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Logitech announces Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac

iRobby

iRobby

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 22, 2011
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Fort Myers, FL USA
Logitech announces Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac
Posted on Aug 17, 2011 8:00 am by Dan Frakes, Macworld.com

logitechk750-586-250475.png


Accessory vendor Logitech on Wednesday announced the environmentally conscious Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac, the company’s first Mac-specific keyboard since the diNovo Edge Mac Edition and the diNovo Keyboard Mac Edition.

A true full-size Mac keyboard, the K750 includes a numeric keypad, all the standard Mac modifier keys in their proper positions, as well as special-function F-keys for controlling media playback; adjusting screen brightness; and accessing Exposé, Mission Control, and Dashboard. The silver version even resembles Apple’s current Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, thanks to an aluminum-colored body, thin design and low-profile, white keys. (The K750 for Mac is available in five different colors.)

But though it looks similar to Apple’s keyboards, the K750 for Mac is quite a bit deeper, front to back, thanks to a row of solar cells above the F-key row—like Logitech’s Windows-focused Wireless Solar Keyboard K750, the Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac is powered entirely by ambient light. According to the company, even standard indoor lighting is enough to charge the keyboard, and with a full charge, the K750 can operate for three months in total darkness. Which means that in real-world use, you should never have to worry about running out of juice. Logitech also touts the K750 for Mac’s other green credentials, including PVC-free construction and packaging that’s completely recyclable.

While the K750’s low-profile, square keys look much like those on Apple’s current keyboards, Logitech’s keys feature concave key tops for improved typing feel. The company has also announced a “solar power app” that tells you the keyboard’s battery level and alerts you when the K750 needs more light. Finally, the included 2.4GHz wireless receiver uses Logitech’s Unifying technology, which lets you use a single, tiny USB dongle for multiple Logitech input devices—for example, the K750 keyboard and a Performance Mouse MX.
The Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac will be available later this month for $60.
 
I just ordered one with 25% off + free ship. I hope I like it. In regards to the bluetooth, the Tech Support told me that it would be impossible for the keyboard to be solar powered and bluetooth at the same time. I'm not sure he is right about that.
 
In addition to Bluetooth, I dislike it for (1) pre-Lion layout (mainly, F4 = Dashboard instead of Launchpad), (2) solar panels remind me of cheap calculator. Black finish seems to blend solar panels better, but black does not match Mac's style as well.
 
Get back to me when it's Bluetooth. It's a Mac for crying out loud--it's almost guaranteed these days!
 
This is a great idea for a Mac peripheral and glad to see Logitech back on board with support. However I echo everyone's complaints on lack of bluetooth.

Logitech for some reason does not like to create bluetooth devices. Most of their entire product range relies on wireless USB dongles.

Wish they'd change their attitude on bluetooth.
 
Looks Good

But I wonder just how much light it needs to function reliably? I live in Wales, where it rains and is grey most of the time....I suppose a lamp would do the trick.

Been looking for a better keyboard and this could fit the bill.
 
I like this keyboard. I just cannot get used to the Apple keyboard and the travel of the keys. I wish Apple would produce a keyboard that is similar to the one on the MBA or MBP for desktops. I shall give this a go since I use a logitech MX pro mouse anyway so I have the dongle already.
 
Yep

theSeb said:
I like this keyboard. I just cannot get used to the Apple keyboard and the travel of the keys. I wish Apple would produce a keyboard that is similar to the one on the MBA or MBP for desktops. I shall give this a go since I use a logitech MX pro mouse anyway so I have the dongle already.
Click to expand...

My issue with the Apple keyboard is the lack of angle...Yes I can put something under the back to raise it up, but why not a couple of little legs?
 
Macman45 said:
My issue with the Apple keyboard is the lack of angle...Yes I can put something under the back to raise it up, but why not a couple of little legs?
Click to expand...

hmmm... I've never thought about the angle to be honest, but now that you mention it.... :confused:

I would gladly pay for something that resembles an empty MBA keyboard and trackpad. In other words, the MBA shell without a monitor - just a glass trackpad and a keyboard.

Are you listening Apple? I want this and I am patenting the idea. The separate trackpad doesn't feel as nice as the MBP or the MBA trackpad and the keyboard (both wireless and wired) is not as nice to type on.

In fact I had a good feel of the two trackpads the other day to make sure that I wasn't going mad since I own a MBA, MBP and the external trackpad. This may sound odd, but the texture of the external magical trackpad does not feel the same and I think it may be because it's not glass. Frankly, it feels quite rough to touch and, no, I don't have delicate fingertips either. :D

I just cannot get comfortable with the separate keyboard and external trackpad when trying to work at my desk.
 
I don't. My older Logitech BT mouse had issues staying connected anyway. Plus the Unifying Receiver is tiny so you don't have some big thing sticking out..
 
reebzor said:
Am I the only one that doesn't care at all that it lacks Bluetooth?

I've been waiting for something like this for a while.
Click to expand...

While bluetooth would be nice, the lack of BT is not a deal breaker. I already have USB doohickey for my logitech mouse, so it's not a big deal.
 
So what happens when the internal batteries (?) can't hold the charge anymore, is it user replaceable?
 
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