RSSLogitech to Debut Keyboard for Gamers
By Ed Oswald | Published October 17, 2005, 11:30 AM
Logitech plans to target serious gamers with a new keyboard that will include a programmable auxiliary display, which can show game information and computer information, as well as a litany of other geek-pleasing features.
The display can also be programmed to show vital game stats, such as ammunition left or power levels. Logitech told BetaNews during a demo last week that it is in discussions with several manufacturers to use the display in their games to detail information pertinent to gameplay.
"The purpose is to free up space on the screen during the gaming experience," a Logitech spokesman said.
The company will include software to help users interface with the LCD display, which measures at 160 by 43 pixels, as well as assist in creating macros to speed up repetitive tasks. These macros can then be programmed into 18 programmable keys located on the left side of the keyboard.
Furthermore, those keys have 3 shift states, giving a user the option to store up to 54 macros for easy access, Logitech said.
The keyboard includes media controls and brightness-adjustable back-lighted keys for easier viewing in low-light conditions. Logitech has also included 2 USB hubs to hook extra peripherals into the user's computer via the keyboard.
In a feature sure to please hardcore gamers, users have the option of switching the keyboard into "Game Mode," which disables the Windows key. Logitech says the feature was a common request, as accidentally hitting the key can create havoc with gameplay such as booting a user back into to Windows.
The keyboard is slated for a release later this month at a retail price of $79.99 USD.
I am not sure about the "Shipping later this month.." Since I got mine last week at Best Buy. The keyboard has a solid feel to it is very nice overall. I can barely tell the difference between the low and high light settings on the keyboard tho. Also it is rather flat even with the legs out. I don't know how much that matters to most of you but my previous keyboard had a much greater angle to it. This is supposed to be better for the wrists and I am sure it is I just need to adjust to it.
Overall I am very happy with the keyboard. I do hope to see some games utilize the LCD screen. At the moment I just use the Media Center plugin to display what songs I am playing while in game.
As for the Optimus, I had talked to them about importing and selling them in the US. They are estimating that it will cost $300-$500 FoB. Which would meen I would have to sell them for around $100 more then that to make a small profit. I don't see it being affordable by many. Perhaps when the technology becomes cheaper and they are producing more volume it will be affordable by the masses
Score: 0
|And there I was, assuming it was $200 less and I STILL wouldn't buy it. That'll be a keyboard for people who have their 10 grand media PCs sitting by their 30 grand media center. Then and only then can I imagine someone going to best buy and spending 400 on a keyboard. Cuz' if you take that home to a computer worth less than 5 grand, something's wrong wit' you. LOL.
Score: 0
|Does anyone know if the software that comes with this keyboard lets you write to the display on the kbd? I'd like to use it for display system stats on servers I have to keep tabs on, then I wouldn't be sucking up desktop or tray space to monitor them.
Score: 0
|Wow, I'm the only one looking forward to this keyboard? 18 Macro keys, lighted keyboard, AND USB hub on the back? Sounds good to me. Macros could be real cool if done right.
The LCD sounds more like a gimick than anything, but who knows?
ExtremeTech reviewed this btw:
http://www.extremetech.c...2/0,1697,1870601,00.asp
Score: 0
|Couple differences with this keybaord and the dinivo. For one, it's like 100 bux less. It's also made more sturdy than the dinivo, so basically it should be able to pump out a good few years of 13-15 hr per day gamings...before 1 or 2 keys break. I have a stupid elite keyboard - got it the month it was released. I'm not particularly careful with my stuff, this thing is as good as new. I'm addicted to the media and buttons on this one. The only competitor has been the wireless version with the mouse (but I don't need the mouse, and don't want wireless particularly). I don't like most of the new logitech stuff.
Second of all, I don't think it's a bad idea at all. It's cheap - it's only 20 more than the saitek lighted keyboard and provides many more functions (media buttons, etc.). For you hardcore gamers maybe it hurts to glance down, but I'm a rpger and stuff, so a couple glances at the screen to see what spells/weapons/skills/actions are mapped to what keys isn't going to kill me, I doubt it'll kill you either. But hey - you guys have practiced and LIVE by memorizing key combos, so who knows.
Finally...the Optimus may or may not be vaporware (I don't think it is), but I see it as a gimmick moreso than something functional.
Keys that display images is just asking for trouble. That's a nice keyboard to say you own and show off - but to acutally own it? I'd feel safer waiting a year to hear what the problems are (and I'm guessing that some keys will have their display cut out within months of ownership (especially hardcore gamers who are not above hitting the keyboard when they get fragged, or when a silly teammate gets the entire team mowed down, dust/dirt will get into the displays, etc.).
Also, I'm not willing to give up over 200 for a keyboard (when there are ones for less than 30 doing the exact same job)....I'd rather save it for the next great cell phone. And if most of you are complaining about an 80 pricetag for this keyboard then...good luck on getting an optimus when/if it comes out.
Score: 0
|When you sell keyboards, I guess you come up with gizmos like these. I still prefer the vaporware of the artlebedev. That would be interesting, but the point was made -- haven't we all been struggling for years and years to *not* look down?
Score: 0
|Geez guys,.. That Optimus is sweet. I hope it doesn't turn into vaporware. Anyway, here's the link for the Logitech G15 Keyboard from PriceGrabber: http://www.ecost.com/eco...dcampaign=email,ECOSTPG
Available now... but something tells me that the one mentioned in this article is going to be a tad revamped... Not sure.
Score: 0
|Wow
Score: 0
|I hope that they will make is of better quality than most of their products. If it is to be wireless I hope the battery life will be longer than a month. The Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 4.0 Wireless 2.0 has a battery life of about six months. No charging stand crap either.
EDIT Yes, I know it's not wireless, I just wanted to Troll.
Score: 0
|isn't it this one? http://www.logitech.com/...ID=2288,CONTENTID=10717
Score: 0
|If it is, it looks "cheap"! I do not think it will last several gaming sessions!
Score: 0
|If that is it. I wouldn't give $5 for it.
Score: 0
|Not keen on the idea, I'd rather see HUD-style information on the screen rather than having to look down at the keyboard all the time... it took years of practise to learn where the keys are without looking at them!
Score: 0
|A link would be nice? Hell even a product name so I could search for it myself.
Score: 0
|I think it's called Logitech® G15 Gaming Keyboard
Score: 0
|Thanks
Score: 0
|Nice, but its too expensive, 250 bucks ? I don't think so.
Score: 0
|Where do you get $250... It says $79.99...
Score: 0
|I anticipate the release of this keyboard much more:
http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/
Score: 0
|That keyboard is just an idea, it doesn't exist. They have no plans to release it, so you may be waiting a few years...
I want it too.. maybe if we sent them some email, and they see its being requested, they may change their mind :)
Score: 0
|maybe you didn't read this:
http://www.artlebedev.co...rtfolio/optimus/answers/
It's not an idea, but very real and expected to be available in 2006.
Score: 0
|Woah, that's an awesome keyboard! That is a keyboard I would get. One of the reviews says it'll be out sometime within the next year. Hopefully it won't be too expensive.
Score: 0
|Now that Will be the keyboard to replace my MS MM.
Score: 0
|Already out, been out for several weeks... You can find it at Best Buys in the D.C. Metro area... personally I think it looks like crap and doesn't really add anything new (the display is basically a rehash of what you can get on the MX5000 desktop or the DiNovo line with the exception they've added a devlopable API for game companies).
I'm happy with my DiNovo Media Desktop, thanks very much.
Score: 0
|men!! that's the keyboard betanews should be featuring in this post :D
Score: 0
|