100% apparent to me that those in charge of Bluetooth are held hostage by a vocal minority that cares more about corner case scenarios than things like ease of setup and reliability.
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09-29-2003, 12:51 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 652
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As a user of their Elite cordless optical mouse I must say that they have done it again as usual. This is a prime example of how devices and support should be created and handled. Two departments Microsoft will always be lacking in.
__________________
Making use of mobile tech like no other.
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09-29-2003, 12:56 AM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 841
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A good example on how some departements at Microsoft first deploy something - anything, the bare minimum, just to have a foot at the door, before thinking on the full picture. Then they start working the faults and miss.
The problem is - apparently Microsoft will not update their Bluetooth software. So, good on you Logitech 
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09-29-2003, 01:05 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 706
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I'm using an old Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard combo. The hardware is good, the software is fine and it just works. No problems, not ever.
I can't beleive that Microsoft, despite their massive wealth and apparently almost boundless resources, just can't do this right.
Well Done Logitech
__________________
Get your Pocket Mojo. Anthony Caruana is the Mojo master. |
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09-29-2003, 01:46 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 115
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Now we need a foldable version with PPC drivers with at least 24 hours of heavy typing time in replacable rechargable AA batteries. Now I'd buy that in a second.
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09-29-2003, 02:22 AM
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Magi
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,341
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I've got the MX700 Janak mentioned. It's the best damn mouse I've ever used. I know there is no way I would bother upgrading to the Bluetooth model....Besides Bluetooth, I think they named it wrong. Blackeye seems more fitting. 
Kudos to Logitech for doing it right anyway.
Dave
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09-29-2003, 02:32 AM
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Mystic
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,766
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I have the MX 700 and I dont think it is worth it for me to upgrade, because the only thing that I have is bluetooth is my PDA. But this would be a good example of how technology is coming. Sure, in the future it would be nice to have, if I had more bluetooth things. For now, a 100 meter dongle is what I would like.
-Justin.
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09-29-2003, 02:39 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 56
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Jesshhhh....
Figures, I just got the regular RF wireless combo!?!? Now they come out with the bluetooth version.
Would be nice, since I already have a few bluetooth devices...
Jabra wireless earphone...
Ipaq 5555
Ericsson t616 Phone
Would have been nice....Wonder why the bluetooth version is almost double the price of their normal RF wireless?
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