Logitech Adds New Cordless Laser Mouse, Wave Keyboard
By Lisa Johnston and John Laposky -- TWICE, 8/6/2007
FREMONT, CALIF. — Logitech has unveiled it newest cordless laser mouse for notebook computers, the VX Nano, and two new keyboards that feature that company's Comfort Wave design.
The VX Nano mouse features 2.4 GHz digital cordless technology and a small "plug-and-forget" USB receiver that sits nearly flush with the PC.
When plugged into a PC, the nano-receiver protrudes just 8mm from the edge of the computer.
"More and more laptop users are abandoning the touch pad in favor of a cordless notebook mouse," said Rory Dooley, senior VP/GM of Logitech's control devices unit. "However, with most notebook mice, the size of the receiver forces people to plug and unplug the receiver each time they use the laptop. Because we were able to make the nano-receiver so small, it can remain plugged into the laptop at all times so on-the-go notebook users save valuable time and never have to worry about where the receiver is."
The mouse features a MicroGear precision scroll wheel, which Logitech introduced last fall in its MX Revolution and VX Revolution cordless laser mice for notebooks. The wheel has a hyper-fast scrolling mode to help users easily navigate through long documents with one finger. To shift to a precise, click-to-click scrolling mode, a user presses and clicks the scroll wheel. The mouse also has forward and back and a one-touch search button. A laser engine ensures smooth cursor control and precision tracking on virtually any surface, Logitech said.
The base of the VX Nano mouse has a trap door that, when opened, reveals two AAA batteries and a storage compartment for the nano-receiver.
The VX Nano is expected to be available in the United States and Europe in late August for a suggested retail of $69.99.
The cordless Desktop Wave and the corded Wave keyboard combine three elements that are meant to enhance comfort without requiring people to change the way they type: a wave key-frame design; a U-shaped constant curve; and a cushioned, contoured palm rest.
According to Logitech, there is no learning curve when using the Comfort Wave design, unlike with ergonomic keyboards. "The Comfort Wave design guides hands and cradles fingers to create a naturally comfortable typing experience," the company said in a release.
The design reportedly cradles the fingers with a shape that supports their actual, varied length. The Wave keyboard keys are highest at the A and Enter keys, which are typically hit by the little fingers. Moving inward toward the pointer fingers, the keys decrease in height until reaching the D and K keys, which are typically hit by the longer middle fingers. The keys move up again in height to accommodate the pointer fingers at the G and H keys. The maximum distance between the keys' peaks and troughs, the lowest and highest keys, is 4 mm. Because hands and fingers can rest in a more natural position and keys are closer to fingertips, the Wave key frame is meant to help eliminate awkward hand and forearm positions, enhancing comfort and improving productivity.
The U-shaped constant curve features consistently sized keys, and the 5-degree curve allows user's hands to open up and take a natural position instead of forcing the wrists to bend, said Logitech. The space bar also incorporates the wave and curve design.
They keyboards come with cushioned, contoured palm rests designed to provide gentle indents that position hands comfortably on the keyboard. Hot keys are also included on the keyboards that can be used to launch folders, Web sites or applications.
The cordless Desktop Wave features a cordless keyboard with the Comfort Wave design and a cordless laser mouse. The ambidextrous laser mouse is designed to complement the curved style and comfort of the Wave keyboard. The mouse also features laser tracking and a rubber grip. Both the mouse and keyboard feature a battery indicator light.
Expected to be available beginning in late August, the cordless Desktop Wave keyboard-and-mouse combination will have an $89.99 suggested retail. The corded Logitech Wave keyboard is expected to be available beginning in October and will have a suggested retail of $49.99.
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