logitech

Crave giveway: Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard

We met with Logitech the other day to see some of the company's upcoming products (sorry, we can't tell you about them yet, but there's some cool stuff coming), and the folks there offered to give away one of Logitech's nifty new solar-powered wireless keyboards for Windows users, the K750.

What's cool about the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard is that it recharges the internal batteries with ambient light (standard indoor lights) and doesn't require direct sunlight.

Here's what editor Justin Yu had to say about it a few months back (see full post here):

Logitech tells us that a full solar charge can power the keyboard for at least three months, and a convenient on/off button conserves energy while it's not being used. Additionally, the company also includes a copy of the Logitech desktop Solar App with a lux meter that offers quick information about battery levels, drain alerts, and placement tips on where to pick up the most power.

Normally, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard would cost around $79.99, but you have the chance to get it gratis. … Read more

Logitech's C615 HD Webcam folds and swivels

Logitech's just added another model to its growing HD Webcam line, and this one brings a new twist.

Due out later this month in the U.S. and in Europe and Asia in September, the HD Webcam C615 features a "fold-and-go" design, 720p video calling (1080p video capture), autofocus, and 360-degree swivel rotation.

Logitech's touting the C615 as a rather flexible Webcam that can do birthday parties or business trips and is compatible with Macs and Windows PCs, as well all the major video chatting programs, including Skype, FaceTime for Mac, Logitech Vid HD, Windows Live … Read more

Writer tests iPad keyboards under deadline fire

Sometimes, gadget reviewers need to turn to their test products in an emergency. I found myself in that very predicament last week when I was on deadline for CNET--just as the hard drive on my MacBook Pro decided to pack it in permanently.

Editors can't print your whining about computer glitches, and you don't get paid much for plaintive cries of "I'm working on it." So when said laptop died on me with only a couple hours left to hand in my commentary on the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's "moon speech," I had to look to my iPad to get the piece written and turned over to the news desk.

You can get any number of word-processing programs for the iPad. For better file swap between my tablet and MacBook Pro, I turn to Pages. Though some say there are better app options, I figured Apple's native program would help me pound out several paragraphs mourning the current state of the American space program. But I can't use that pop-up virtual keyboard the iPad provides for entering text for anything more than an e-mail or a Facebook post. I've tried, and I end up with typed-up pseudo-English that resembles a code pumped out by the Nazi Enigma machine.

You've heard the cliche about an infinite number of monkeys with an infinite number of typewriters eventually creating all of Shakespeare's works? That simian scribble is what comes out of my iPad if I can't hear the comforting "click" of keyboard strokes.

After realizing all of that, I unpacked the five keyboards I had on hand to review and loaded them up for use in this order: the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard from ThinkGeek, Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg for iPad 2, the Apple Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard, the Omnio Wow-Keys and the ThinkGeek Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad.

These are hardly the only options on the market, and some of them have already been reviewed by the gadget crew here at CNET. But my personal crisis offered an excellent test as to how fast I could get these items out of the box and working with President Kennedy and the Apollo Crew waiting. … Read more

Logitech and Panasonic team up for TV Skype cam

Owners of 2011 Panasonic Viera-Connect HDTVs that feature Skype take note: if you're looking to make video calls via your TV, you can now do it with a high-grade HD Webcam courtesy of Logitech.

While the new model appears cosmetically similar to the company's C910, this one's called TV Cam for Skype ($149.99) and does 720p video. By comparison, the C910 can be had for less than $100 and does 1080p video, so hopefully we'll see the TV Cam for Skype street for a little less.

"Once the Logitech TV Cam for Skype is … Read more

After Android, Squeezebox app comes to iOS

Logitech has finally launched its Squeezebox Controller app for iOS-based devices, it announced in a blog post yesterday.

The Squeezebox Controller for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch connects to users' Squeezebox player over their home wireless network. Users can choose music, customize tracks, and search for content from the app. According to Logitech, all the features available to users in their players are included in the app.

