Have you ever associated a brand name with excellence --- knew, because of the manufacturer, the product was going to work as well as (or better than) advertised?

If you haven't already done so, add Logitech to that list. These folks continue to amaze me as they steadily find new, innovative ways to "upgrade" old products.

I've been playing with their new Cordless Desktop MX5000 Laser ($149.99) and the new Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote ($249.95)

Logitech ordless Desktop MX5000 Laser

The cordless desktop is the first one I've seen using Bluetooth instead of RF technology to communicate between you computer, keyboard and mouse. Let's face it, the "look ma no wires" era has been around for a long time, but the keyboard and mouse have always had to be in a direct line of sight with the RF receiver attached to your computer.

Using Bluetooth, the receiver can be anywhere and receive a signal from the peripherals. But there is a caveat here: Bluetooth is still a bit flakey and sometimes, thankfully not very often, it takes the patience of a saint to get it working properly. But, when it does work, the connection is flawless. And I'm positive it will become easier to use as it becomes more popular.

Realizing this, Logitech has made the setup process as easy as possible and the software that comes with the desktop is pretty good at troubleshooting communications problems.

Key features include:

• An LCD display on the keyboard displays everything from time and date to the subject of the last e-mail you've received.
• Volume and zoom controls are built into the keyboard.
• You can print to a Bluetooth compatible printer or use Bluetooth headphones.
• The cordless mouse provides 20-times the resolution than other mice using LED illumination.
• Smart power management alerts users when battery levels are low.
• The keyboard boasts a built-in calculator.
• One-touch synchronization allows it to communicate with Bluetooth mobile phones.
• You can manage hundreds of thousands of music, photo and video files using the MediaLife software that comes with the desktop.

Logitech Harmony Remote

Now, I'm no fool and I realize the folks at Logitech acquired the company that developed the Harmony remote, but it's what has happened since then that makes them an innovator. This has got to be the easiest remote I've ever had to set up.

No code numbers to look up.

No learning from other remotes.

Just attach it to the USB port on your PC and it's ready to download everything your need to use your electronic devices.

The remote I'm playing with is controlling a video projector, AV receiver, DVD player, cable box, a music server, a dual tape deck and a VHS tape recorder --- and I programmed it in 15 minutes. All I had to do was tell it the brand names and model numbers of the components and it did the work. Plus, it combines functions. For example, to watch a DVD, it turns on the DVD player, receiver and projector automatically.

A few of its other key features include:

• You can change the images used for the eight customized buttons per screen.
• You can change the aspect ratio for HDTV by hitting one button.
• It provides the functionality of PVR remotes, such as those found with TIVo or cable box DVRs.
• The online user database provides thousands of devices.
• Setup is kept as simple as possible using a well-designed wizard.
• A help button will diagnose the state of your components in case the remote "falls out of sequence."
• It can learn any IR remote command by pointing the original remote at the sensior in the back of the unit while it's connected to a PC.

More information on these and other Logitech products can be found at www.logitech.com.

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Dear Reader:

Ever get drawn into those old horror films made during the 1930s and '40s?

Next time you do, check out the credits for special effects and you'll be amazed to discover only one name. One person did the job it now takes a zillion techies to do for our new era of blockbusters.

Obviously demands are a lot higher as we've developed from simple putty and phony beards to digital magic, but it amazed me as to how they were still able to enthrall and amaze us without a lot of cinematic trickery. Check out the silent version of "Jekyll and Hyde" and watch John Barrymore change before your very eyes. And he didn't have a special effects team.

So, I have a request and would like your help. I would like to find the simplest, yet useful, tech gadget --- for home electronics or computers --- that can make our lives easier without our needing a background in advanced manual reading to use.

Those wishing to aid me on my quest can contact me through this Web site.

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