AfterDawn: News

Logitech unveils first wireless solar keyboard

Logitech has unveiled their first wireless solar keyboard, dubbed the K750.

The K750 can power itself from all light, include indoor light, eliminating the need for batteries, ever.



"A keyboard is still the best input device for typing emails and IMs, updating your Facebook™ page or posting responses to your favorite blogs – and the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 is the next big innovation in keyboard technology," added Denis Pavillard, VP of product marketing for Logitech’s keyboards and desktops. "The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard is powered by light but can work in total darkness for up to three months. Plus, with its PVC-free construction and fully recyclable packaging, it’s designed to minimize its footprint."

The solar panel is integrated right into the keyboard meaning there is no external charger or brick necessary.

Logitech includes a solar power app that "features 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."

The gadget will be available starting November 15th with a price tag of $80 USD.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 1 Nov 2010 22:54

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• 22 comments

• bomber991

  Wow, that's such a great innovation. It sure was a pain in the ass having to use up 2 AA batteries per year in a wireless keyboard.

  2.11.2010 00:12 #1

• KSib

  You know what? I like it!
  
  Running low on power? "Honey, turn the lamp on!"

  2.11.2010 00:17 #2

• biglo30

  Originally posted by bomber991: Wow, that's such a great innovation. It sure was a pain in the ass having to use up 2 AA batteries per year in a wireless keyboard. lol I knpw right, I don't know the last time I changed the batteries in mine lol.

  2.11.2010 00:18 #3

• Mysttic

  Doesnt $80 seem a bit too high

  2.11.2010 00:19 #4

• Pop_Smith

  Considering it's a charged-by-light wireless keyboard and it's from Logitech $80 seems like a great deal to me.
  

  http://www.megavideo.com/?v=V1VZAD0O <-- Brian Regan "Take Luck" video.
  
  "The only people who should buy Monster cable are people who light cigars with Benjamins." - Gizmodo

  2.11.2010 00:47 #5

• KillerBug

  Originally posted by Mysttic: Doesnt $80 seem a bit too high For a 0-day price on a totally new device from the most respected name in input devices...$80 actually seems a bit low.
  
  It is a cool idea and all, but if we ignore the solar cells, it is just a laptop-style keyboard made full-size; the keys feel like laptop keys when you press them. Also, look close...it is missing one of the windows function keys.

  2.11.2010 00:48 #6

• cart0181

  Funny, if you click the k750 link, you get a cell phone.
  

  2.11.2010 01:40 #7

• cart0181

  Too bad, no bluetooth :(
  

  2.11.2010 01:41 #8

• KillerBug

  Yeah...afterdawn automatically makes links for certain terms...kinda annoying really.
  
  Here is a proper link:
  http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/k750-keyboard?WT.ac=psE|7088|photon_sm_promo|hp

  2.11.2010 05:57 #9

• dEwMe

  Yeah seems like a waste of tech to me. I mean yeah it's kinda cool but why?
  
  
  

  Just my $0.02,
  
  dEwMe
  

  2.11.2010 09:34 #10

• Zealousi

  Originally posted by Mysttic: Doesnt $80 seem a bit too high Please, i could name 10 keyboards that cost 10x then that and is worth buying. Just to name a few to point, Logitech G15 $150 AUD that has a LCD built in with custom macro keys everywhere and light up with a sleek design.
  
  For 3 months i went through one every week or 2 due to i would be playing games 24/7 and death by coke when i got that new sub system that vibrated the bottle off the table on the keyboard.
  
  i spent at least $900 on the same model alone but 6 of them, my computer guy shakes his head every time i walk in.
  
  Then there is the optimums maximums keyboard that has a LCD screen for each key that you can customize each key with what ever image or flash. i thought that was hectic but at $1500USD for the keyboard...tempting but Xmas is coming up so mite spoil myself this year.
  
  As for a Solar power stand alone well it is a great idea but is it gaming worthy, does it keep reaction time with the computer. do the keys feel like tar or Alyssa Milano ass. Being the first of it's kind means nothing to me, is it a keyboard that is worthy is the big question here.
  

  2.11.2010 11:17 #11

• Dardandec

  Enviroment friendly technology , sounds good to me, keep it up Logitech. Not a bad price too.

  2.11.2010 12:32 #12

• Mysttic

  And at the end of the day its just a keyboard with a different power source. There's no LCD screen, its paper thin which also means easier to break, and it's no G 15 which I didn't say wasn't worth the $. I said $80 for this particular keyboard seems too high. All because it's Solar Powered. Well whoopie fuck, get the same damn keyboard for $50 less and use batteries. As a gamer I can't see you buying this Zealousi, so your arguments are invalid. You weren't defending the price tag of this keyboard, you were defending spending a lot on any keyboard which is not the same argument.
  
  Quote:is it a keyboard that is worthy is the big question here And that's all my statement was asking; is it worth $80? I don't see it.

  2.11.2010 14:43 #13

• bam431

  Cool!

  2.11.2010 17:17 #14

• lissenup2

  Keyboards that aren't ergonomically correct are a waste and virtually useless. Why anyone would be dumb enough to use a straight KB is beyond me and more beyond me is why manufacturers make them.

  2.11.2010 18:46 #15

• DXR88

  not all lamps put out enough UV's to charge anything, Fluorescent lamp do but your run of the mill light bulb wouldn't. making the keyboard useless
  

  Powered By
  
  

  2.11.2010 19:01 #16

• KillerBug

  Originally posted by lissenup2: Keyboards that aren't ergonomically correct are a waste and virtually useless. Why anyone would be dumb enough to use a straight KB is beyond me and more beyond me is why manufacturers make them. By your logic, all laptop keyboards are virtually useless and only bought by the incredibly dumb. Some people don't like waveboards...they suck for gaming
  
  DXR88 - Who is to say how much it needs? I know solar calculators will work off an ordinary bulb...so there is something there.

  2.11.2010 23:32 #17

• NHS2008

  Originally posted by cart0181: Funny, if you click the k750 link, you get a cell phone. Yeah, A DAMN good phone made by Sony Ericsson!
  

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  3.11.2010 07:54 #18

• KSib

  Originally posted by KillerBug: Also, look close...it is missing one of the windows function keys. What do you mean, missing? Not all keyboards have two Windows keys on them. Mine looks very similar to that cept it has an additional [FN] key on the bottom-left. Desktop keyboard at that.
  
  I love this keyboard though. It even has a big, vertical delete key. :)
  

  3.11.2010 13:50 #19

• ribbie149

  This is a waste of technology. I replace my rechargeable NiMH batteries maybe once every three months. It takes about 30 seconds to accomplish. Sounds neat, but is throwing too much tech at an easily solved problem.

  4.11.2010 11:34 #20

• Gnawnivek

  Eh, I stick to wired keyboards, thanks.
  

  Peace!

  4.11.2010 12:35 #21

• cart0181

  Originally posted by ribbie149: This is a waste of technology. I replace my rechargeable NiMH batteries maybe once every three months. It takes about 30 seconds to accomplish. Sounds neat, but is throwing too much tech at an easily solved problem. My FIRST calculator in gradeschool was solar. This is not a high tech item. That was long before anyone thought of NiMH for home use. And personally, three months sounds like a very short life for a rechargeable battery in your keyboard. I would think this would be a welcome addition for you.
  

  10.11.2010 20:22 #22