Thursday, 20 November 2008

Product Analysis:

The S530 keyboard looks absolutely gorgeous with white and silver exterior and a number of multimedia keys on both ends of the unit. Like multimedia keys for Windows-based duos, these are specifically labeled and programmed to launch Mac applications, such as iTunes, Spotlight and the like. The alphanumeric keys are extremely soft, thereby a delight to type on, while the multimedia keys are even softer. You will be hard pressed to notice too much typing noise even if you are a loud typist. Thanks to the Mac’s simplicity, at least compared to Windows, the F keys are minimal in functionality and do whatever they were originally designed for. One thing we instantly picked up on after using the S530 is the Mac’s sheer simplicity. Unlike Windows, you don’t feel the need to be overwhelmed with shortcuts or a multitude of features and functionalities to overwhelm you on a keyboard. Needless to say, it’s a great feeling.

Keeping up with the atmosphere, the S530 mouse is also a pleasure to work with. There are only three core buttons, in addition to a scroll wheel, left and right buttons that compliments the keyboard very well. You will need to install Logitech’s Control Center Software to take advantage of the multimedia keys on the keyboard. You will also need the bundled application to reprogram keys on both devices. Installing the application is extremely easy and working with it caused no problems. The scroll wheel on the mouse can scroll in all four directions, which is pretty much a trademark for all latest mice, especially the ones from Logitech.

According to Logitech, the battery life is expected to last six months. Unfortunately, there was no way we could’ve tested the claim, but the S530 comes with battery indicators on the keyboard and the mouse to give you an early reminder.

The device connects wirelessly with a mini USB receiver that ultimately gets connected to a USB stand. We would’ve loved it if Logitech had opted for Bluetooth wireless technology as opposed to USB. Note to Logitech: forget USB wireless, let’s get on with Bluetooth. It’s about time we abandon wires for good.


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