A free downloadable Solar App (Windows-only), which you can activate by the touch of a dedicated key, brings up an on-screen lux meter. It shows how much power is left before you'll need more light, and it tells you what kind of power you're drawing from the currently available light source. The same "check light" key also has a tiny indicator above it that glows red or green depending on whether a charge is needed.
Beyond those wins, the streamlined, one-third-of-an-inch-thick keyboard also happens to be extremely comfortable to type on. The keys are chiclet-style and concave, and you get a resilient key feedback that's not mushy or too firm. If the minimalist, flat design is ergonomically uncomfortable for you, the two belly-side kickstand legs pop open to add a slope if desired.
Like other Logitech input devices, the Solar Keyboard comes with a tiny Unifying USB receiver, Logitech's proprietary wireless controller. The little nub is tiny enough that you never need to remove it from your notebook, and it can connect up to five other Logitech Unifying-ready mice and keyboards without the hassle of multiple receivers.
The top row has the typical Function keys, but like the F1 to F12 keys on most other keyboards, these do double duty. When combined with an Fn key (like those found on notebooks) they can be programmed to launch your browser, e-mail client, web shortcuts, calculators and desktop widgets, or control media playback and system volume.
But for just the convenience – make that luxury – of not having to hassle with changing batteries in a wireless device, Logitech's solar keyboard is a worthy consideration. Especially since typing on it is as smooth as buttah. All the other features are merely gravy.
Gravy of the vegetarian, organic, good-for-you-and-the-Earth variety, but gravy nonetheless.
WIRED All you need is some sunshine. No battery hassles or sudden lost connections. Sleek, nearly flat design doesn't hog desktop real estate. Mini-USB transceiver can connect additional Logitech input devices.
TIRED While flat slab design looks cool, typing on it may be uncomfortable for some (kickstand legs help). Keeping with the "green" theme, there's no paper manual and the setup info on the box is minimal. Software downloads are Windows-only.
Top photo: Jon Snyder/Wired. Bottom photo courtesy of Logitech.
See Also:- Solar Vox, a Portable Sun-Powered Charging Station
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