Logitech has introduced the Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac, a computer keyboard that recharges its internal batteries using solar power and indoor light. It costs $59.99 and will ship later this month.
The keyboard sports a thin profile – 1/3rd of an inch thick – and is optimized for the Mac, with a Mac-specific key layout. At the top is a strip of photovoltaic cells that work in sunlight or from a nearby light source, such as a desktop lamp or overhead lights inside. They transfer electricity to internal rechargeable batteries, which can operate for up to three months on a full charge.
The K750 includes a number keypad, arrow keys and function keys. Logitech also offers an installable application that tells you how much the internal batteries are charged.
This seems like a great option for environmentally-conscious Mac users who don’t want to dispose of batteries and don’t want to have to buy new rechargeables to power this device.
But the K750’s connectivity is bound to lose traction with some Mac users. Rather than using Bluetooth – a ubiquitous wireless peripheral technology on the Mac – The K750 uses Logitech’s Unifying receiver. That small device can connect to other Logitech devices, including wireless mice, but it occupies a USB port that could be used for something else.
[Hat tip: Macworld]
I am generally annoyed at Logitch using their own receiver, but it’s probably required in this case.
Still, what I really want to know is how it feels. I love the current Apple keyboard, and if this is substantially worse I’d rather change batteries.
Apple should make a solar powered mouse. Interweave the cells with the touch senses.
Pity, it won’t be white.
And an hour later my keyboard died.
Apple should make a kinetic powered mouse. If Seiko can make a kinetic powered watch, surely that technology can be increased in size and power a mouse.
As for a keyboard – I don’t really care if my keyboard has a cord. I have other USB devices so I need a cord to connect to my computer anyway, and I don’t move my keyboard around so the cord is not an issue.
Neat idea and I would get one… But I fear the large fireball others refer to as the sun. Will florescent lighting power this puppy? I think it would kind have too. I’ve not noticed many offices with glass ceilings.