Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac

#1 Macworld

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 04:31 AM

Post your comments for Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac here

#2 Lenjc1957

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 05:27 AM

Great review. Tons of useful information, as I've been interested in this keyboard, in order to go cordless, but find Apple's smaller, wireless keyboard not useful enough, and I feel that Logitech's site is lacking for this type of info. I was, however, confused by the following: "oddly, the Eject key is located between F12 and F13." I'm looking at my aluminum Apple extended keyboard right now, and that's exactly where the Eject key is located on that keyboard; right between F12 and F13. So, how is that key position odd on Logitech's keyboard?

This post has been edited by Lenjc1957: 14 November 2011 - 05:41 AM

#3 Skeptic3

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 06:00 AM

Lenjc1957, on 14 November 2011 - 05:27 AM, said:

I'm looking at my aluminum Apple extended keyboard right now, and that's exactly where the Eject key is located on that keyboard; right between F12 and F13. So, how is that key position odd on Logitech's keyboard?

I had the same thought.

Anyway, I'm glad Logitech has continued to offer users a keyboard faithful to the Mac layout instead of a compromised PC layout. It would be even nicer if it was a version of their illuminated keyboard, which has the PerfectStroke keys of the late diNovo model.

The flat key caps is the only thing I dislike about Apple's aluminum models.

#4 redgeminipa

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 06:03 AM

I've been interested in this as well, but have a topic of issue that I don't think was addressed. Is it more responsive than Apple's wireless keyboard when holding down the option key if the Mac is running Bootcamp or you need Recovery for Lion? It seems I have to try about 5 or more times, rebooting, to finally get it to happen. It's extremely frustrating to the point that I'm considering just getting the Apple USB full keyboard. Going wireless isn't that huge of a deal for me. Other than the iPhone wire, I don't have anything else that needs a wire.

#5 n4hhe

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 06:40 AM

On a very low power budget an LED CAPS LOCK indicator would consume many times more power than the rest of the keyboard combined. A mechanical flag would be possible but would volume pay for the cost of tooling? Perhaps the CAPS LOCK key has a mechanical latch? Or a mechanical latch would suffice?

#6 dmfaczan

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 07:12 AM

I've had mine for a few months - bought it as soon as it was available. I like it a lot more than the Apple wired USB Numeric Keypad keyboard, which I've always had an issue with ( mostly sticking keys ). My only problem has been when I connect to work via VPN and Remote Desktop. For some reason, the function keys don't transmit the same codes. I always have to revert to using the USB Numeric Keypad keyboard if I want PC function key compatibility. Other than that it's been fine. Since I do have a desk with a keyboard drawer, I bought a little set of LED low profile under cabinet lights and mounted them under the desktop. In addition to charging the battery they give me enough light to use the keyboard in low lighting.

To paraphrase Albert Einstein: Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity - and I'm not sure about the universe.

#7 hoju

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 08:08 AM

I have a couple of questions regarding the RF transmitter:

1. Does the transmitter require line of sight? Any issues with interference if, for example, your Mac Pro sits under your desk?

2. Is it secure? Any chance of the output of the keyboard being picked up by another source?

Thanks.

#8 Dan Frakes

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 11:01 AM

Lenjc1957, on 14 November 2011 - 05:27 AM, said:

I was, however, confused by the following: "oddly, the Eject key is located between F12 and F13."

You're right, this is no longer odd these days

Corrected.

Dan Frakes / Senior Editor, Macworld

#9 Dan Frakes

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 11:03 AM

redgeminipa, on 14 November 2011 - 06:03 AM, said:

Is it more responsive than Apple's wireless keyboard when holding down the option key if the Mac is running Bootcamp or you need Recovery for Lion? It seems I have to try about 5 or more times, rebooting, to finally get it to happen.

I haven't had any problems using startup keys with the K750.

Dan Frakes / Senior Editor, Macworld

#10 Dan Frakes

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 11:04 AM

hoju, on 14 November 2011 - 08:08 AM, said:

1. It's RF, so it does not require line of sight. I didn't have any problems with interference, even with four RF-connected input devices in use simultaneously.

2. I can't speak to this, as I have no way of testing it.

Dan Frakes / Senior Editor, Macworld

#11 jhumroo

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 11:09 AM

I've had this keyboard for a couple of months and like it a lot, especially the part about not needing to replace batteries. Previously I used an Apple wireless keyboard (the white one) and it used to lose connection with my Mac every once in a while. The Logitech keyboard has not had that issue since it uses a USB dongle instead of Bluetooth.

However, it's also one of my biggest gripes against this keyboard, since it's using up one of the precious USB ports on my Mac.

Another concern I have is that I cannot seem to do a Shift or Option Boot, to get to recovery mode, using this keyboard. I can still do Shift/Option Boot using my old Mac keyboard. Don't know if this is a specific issue with this particular keyboard or if all 3rd party keyboards have this problem.

Due to this issue, I still have to keep my old Mac keyboard in case I ever need to do a safe boor or boot into recovery mode.

Anyone have an insight into this issue?

#12 cwall886

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 12:52 PM

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!

#13 rcmining

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 01:14 PM

My only question, being spoiled by mac design, is it made out of aluminum?

#14 Mystakill

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Posted 14 November 2011 - 04:56 PM

jhumroo, on 14 November 2011 - 11:09 AM, said:

However, it's also one of my biggest gripes against this keyboard, since it's using up one of the precious USB ports on my Mac.

There were more than a few gripes regarding Bluetooth vs RF on the keyboard's announcement page on their blog. Several of us inquired about why they chose RF over Bluetooth due to the limited number of USB ports on some Macs; essentially, the RF dongle is considerably more power-efficient than Bluetooth, which is why the keyboard can operate for up to three months on a full charge. Plus, since it's a Unifying receiver, you can utilize a single dongle to interface with up to six Unifying-compatible keyboards, mice, trackballs, etc. simultaneously.

jhumroo, on 14 November 2011 - 11:09 AM, said:

Another concern I have is that I cannot seem to do a Shift or Option Boot, to get to recovery mode, using this keyboard. I can still do Shift/Option Boot using my old Mac keyboard. Don't know if this is a specific issue with this particular keyboard or if all 3rd party keyboards have this problem.

I've not experienced this issue on either my MBP or the several Mac Pros I've used the keyboard with.