New Logitech Keyboard eschews Batteries, Wires

[André Axe'm]

I'm assuming that it does have batteries, headline notwithstanding. Those solar cells have to send the power somewhere.

Shouldn't need batteries. The level on your keyboard should be pretty much constant when you are using and you can always use an inductor to smooth out any fluctuations.

[Mekon]

Shouldn't need batteries. The level on your keyboard should be pretty much constant when you are using and you can always use an inductor to smooth out any fluctuations.

Assuming your have a constant light source with enough energy. Also it's a wireless keyboard - RF 2.4 Ghz wireless takes a bit more power than occasional keypresses, as does the power indicator LED. Nevermind the fact that the spec dictates that it can run for 3 months in darkness...

The included solar power app (available for download beginning Nov. 15, 2010 at http://www.logitech.com/k750/solarapp) a lux meter to help you get the necessary light, makes it easy to get at-a-glance information about battery levels, and even alerts you when you need more power.

Logitech’s first solar keyboard can be powered by indoor light and stays charged for at least three months in total darkness. Plus an integrated power-indicator light eliminates surprises.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/172/7743

It has an internal battery.

[Cas Bitton]

It has an internal battery.

Do you need to replace it?

The Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 is pretty amazing also

[lucassot]

Always bet on the Wired.

[Bronze_D]

leca:

*puts on serious mask*
Since we all know any rechargeable batteries in commercial market eventually loses their capacity due to chemical reaction and would eventually flat out, technically u do have to replace it... eventually anyway, but hopefully before it loses significant amount of charge capacity the device's mechanical components wear will already be significant enough that the battery life span is of lesser concern.

since this is likely a scissor switch keyboard, such mechanical failure is very likely in heavy use as scissor switch are not exactly known to be that durable. But then again whoever is gonna be using such keyboard probably don't really need it for heavy use anyway so it's portability and convenience may well outweigh all other concern.

still... it kinda disturb me to see price tag over 60 bucks for non mechanical keyboard with doo dads attached, though i'd admit the portability can be useful in some cases.

[Mr Messy]

wired G15 + G9

except you can't see the wires due to all of the junk on top of them

[Cas Bitton]

Sorry Bronze_D for playing that card. Mekon knows, I know

But then again whoever is gonna be using such keyboard probably don't really need it for heavy use anyway so it's portability and convenience may well outweigh all other concern.

Spot on

still... it kinda disturb me to see price tag over 60 bucks for non mechanical keyboard with doo dads attached, though i'd admit the portability can be useful in some cases.

Why reinvent the wheel? if you need a mechanical keyboard then you already have plenty of awesome options out there .

Logitech is always looking to invest and explore new options and developments, and we keep on falling into the trap of buying their cool new shiny products

[Bronze_D]

well that's the thing...

paying premium price for what's essentially a standard mass produced cheap membrane keyboard with gadgets attached to it is... well ... difficult to swallow for me.

this one at least i can understand since portability has it's uses... but logitech been quite keen on the bandwagon overall with keyboards attached with various doo dads that frankly i cannot see worth the price jack.

[Matty]

G15 and G9 for me as well.

Im not too cooncerned about all the wires hanging around. The underside of my desk will turn into a gigantic magnet one day...

[Bol7z]

G15 is one of the worst keyboard i have ever used, I used mine for 2 years then I found those laptop sorta keyboards but made for desktop comps,

They make typing a breeze.

All this stuff with "gaming" gear is just a big money grab.

[Cas Bitton]

I used mine for 2 years then I found those laptop sorta keyboards but made for desktop comps,

They make typing a breeze.

Snex will have my back by saying the apple wired keyboard is a rather magical device

[Otto-matic]

I'm liking my Logitech MK710 wireless setup. Batteries apparently last 3 years, though I think my mouse batteries might die after 2 due to heavy usage. Oh noes! Where shall I find 2 more AA batteries when the world ends in 2012

[Wyld]

I have to agree with Leca there, that keyboard is teh sex to use .. and also, if you can handle the ergonomic design, the Microsoft Natural 4000 is a joy to use every day.

[TheScientist]

at home i have a microsoft bluetooth elite keyboard. I don't know why exactly, but i prefer to have a wireless keyboard. It does eat batteries if you're typing with it a lot, but even then not too bad (one set lasted the last three months with me using it pretty much all day every day).

at work i have one of the above mac keyboards, and it really is a very nice keyboard. I think it's something about the keys having edges that are really easy to find, makes touch typing a lot easier.

[Novocaine]

I've used both over the years but I'm more of a fan of a wired set up now. Rolling with a Zboard (gimmicky but I like the ghosting) and a Razer Naga. Having to change batteries in the middle of a raid boss happened way too much for my liking.