The launch of the Squeezebox Controller app for iOS-based devices comes a month after the company launched the program in the Android Market. Like the iOS option, Logitech's Android app gives … Read more

Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg review: Keyboarding your iPad 2

Keyboards and iPads...good bedfellows? A perfect way to add laptop functionality to your tablet? Or, mere accessory silliness? It's a debate as old as the iPad itself, which means only about a year and a month. Still, for as useful and portable as the iPad is, there are always some--myself included, at times--who bemoan its lack of a real, physical keyboard. At least, I feel that way when all I have is my iPad and I want to get some serious writing done.

The Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg for the iPad 2 is an update to last … Read more

Multiple consoles and gaming headsets: Ask the Editors

Hi Jeff,

I've read almost all your reviews about the gaming headsets that give you wireless surround sound, but there's a problem for us gamers who own more than one console. How do I hook up both my Xbox 360 and PS3 to one wireless gaming headset? Is it even possible?

Thanks, Paul, Chicago

Hi Paul,

Thanks for writing. Accomplishing this isn't impossible, but it's certainly an issue we think gaming headset manufacturers need to become more aware of. We've received dozens of similar questions with gamers anxious about having to finagle a way to get more than one source into a wireless gaming headset transmitter.

We'd love to see a device that allows for more than one digital input, though we are fans of Logitech's F540 system, which accepts up to three analog sources. However, if you're using something like the Turtle Beach X41s, Astro A40s, or Tritton AX 720s, you'll have to manually swap out the digital audio cables each time you want to switch consoles. Not only is this an arduous process, but if you're like me, most of these ports and wires are not conveniently accessible without some serious furniture moving.… Read more

Logitech launches Squeezebox app for Android

Android users will now be able to control their Squeezebox digital-music players from their smartphones and tablets.

Logitech announced today that it has officially launched its Squeezebox Controller for Android. The program actually hit the Android Market yesterday.

With the app, users will be able to control any Squeezebox player in the house from any room over their Wi-Fi network. The app lets users play music, customize tracks, sync content, and search for songs. The app also comes with the ability for users to "view files, station, or playlist album art," the company said in a blog post today.

Those hoping to use their iPhones and iPads to control Squeezebox players are out of luck for now. Currently, Logitech's Squeezebox Controller is available only on Android. It's available for free in the Android Market.

With the help of a mobile app, Logitech hopes to breathe some new life into its Squeezebox line. Some of the better Squeezebox players have been around for years. And they're still among the top music-streaming devices on the market.

The Squeezebox Radio, for example, is a favorite of the CNET Reviews team, earning four stars out of five in a 2009 review. Like other Squeezebox players, the Radio, which is supported by this app, lets users stream music over their home network. It also includes access to streaming services, like Pandora, Slacker, and Rhapsody. It retails for $179.99.

The Squeezebox Duet, also supported by this app, is another favorite of the CNET Reviews team. That device also earned four out of five stars, in a 2008 review, thanks to its ability to offer "an ideal way to stream the full range of digital music--including files on your computer's hard drive, premium subscription music services, and free Internet radio--to your living room stereo system." The Duet is currently on sale for $399.99.… Read more

Logitech Z906 speakers drive surround sound to your man-tuary

No basement-level dwelling can be considered a respectable mancave without a thundering sound system to isolate you from the world--Larry David even dedicated an entire "Seinfeld" episode to Jerry's broken stereo in "The Package" (R.I.P., Uncle Leo).

The state of hi-fi has evolved a lot since 1996, and while Jerry's home setup seemed all inclusive with a separate receiver, cassette player, CD player, and two large satellite speakers, today's modern systems include multiple audio sources by way of a TV, DVD, DVR, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, iPod, Blu-Ray Player, iPod, and more--now you can also consolidate your audio with the Logitech Z906, the company's new flagship surround-sound speaker system.

The Z906 replaces the old Z-5500 with a modern look and much of the same specs including 500 total watts of power split among five satellite speakers and a 165-watt subwoofer.… Read more