Computers

Logitech ditches keyboard batteries in favor of sunlight

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Logitech has unveiled a new solar-powered wireless keyboard - the K750
The K750 is a cordless keyboard that connects wirelessly with Logitech's low profile Unifying receiver over a 128-bit AES encrypted, 2.4GHz connection
Logitech has unveiled a new solar-powered wireless keyboard - the K750
In addition to the charge indicator (left top), an app has also been produced; Logitech's Incurve key design (top right) is said to provide a little extra keying comfort; the K750 can be powered by bright sunlight (bottom left) and from indoor lighting (bottom right)
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One of the most annoying things about typing on a wireless keyboard is the sudden shutdown that often occurs right in the middle of a particularly inspirational key-tapping session. By the time the batteries have been replaced, the muse has vanished. Logitech's latest keyboard is designed to end such woes. The slim, wireless K750 sports a couple of solar strips above the row of function keys which provide the keyboard's power. The company says that it can draw energy from internal lighting as well as the sun, and will keep on going even after being kept in the dark for a few months.

The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 is the company's first keyboard powered wholly by light. In addition to sunlight, the device's integrated solar panel will also be able to draw power from ambient, indoor light. Should you decide to stow the 0.3-inch thick keyboard away between periods of use, the company reckons that the K750 should retain its charge for at least three months, even in total darkness.

The chiclet-type keys benefit from Logitech's Incurve design, which is said to provide a little extra keying comfort by supporting "the shape of your fingertips, while helping guide your fingers to the right key."

In addition to the charge indicator (left top), an app has also been produced; Logitech's Incurve key design (top right) is said to provide a little extra keying comfort; the K750 can be powered by bright sunlight (bottom left) and from indoor lighting (bottom right)

The K750 is a cordless keyboard and connects wirelessly with Logitech's low profile Unifying receiver over a 128-bit AES encrypted, 2.4GHz connection.

The company has also developed a solar power app that includes a lux meter to help position the keyboard in the best sunbathing position, and gives useful information about the keyboard's battery levels. It'll even send out an alert when power gets low, although there is also an indicator light on the keyboard itself to help avoid running out of juice mid-sentence. The app will be available from November 15.

You'll be able to get your hands on the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 shortly for a suggested retail price of US$79.99.

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5 comments
Bill Bennett
will it work from LED lighting as all of my home lighting is LED?
Nicolas Wan Chai
How about drawing energy from button motion?
Facebook User
It\'s about time....and i am happy to hear that it captures power from indoor lighting as well...and the fact that the power can be stored for up to four months...all this provided that we do not have massive or lengthy periods of powercuts....way to go Logitech
Lorin Ricker
This *might* be a good idea -- certainly a step in the right direction from the miserably stupid design decision to power a kybd with a measly pair of AAA batteries -- and then give absolutely no indication whatsoever of \"weak/dead/your-out-of-electrons\". Not Logitech\'s most brilliant design -- I\'d ditch all our wireless kybds in a heartbeat if something better comes along. Will I have to install a hi-intensity light-bulb over my basement-office (no sunlight) desk to power the \"solar keyboard\"? But what would be wrong with just redesigning a battery-powered kybd to run on, say, 4 AA\'s -- something with some battery-juice-capacity, rather than a pair of AAA weaklings? Plus a \"battery low, please replace soon\" indicator? Exotic design is not needed (unwelcome) unless it provides some real functional and reliability benefits!
Robert in Vancouver
I went to Staples to buy one of these keyboards, saw the glossy plastic, and put it back on the shelf. I bought a different keyboard with non-glossy plastic.
Glossy Plastic for Electronics = Really Dumb Idea.
Glossy plastic is a dust magnet and shows every finger print and smudge.
What is with manufacturers being so determined to keep using high-gloss plastic even though most people don\'t like it???