Logitech ditches keyboard batteries in favor of sunlight

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."

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.