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Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100
It wasn't too long ago that we were pondering the relative scarcity of backlit desktop keyboards, so let's all warmly welcome a new entrant into this niche category. The K800 from Logitech picks up where the wired Illuminated Keyboard left off: it has the requisite inflated price, adjustable and intelligent illumination to please functionalists, and a dagger-like profile for aesthetes. Ambient light sensors will align the keyboard's brightness to your environment, while proximity detectors will only flip the switch when your hands are in position to start writing. There's also a Micro USB cable to refresh your battery when it starts running low -- it's rated for up to 10 days of wireless use -- but whether this whole package of smart convenience is worth the $99.99 we'll leave up to you. The K800 should be shipping out later this month, and you can find out more about it in the press release after the break.
Ask Engadget: best illuminated keyboard for the non-gamer?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Jeff, who can't be bothered to flip on a light switch before pounding away on the final third of his dissertation. If he can find a backpack, that is. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "As both a gamer and programmer, I spend all day at a keyboard in dimly lit environments. Work has me used to a Microsoft 'Natural' keyboard, but the closest thing that was backlit doesn't seem to be made anymore, cost a ton when it was, and didn't even have a number pad! Everything I've used or even found that is illuminated is a straight, traditional, keyboard. Is this too much to ask? So my question is: What is the best (if there even are any) illuminated, natural / ergo / curved, fully functional (dedicated "F" and number pad keys) keyboard out there? Or if one doesn't exist, what is the best illuminated keyboard for a work environment (not for home gaming... I don't need 18 extra WoW hotkeys on it)? Thanks!" Wow, that's a mouthful! But a solid question, indeed. It's not too tough to find a backlit keyboard on a laptop, but finding a desktop board with light-up keys is certainly a bigger challenge. Drop some advice in comments below, cool?
Logitech's Illuminated Keyboard: its thinnest keyboard ever
Logitech just announced a trio of keyboards this morning starting with its thinnest keyboard ever, the 9.3-mm thin Illuminated Keyboard ($80 / October) pictured above. It features an adjustable backlight, soft-touch palm rest and dedicated multi-media keys for hot, one-handed night typing alone in the dark. Also announced is the portable, 2.4GHz wireless DiNovo Keyboard for Notebooks ($100 / October) with an unbelievable 3-year battery life followup by the Cordless Desktop S520 ($60 / September) keyboard and optical mouse combination. The latter features more of that same impressive power management capable of eking out 8 months of usage for the mouse and 15-months for the keyboard. Pictures of the other two just as soon as Logitech delivers 'em.%Gallery-30981%
