Please see the update at the end of this review. A couple of days ago the impending release of its, a $69 alternative to Apple’s own Magic Trackpad offering. Logitech was quick to ship one our way, and it only took a few minutes of use in order to see the positives and perhaps fatal flaw of its device.
I should preface this review by saying that I’ve been a long-time, vocal fan of Logitech peripherals. Of course, I’m also a big fan of Apple’s own products, but I’m always open to the idea that there’s something out there that works better than what Apple brings to the table.
The box for the Logitech Trackpad is simple, containing the trackpad itself, a coiled micro-USB cable and an owner’s manual. The manual is short, since there’s really nothing out of the ordinary about how the device works. Pair it via Bluetooth, make sure there’s a charge and you’re ready to go. It’s that rechargeable aspect that intrigued me about the Trackpad, since Apple’s device runs on two AA-sized batteries. I’ve found myself wanting for charged batteries as my Magic Trackpad died, due largely to poor planning on my part. So I paired the device, checked the charge and started using it. When scrolling and pointing, it feels almost identical to Apple’s, though the “click” of a button push is notable easier to accomplish on the Logitech.
This could be good or bad for you, depending on how heavy-handed you tend to be. It sits notable lower, in the far portion, due in part to not having the height of AA-sized batteries. Though it’s not uncomfortable, I prefer the angle of the Magic Trackpad.
But then I tried to scroll a page in Chrome, and I immediately found the flaw. It was jerky. But not terribly jerky, like scrolling on an underpowered computer.
The stalling was minute, but enough to be jarring to the experience. I tried three different browsers, as well as a number of apps, and I couldn’t ever get the smooth response that I’m used to seeing with my MacBook Pro’s standard trackpad, or with the Magic Trackpad. The other factor that gets a big thumbs down from me is the lack of intertial scrolling. If you use a Mac, you’re familiar with how this works. If you don’t use a Mac, I’m not sure why you’re reading this, but I’ll explain. When you scroll on a Mac, and let off from the trackpad, your page continues to scroll slightly, slowing itself to a stop over a few milliseconds. It feels very natural once you get used to it, and having that suddenly disappear is very disrupting.
Update: I hate having to admit when I’m wrong, but I will. And I was wrong about the Logitech Trackpad. The problem at hand is that I thought I knew too much. Logitech makes a software called Setpoint that it uses for most of its Windows peripherals.
The Mac version of this is called Control Center, and I already had it installed. So when I loaded up the Trackpad and found it to be jerky, I chalked that up to a flawed product. But the flaw was actually my own. There’s and I failed to notice that fact. After loading the software, the device works every bit as well as Apple’s own Magic Trackpad.
So the choice comes down to this — For an equal price, do you want to own Apple’s device, or a rechargeable version from Logitech? If you’ve been in the market for a Magic Trackpad, the convenience of a rechargeable version should be on your mind. As for me, I’m just glad to see that Logitech is holding up to it reputable standard. ➤ Published December 14, 2012 — 22:14 UTC.
NEWARK, Calif.-Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced the expansion of its Mac® lineup with two new products: the for Mac®, iPad® and iPhone® and the for Mac. Each product brings new dimensions to the way you navigate and control your favorite Apple products. The Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard features Logitech Easy-Switch technology – similar to the popular – so you can easily go from typing an e-mail on your Mac to taking notes on your iPad to replying to a text on your iPhone, by simply pressing a button. In addition, the Logitech Rechargeable Trackpad gives you the full set of Mac OS® multi-touch gestures on a smooth glass surface. “Logitech’s new products build on what people love about their Macs, iPads and iPhones, and make them even more convenient and easy to use,” said Mike Culver, vice president of brand development for consumer computing platforms at Logitech. “Building on Logitech’s history of delivering high quality products, both the keyboard and trackpad have an insightful design that complements your existing Apple devices, and you’ll appreciate their smart power management as well.” Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard The Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard can pair with up to three Apple devices simultaneously, and its familiar Mac layout features the keys you’d expect, including Command, Brightness and Mission Control™.
Its sleek aluminum design matches the Apple style, making it look right at home next to your Mac, iPad or iPhone. In addition to its attractive design, this keyboard was built to maximize usability and power. The bright illumination of its backlit key characters makes them easy to read in low light conditions or at night, so you can type in any environment. Virtually anticipating your needs, the keyboard turns on its illumination when your hands approach, and it automatically dims or brightens based on the amount of light in the room. Logitech Rechargeable Trackpad The Logitech Rechargeable Trackpad features multi-touch control, so you can click, scroll, swipe, zoom and more. With a low-profile design and smooth glass surface, the trackpad replicates a touch-screen experience. And, because the touch area is larger than the typical notebook’s touchpad, it’s easier to take advantage of the full range of Mac OS multi-touch gestures, so you can naturally control and access your information.
Plus, the trackpad has been engineered with embedded precision sensors and resistance to fingerprints and scratches. In addition, the trackpad makes battery hassle a thing of the past – it is rechargeable through a USB cable and can be used while being recharged. Fully charged, you’ll have one month of power, which you can manage through its convenient On/Off switch. With Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the trackpad also provides up to 30 feet of wireless range. Pricing and Availability The Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard and the Logitech Rechargeable Trackpad are expected to be available in the U.S. And Europe in January 2013, for a suggested retail price of $99.99 and $69.99. For more information, please visit or our.
About Logitech Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech’s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). © 2012 Logitech. Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. iPad, iPhone, Mac, and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. And other countries. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. And any use of such marks by Logitech is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company’s website at. (LOGIIR) Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available.