Logitech Alto Cordless Keyboard and Notebook Stand Review

Not too long ago Logitech introduced the Alto notebook keyboard and stand that raised your notebook up for more comfortable use and added a full-size external keyboard. Recently Logitech introduced a wireless version of the Alto called the Logitech Alto Cordless, which we will be taking a look at today. Read on for all the details on the Logitech Alto Cordless.

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Features & Specifications
The new Logitech Alto Cordless differs in design somewhat from the original Alto, most notably due to the cordless keyboard that the new Alto uses. The notebook stand portion of the Logitech Alto Cordless is designed differently as well, but overall the two versions of the Alto are similar.

The notebook stand portion of the Alto Cordless has a raised lip in the front that keeps your notebook from sliding off. There is only one position to lock the notebook riser into which raises the screen of the notebook to a comfortable level. Under the part of the notebook holder that actually supports the notebook is the USB cable that connects the USB hub and wireless receiver to your PC.

The wireless receiver is built into the notebook riser so one USB cable both provides connectivity for the wireless keyboard and connects the three port USB hub built into the riser portion as well. An AC adapter is included with the Logitech Alto Cordless for powering the USB hub so high-power USB devices can be used.

Next to the USB cable storage area is a cable organizer that helps to reduce the clutter that routes cables for your printer, mouse and other gadgets you connect to the three port USB hub.

The keyboard itself that ships with the Logitech Alto Cordless has the same features as the original Alto. There are a full complement of media control keys for playing music and video. There are also shortcut keys for launching your web browser, email application, music player, moving forward and back in your web browser, minimize and maximize windows and refresh web pages. Other short cut keys for the calculator and turning the computer on and off are included as well. The keyboard is full sized and features a number pad and a wrist rest with a soft texture that has no padding.

Alto Cordless in Use
The Logitech Alto Cordless elevates the screen of your notebook by about six inches. This really helps when working for extended periods of time on a notebook. The keyboard is comfortable to type on and has good typing feel. The keys are slightly spongy feeling, but do offer a muted click when you hit them that touch typists will like.

The three port USB hub places two of the ports on the rear of the laptop riser portion and one on the right corner. You can use peripherals in these ports that require a powered hub thanks to the AC adapter that is included. The full complement of shortcut keys and media control keys are a nice addition to a keyboard that is fully loaded.

When you are ready to travel the keyboard secures to the laptop riser portion of the Logitech Alto Cordless via a magnet that holds well. You can pick the Alto Cordless up by the keyboard or laptop riser alone and the two pieces don’t com apart. However, the magnet isn’t so strong that when you are ready to work the keyboard is hard to separate from the notebook riser.

Really the only problem I had with the Logitech Alto Cordless is its weight; if you try to use it on the road you will realize quickly that it is a heavy system. The Logitech Alto Cordless weighs about 4.5 pounds making it heavier than many of the notebook computers on the market. That said, I think the most common use for the Logitech Alto Cordless isn’t for road warriors looking for a system to use on the go, but rather for users that work from notebooks in the office and at home where they will be sitting.

The Logitech Alto Cordless is perfect in this instance and allows you to place the keyboard portion of the Alto Cordless into your desks keyboard tray and scoot he notebook back for a more comfortable working environment. The keyboard is powered by a pair of included AAA batteries and the Logitech Alto Cordless has a 5-year warranty. Sorry Mac users, the Logitech Alto Cordless is for Windows XP and Vista only.

Verdict

Conclusion

Prose

• Raises laptop screen to comfortable levels
• Wireless keyboard is easier to use at your desk
• Full array of shortcut and media keys

Cons

• Heavy design makes it less than ideal for portable use

Verdict
As long as you aren’t looking for a notebook keyboard to use on the road, the alto Cordless is fantastic. Users who replaced the desktop at home or in the office with a notebook will love the Logitech Alto Cordless. It makes working with your notebook much more comfortable in a home or office setting.

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