Logitech's Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac

Don't worry, Mac fans, Logitech hasn't forgotten about you -- you're just not as important as the rest of your friends who use a Windows box. In fact, just to show you Apple diehards a little extra love, the company has released a version of the Cordless Desktop S 510 that features all your favorite Mac-specific keys and application shortcuts, and manages to one-up the Windows model by swapping out the optical mouse for a laser one. Other than an improved pointing device, though, the Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac rocks the same basic feature set as the S 510 -- media controls, slim/ergonomic design, and both desktop and laptop USB transmitters -- except you don't get the option of paying an extra twenty bucks to step up to a model with a bundled remote. Instead, that twenty will go towards the high-precision laser inside the mouse, because the Mac set costs the same $100 as the remote-sporting, but laser-less, Windows package.

[Via InputReview]

[Oscar @ Jun 13th 2006 12:39PM]

This has been available at CompUSA for a while now. Nothing new here.

[YourNameHere @ Jun 13th 2006 12:42PM]

I'm looking for something like this, but why the hell would you want it to use their wireless connector with their form of wireless when it could all just be bluetooth? It's for a Mac for crying out loud, make it bluetooth already!

[Neil @ Jun 13th 2006 12:42PM]

I'm using this with my iMac right now and have been for several months. What's the deal, Engadget?

[Malachi @ Jun 13th 2006 12:45PM]

Sounds great... but will my greasy palms stain the built-in palm rest? ;) J/k, it looks great! When I finally gather enough change to upgrade from my iBook this Desktop set will definitely be an option.

[Arkitan @ Jun 13th 2006 12:48PM]

I agree with "YourNameHere" about the bluetooth, thats just stupid not to include it. Something else I don't get is why do these keyboard companies think that we would want all those extra buttons on the side, it just looks tacky, and when I was on a PC and my keyboard had all that crap it just didn't get used.

Right now I use the logitech G7 and USB overdrive on my iMac it works fine and thats what I'll keep using, but I'll get the Mac lazer mouse when this one dies.

[Arkitan @ Jun 13th 2006 12:49PM]

I agree with "YourNameHere" about the bluetooth, thats just stupid not to include it. Something else I don't get is why do these keyboard companies think that we would want all those extra buttons on the side, it just looks tacky, and when I was on a PC and my keyboard had all that crap it just didn't get used.

Right now I use the logitech G7 and USB overdrive on my iMac it works fine and thats what I'll keep using, but I'll get the Mac lazer mouse when this one dies.

[chenry @ Jun 13th 2006 1:09PM]

that's some sexy keyboard.

[Kevin @ Jun 13th 2006 1:11PM]

Nice, but Bluetooth would make it a whole lot better.

[Lee Gibson @ Jun 13th 2006 1:15PM]

No Bluetooth? No sale.

[Pip @ Jun 13th 2006 1:18PM]

Considering nearly every Mac has Bluetooth standard these days, why they didn't go with it makes this worthless.

Also, what is with these crazy mice. You need to have alien hands to use them. All these sharp edges running against my palm is NOT comfy. Go back to basics and make them oval again, those were so comfy and fit everyones hands. Ergonomic, my ass.

[PodcastMayhem.com @ Jun 13th 2006 1:20PM]

I have this keyboard and it's great . . . on my iMac G5. It doesn't work to perfection with my Intel Mac Mini or new Macbook since Logitech hasn't released the universary software for the keyboard yet . . . just FYI fellow engadgeteers before you go and impulse buy

[Elliot @ Jun 13th 2006 1:21PM]

Arkitan is right on. What's with all the extra buttons that keyboard makers feel obliged to tack on these things? It just makes them big and plasticky. I was shopping for a cheap keyboard at bestbuy a few months ago, and I couldn't find a single one without idiot multimedia keys and a big plastic frame. I ended up having to buy an Apple keyboard to avoid all this crap. And don't say Apple keyboards have multimedia keys, cause they're inline with the F-keys, and don't need extra space...

[ChillyWilly @ Jun 13th 2006 1:31PM]

So is it just me or do these companies forget that all of the new Macs come with Bluetooth?

If these are being targeted towards new users, the last thing you want is to complicate things with a dongle or adapter. Just use Bluetooth.

[shon @ Jun 13th 2006 1:49PM]

no bluetooth? wha haapen?

[yonatron @ Jun 13th 2006 1:50PM]

I agree with many others here that it's utterly baffling that a wireless keyboard/mouse set that's supposed to be Mac-specific in 2006 doesn't use Bluetooth.

I used the extra media keys pretty often on my older Logitech keyboard, but I hated how big and funny-shaped they made the keyboard. I think the design of this keyboard is nice, with the extra buttons being fairly unobtrusive. I'd probably buy it in a second, but for the stupid stupid lack of Bluetooth.

[bunkka @ Jun 13th 2006 1:59PM]

This has been out for a couple months. Have had mine for ages...no news here. No digg...oh, this isn't digg :P

[Chris King @ Jun 13th 2006 2:01PM]

PodcastMayhem -

Look for those Universal Binary drivers again - they have been out for the last month or so. I bought one of these sets with my Core Duo iMac a few months back, and the thing is fantastic! Matches the computer perfectly, and for those complaining about it not having BT, forget about that. The wireless USB receiver is about the same size as a USB Memory Key, and it just plugs right into the BACK of the computer, where it is out of sight, no cables or anything.

