Logitech Anywhere MX with unifying receiver

[stract]

So, I have a Logitech mouse (anywhere MX) that I use when traveling, and a K800/M705 keyboard/mouse combo for my desktop usage. My new rMBP is replacing both my laptop and desktop, but I haven't bought a new display yet (hoping for an ATD refresh soon), so not currently connecting it to the keyboard/mouse combo.

Anyway, they all work with the help of a small unifying receiver (plugs in via USB and provides BT signal to interact with devices). My question is, now that I have a laptop with built-in BT, do I even need the unifying receiver anymore? Will all my devices pair and function through the built-in BT?

 

[Giuly]

You still need the receiver, as Unifying is "fake Bluetooth", but not real Bluetooth.

As virtually all computers come with real Bluetooth built-in today, allowing you to choose between a device that uses Unifying and a device that uses Bluetooth without buying additional hardware, it's completely useless in the modern world.

It probably even uses more power than Bluetooth 4.0.

 

[John Kotches]

Wow...

So, not all RF technology is Bluetooth. Logitechs unifying receiver is RF. It isnt "fake Bluetooth" as poster #2 titles it.

RF has been around longer than Bluetooth and often has greater range.

 

[Giuly]

Still, according to Logitech's own whitepaper, it doesn't have any advantages over Bluetooth Smart/4.0 anymore and is not only redundant, but also occupies an USB port.

 

[alphaod]

Still, according to Logitech's own whitepaper, it doesn't have any advantages over Bluetooth Smart/4.0 anymore and is not only redundant, but also occupies an USB port.

Yeah, but it doesn't have the lag and connection issues that Bluetooth has.

 

[anshu]

Still, according to Logitech's own whitepaper, it doesn't have any advantages over Bluetooth Smart/4.0 anymore and is not only redundant, but also occupies an USB port.

Huh? The main features part of the paper starts with

Unlike Bluetooth, Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz is not a frequency-hopping protocol that continuously
jumps from one channel to another. Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz is a so-called frequency-agility protocol
that stays on the same channel as long as possible. When the active channel becomes unusable,
Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz automatically selects another one

I much prefer having the logitech, since it connects much faster then bluetooth and I never lose a connection and have to reboot the device... and the complaint about ports? I imagine most people are using the mouse and keyboards in a more permanent desk setup, not on the go, so no worries about hubs or anything, i could be wrong of course

 

[Giuly]

Bluetooth 4.0 connects near-instantly, too.

 

[John Kotches]

Still, according to Logitech's own whitepaper, it doesn't have any advantages over Bluetooth Smart/4.0 anymore and is not only redundant, but also occupies an USB port.

And most items don't have Bluetooth 4.0.

Bluetooth is okay but I am not the biggest fan because it isnt nearly as seamless as it should be. Lots of experience with things just not working cleanly/well.

 

[jedolley]

My question is, now that I have a laptop with built-in BT, do I even need the unifying receiver anymore? Will all my devices pair and function through the built-in BT?

The question was kind of answered already, but may have been lost/confused in the Bluetooth debate...

The unifying receiver is NOT Bluetooth and the Anywhere MX is NOT a bluetooth mouse. You will need the USB receiver in order for the mouse to work.

 

[Mr. McMac]

I've had nothing but disconnect problems with bluetooth on 2 mac mini's with my Apple Bluetooth Keyboards. I've since switched over to the Logitech K750 with uses the same dongle as my mouse. Since then I've had zero problems.

 

[Giuly]

Amazon currently has the Anywhere MX for $27.50 (instead of $59.99), if you care to pick one up and have a spare USB port.