The keyboard is of an all-new design. Not only has the layout been changed, but keys like the function keys have had their shape and feel changed, so that their difference from normal keys can be emphasized. The new layout has resulted in a slightly less-wide keyboard, though the presence of some of the hot keys and additional features do take up a little more space. The hotkeys are numerous, but have been decreased in size compared to previous Logitech keyboards, so that they don't attract so much attention.

   The mouse is based on Logitech's Cordless Click! mouse, but adds in a wheel that can not only be scrolled, but can be "tilted" from side-to-side, so as to scroll sideways through documents or large images. This is obviously a feature added in to make sure that Microsoft doesn't have dominance on "tilt-wheel" mice. Nevertheless, the additional feature is welcomed. The LX 501 comes with, (including the keyboard and mouse), a wrist rest, the receiver, 4 AA batteries, a software CD, and a Quick Install guide on a poster. This is pretty much standard, and the inclusion of batteries for both the keyboard and mouse was expected.

   Purchasing rechargeable batteries for the keyboard and mouse may be a better idea if you use them heavily. The setup guide is very basic, but clearly explains how to get the products up and running, and was well written.

   The first noticeable difference in this keyboard from previous Logitech ones was its weight: The LX 501 was considerably heavier. Upon removal of the keyboard from its packaging, one is likely to feel the difference right away! This is generally a good quality as it usually indicates good build quality and sturdiness; light weight keyboard tend to "feel" flimsy and cheap.

   The keyboard's layout however, is probably the biggest difference. You'll first notice that the function keys are now circular in shape, blue in colour, and have a convex top surface. This makes them resemble buttons, more than keys, and when first viewed in a picture, they may be mistaken for hot keys of some sort.

   However, they are just your regular function keys, albeit with the F-keys enhancements seen on so many other keyboards. (This was the first keyboard I've seen with function keys that look like this.) The "Home/End" key grouping has also been changed, and is the same as seen in the Cordless Desktop Express. The Insert key has been removed from this group, and delegated to a secondary/shift function on the Scroll Lock key.

  The Delete key has been doubled in length, and the Home and End keys are now side by side on the same row, rather than in the same column. The Page Up and Page Down keys are still in a column, directly beside the new Delete key. If you had happened to read my review on the Cordless Desktop Express, you'll note that the unexplained removal of the Scroll Lock key mystified me; some people still have a need for such a key, whether its in a specific program or elsewhere.

   You'll be happy to note that on the LX 501, the Scroll Lock key remains in position, beside the Print Screen and Pause/Break keys. However, Insert is now this key's shift function, but since the Insert key is used relatively little, this inconvenient location shouldn't affect most users. (The relocation of Insert was to minimize its accidental activation, and subsequent user aggravation, when typing and reaching for the Delete key or other.)

   The software included on CD is Logitech's SetPoint and MediaLife software, which will be covered on the next page. SetPoint is Logitech's replacement (at least for this keyboard and mouse) for the iTouch and MouseWare software, and allows for configuration of both the mouse and keyboard, while MediaLife, as one would expect, is a specialized Media Player of sorts.

   The included wrist rest provides a little more support space for your palms, and is recommended for usage. It quite easily is attached and removed, so one shouldn't have a problem switching between its usage and non-usage, to save on desktop space. As with some other Logitech keyboards, the last row of keys slopes down towards you, so that your fingers (especially your thumb on the space bar) are pressing on a surface instead of an edge. This feature did increase comfort, and generally felt better than a traditional keyboard's design. Common keyboard shortcuts are also printed on the side of key caps, and may aide in improving novice/new users' use of interfaces.