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New Logitech wireless keyboard works like a dreamSep 01, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- Years ago I was convinced that Logitech makes the best portable and wireless keyboards, so I wasn't surprised when I recently tested the company's K250 Wireless Keyboard. The keyboard hit the market within the company's "Fantasy Collection" but its performance is far from a fantasy. From the start it worked great and, most importantly, Logitech has designed it in a way where every key feels comfortable to your hands and wrist. I guess what makes it fit into the fantasy title is the design; mine had a swirling black and white design. For a connection, simply plug the Unifying Receiver into any open USB port on a Mac or PC and a 2.4HGz wireless system makes an instant connection. Since I also use a Logitech wireless mouse, it's nice that the receiver works for both that and the keyboard, instead of requiring separate receivers. The keyboard lies flat, so it gave me the natural feel of typing on a laptop, which I prefer. Rubberized feet on the bottom kept it in place at all times. Two AAA batteries (included) power the keyboard, which is built with smart power management to give users up to a 15-month keyboard battery life. Obviously this will vary from user to user depending on much use the keyboard gets. Logitech bases the 15-month total on "an estimated two million keystrokes per year in an office environment" so start counting now. The Logitech Fantasy Collection also includes colorful webcams, speakers and mice. The collection has colors and fanciful patterns inspired by trends in fashion and pop culture that combine storybook fancy with dark mystery, according to Logitech. Details: www.logitech.com, $29.99 ___ Mobi Technologies has added two characters to its Headphonies line, Striker and Sunny. Headphonies are 3-inch designer amplified speakers _ not headphones _ and are designed with both sound and style in mind. I was kind of skeptical when I first opened up my "Striker" up, but just as advertised they pumped out music from the soccer ball-headed character who wears a red, white and blue USA jersey along headphones. The sound is released from the back of the head. A built-in amplifier for sure helps produce the sound to better than average from what you would expect from something designed this. Specifically, Mobi rates the speakers at 2 watts with 40 Ohm. A rechargeable lithium ion battery keeps the music playing for about 4 hours. The unit can connect to any music player with a standard audio output port. The only control you get is on/off, while the volume is set with your music device itself. The new additions bring the total to 16 for the series, so collect em' all! Details: www.headphonies.com, $19.99 ___ Getting tens of thousands of local and international Internet and broadcast radio stations in the palm of your hand was an impossible task just a decade ago, but it's now possible for just $1.99! With the new iHome+Radio Internet radio music app, anyone can do this on an iPhone or iPod touch. The app is powered by RadioTime, which gives users direct access to what seems like an endless supply of Internet stations from all over the world broadcasting music, sports, talk, news and sports. "iHome+Radio is a great stand-alone app for enjoying a multitude of Internet radio stations from around the world," said Evan Stein, Vice President of Marketing, iHome in a recent press release. "However, when integrated with one of our app-enabled units like the iA5 and our award-winning iHome+Sleep app, the level of enjoyment and overall experience is enhanced, giving our customers the ability to sleep, wake or casually listen to their favorite radio stations from around the globe, regardless of their location," Stein said. Currently the app supports streaming in MP3 and AAC formats, and plans to add formats in the future. Details: www.ihomeaudio.com ___ Contact Gregg Ellman at [email protected]. ___ (c) 2010, Gregg Ellman. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. _____ TO SUBSCRIBE TO PLUGGED IN Items in the PLUGGED IN package are not included in your MCT News Service subscription. You can subscribe to the PLUGGED IN package or purchase the items a la carte on MCT Direct at www.mctdirect.com. To subscribe, please call Rick DeChantal at Tribune Media Services at (800) 245-6536 or [email protected]. Outside the United States, call Tribune Media Services International at +1-312-222-4444 or e-mail [email protected]. _____ PHOTO (from MCT Photo Service, 202-383-6099): For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |