I’ve long been a big fan of Apple’s Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad – they’ve become hallmarks of the Mac experience for me, and the Magic Trackpad in particular has largely replaced my usage of mice. For the past few years, Apple has been the only game in town for producing a pair of matching Mac-like accessories – until now!
Logitech unveiled a pair of new products this morning to take on Apple’s Mac accessories – the $100 Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard for Mac, iPad and iPhone and the $70 Rechargeable Trackpad for Mac. Both sport a very Mac-like appearance, are every bit as functional as Apple’s offerings – and most importantly, take both concepts at least one step further than Apple has.
Unlike Apple’s keyboard, the Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard includes backlit keys – something which I had been hoping Apple would come out with for years on their wireless keyboard. The keyboard can also switch between your Mac and two other devices simultaneously – including the iPhone and iPad. Switching between devices is as easy as pressing a key.
The Rechargeable Trackpad features a design similar to Apple’s Magic Trackpad, and supports all of the same gestures. Unlike Apple’s offerings, which are powered by seemingly stone-age technology (AA batteries , Logitech’s offering both feature rechargeable batteries that can be charged over USB!
Logitech’s new products seem destined to replace my Magic Trackpad and Apple Wireless Keyboard – i’ll found out for sure once I get a chance to try them out! Both accessories will be available in January 2013.
