Logitech introduces the K480 multi device bluetooth keyboard

Today, Logitech announces the new K480 keyboard. It is a bluetooth keyboard that allows you to pair up to 3 devices. This sounds exactly like the K810/K811 I reviewed a while back.

I guess the basic difference is this is $50 instead of $99. It also has a jog dial versus Fn keys. However, I still like the K810/811s due to the fact they glow at night with the illuminated keyboards. This doesn't appear to have illuminated keys. Oh, I forgot, this new K480 does have a slide in cradle to dock your phone and tablet. That is pretty cool except the green color doesn't suit me and I can do without the white version.

I'll probably pick one of these up as I always have a need for bluetooth keyboards.

Link: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/multi-device-keyboard-k480?crid=26

Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard vs Logitech k400

Microsoft released an All-in-One multimedia keyboard with a built-in Windows 8 friendly multi gesture  trackpad. It appears to be a good, alternative to the ever popular Logitechg K400. In fact, some have speculated that the Microsoft keyboard may actually be a rebranded Logitech or possibly built by Microsoft. I don't know if Logitech has any involvement but I can clearly say it is not a re-skinned K400. The K400s are often on sale for $20 -24 and the Microsoft often dips under $30 (the retail is $40).


I use the K400 because it is a very practical and useful keyboard to have when you are working in a server room or building out computers. Often, you are testing or computing in unusual and often cramp spaces. They can be use for HTPC and media uses. Thus, these tend to be real popular keyboards and they come in different colors. I happen to own multiple black and white K400s.

So how does the Microsoft keyboard stack up?

The Microsoft All-in-One is definitely a more stylish, contemporary looking gadget. The profile is slimmer and the design is more modern. Keyboard travel on both are iffy and I don't recommend neither keyboards for full time usage. The trackpad on the Microsoft appears to be bigger because it is a button-less design.

In terms of use, I think the Logitech feels better. The trackpad, in terms of movement, is very iffy on the Microsoft version. However, multi-gesture works better with the Microsoft. Range appears to be the same as I tested from 10 and 15 feet away with no problems.

Both use dedicated USB dongles that can be stowed away when not in use. I like how the Microsoft has a magnet that holds their dongle in place. However, the Logitech has an ace in the fact that it uses a Unifying dongle. This means you can pare multiple Logitech keyboards and mouse to one dongle. I really like that feature as I often have a dedicated mouse I want to use in addition to the keyboard. It still isn't Bluetooth but I like the fact I can plug in a dongle into a Tablet or various Android sticks and NUC micro computers and be ready to go with a mouse.

They both come in handy when I want to prop up my Dell Venue 8" Tablet and use it as a Windows desktop computer on-the-spot. The Microsoft trackpad does a fair job at scrolling and pulling up the Charms bar. Due to the slightly wider pad, the Microsoft has a slight edge. Zoom and pinch is still wonky on both and that is due to Windows OS itself. I still can't get that smooth of a pinch on any Windows trackpad. You still can't do 4-5 finger alternating swipes like you can on other operating systems.

When it comes down to it, I will stick with the Logitech. The Microsoft keyboard lacks a dedicated HOME, END, and INSERT button. Those are deal breakers as I often use these keyboards in a text-only console environment; rebuilding or emergency boot fixing a Linux server. I also prefer the keyboard tactile feel of the Logitech over the Microsoft version. However, in my opinion, I think the Microsoft looks more handsome in terms of the styling. Lastly, the Logitech uses AA vs tripe A (AAA) batteries on the Microsoft.

Quick Review: Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard K811

Today I am going to give a quick review of the Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard  also known as the K811 keyboard. If you ever wanted the same illuminated glowing feature of the Macbook for your desktop, this is the keyboard to get. It retails for $99 but can be had for $60-80 when shopped aggressively.

This is a pretty slick keyboard. It is roughly the same size as the Apple wireless bluetooth keyboard.

Design wise, it is plastic with an real aluminum front plate finish. The aluminum is a nice touch and not some faux painted plastic. The black on silver is reminiscent of the current Macbook island keyboards.
It is pretty slim as well.

What makes this keyboard so great are:
- USB charging. No more replacing AA batteries. It uses standard micro-USB.

- 3 device Bluetooth pairing. I love this feature. With a switch of a key-press, you can toggle this between computers and devices. I have this paired with my iMac, 13" Macbook and iPad. It takes less than a second to switch over between the devices. I simply love this! This alone makes me want to replace all my keyboards at my various locations. It is so convenient to switch between my iPad and iMac at any given time.

- backlight keyboard. The thing glows at night! This alone is one of the key selling feature.



Overall, I dig this keyboard. The incurve keys are evenly space with some good tactile feel. It feels like a Macbook keyboard and is much better than Apple's own.

Here is a comparison picture to see how this would fit in with your Apple gear. I think they should have make it more subdued without the logo and black bar on top. Otherwise, it is a very handsome design.

And a few pictures at night where this device really shines.

Late night work on the iPad is a pleasure with this keyboard!

Link: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/illuminated-keyboard-for-mac-ipad-iphone

Most disappointing gadget: Logitech Revue Google TV

I got this last Christmas (2011), booted it up once, and quickly put it away in the closet.

This has to be the most useless device out there. It was such a major flop, Logitech embarrassingly admitted to have lost over $100 million in operating profits and quietly distance itself from this fiasco.

Who thought of releasing a smart tv device that couldn't stream Hulu or Netflix must be insane. Moreover, there is like zero apps for this thing. The only thing you can do with this is surf the web on a big screen. You can do that with a $60 MK802 USB stick that can run any ARM app from the Google Play store.

So here I am , cleaning out my closet and wondering what to do with this. It was a Christmas present so I just can't unload it on ebay or craigslist.

This thing runs an ATOM  1.2 ghz x86 processor so it should be good for running a low-level Linux distro, right?  Well, it turns out this POS has a locked bootloader.