Now those with MacBooks, I can see why you wouldn't want that thing sticking out the side...but all in all, it is a great keyboard. Plus, it works perfectly with Windows XP, which is good for when I switch back and forth with BootCamp...

[Tim @ Jun 13th 2006 2:07PM]

WOW - OLD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have had this for months on my G5 and it is a dream.
How did this slip through the cracks?

NO DIGGGGGGG :-P

[Shunnabunich @ Jun 13th 2006 2:26PM]

Maybe it doesn't have Bluetooth because it's so old? :P *shrugs* Meh, that's still not a valid excuse. Macs have had Bluetooth for a good while too.

Thanks so much for making this white, Logitech (unlike certain Microsoft desktop sets *coughbuttfuglycolourschemecough*), and personally, I would probably find myself using some of the media keys (hey, they're there), but yeah wow, no Bluetooth. Get with the 21st century, guys. It's not like Macs come with an abundance of USB ports...and some of us are too lazy and/or poor to get a hub. This set may as well be wired if it takes up a USB port, y'know?

[rohit @ Jun 13th 2006 3:32PM]

I've had this for a while to use with my intel imac. the lack of bluetooth actually turned out to be a boon of sorts when installing windows xppro for the first time with bootcamp.
If i'm not mistaken, bootcamp required a wired mouse and keyboard b/c of unmatched bluetooth drivers or something. My wired desktop was packed up and gone and even though i was initally bummed out with the lack of bluetooth, the RF proved worthwhile as it allowed the set up to go on without a hitch.
Also, RF uses less power than bluetooth which has meant fewer recharges.

[dr. b @ Jun 13th 2006 4:10PM]

so where is the left handed version of the fancy ergonomic mouse?

[trev @ Jun 13th 2006 5:04PM]

So what if it doesnt have bluetooth, it will work just as well. Your going to stick the adapter in the back of the mac anyway so its not like your going to see it, or its going to take up desk space.

Who cares if its been out a few months, there are thousands of gadgets released every month and engadget cannot possibly cover them all.

You lot are just too picky ;)

[The Medium E @ Jun 13th 2006 7:11PM]

If this had bletooth i would be willing to drop $150 on it in a herartbeat. I have been looking for a good mouseand keyboard wireless combo because I dont even like plugging and un plugging my power adapter :P. (I have a laptop BTW) What I want is a good keyboard (apple bluetooth is great) and a good bluetooth mouse (2+ buttons and a scroll wheel, sorry apple but the mighty mouse doesnt cut it for any of them) For me it's Bluetooth or nothing

[Steve J @ Jun 13th 2006 7:38PM]

It's out for months and only costs about $70-75 at most online retailers

[bliss @ Jun 13th 2006 9:41PM]

bleh.. wireless.. give me bluetooth and then I'll think about it.

[Marc @ Jun 13th 2006 11:32PM]

Evan --

You need to look up the definition of "ergonomic."

That keyboard has horrible ergonomics.

[Gary Marshall @ Jun 14th 2006 3:26AM]

I'd disagree with Marc about ergonomics: the keyboard's very comfortable (I've gone through a lot of keyboards thanks to painful RSI, and the Logitech's fine). One minor glitch with the mouse, though: its white plastic discolours very quickly.

[Goof92 @ Jun 14th 2006 4:41AM]

This was ANNOUNCED (and apparently available) months ago, yet here in Australia we STILL don't have it :-( How's the battery life guys? On the mouse I mean, I'm used to a M1000 with rechargables!

[Matt @ Jun 14th 2006 9:04AM]

Battery life is excellent, i've been using the set with a MBP for a couple of months no problem.

While i'd love to be able to grab the mouse and take it with me bluetooth style, i only use the set at home, so plugging the USB in is no big deal, it's actually plugged into an extra USB port on my USB HDD..

I love how people are so quick to yell "it's not Universal!" when they haven't checked to see if the software has been updated ever..
These must be the people who only have an AM radio because "there are no FM radio stations anyway, why would you waste your money?"

to be clear, yes, it's universal, and works perfectly.

[Gordy @ Jun 14th 2006 9:49AM]

Damn, okay, we get it, it's been out for a while...and no Bluetooth (which some dislike). Is there anything else to contribute to the discussion? I swear, these posts are as irritating as 'First Post'.

I didn't know about it, so, thanks Engadget. Looks sweet.

[Margie @ Jun 14th 2006 12:25PM]

Thanks Gordy!

Does anyone have any input on how this keyboard feels and sounds when being used. I am trying to find a keyboard that has low-set keys that are easy to press and don't make much noise. (unlike the the Microsoft keyboard I am using right now that sounds like someone performing a tap dance routine).

Thanks

[marcbyron @ Jun 19th 2006 1:15PM]

I am selling mine for $80, barely used it. Anyone interested?

[Snah @ Oct 27th 2006 10:11AM]

Guys, new only $69.99 at zipzoomfly, including free shipping ...

[Snah @ Oct 27th 2006 9:47AM]

Anyone tried this keyboard with BootCamp? How does it perform when in Windows mode?