Filed under: Reviews | Peripheral
Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac Review
Sep 18 2007, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun
I recently upgraded my notebook to a MacBook and started the search for accessories to make working with the MacBook easier and more efficient. One of the items that caught my eye was the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac. I like the keyboard on the MacBook, but when working at my desk a full size keyboard is ideal. Read on to find out more details on the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac.
Benchmarks
Features & Specifications
The first thing you notice about the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac is that it is colored to match the MacBook and MacBook Pro. The keyboard has the white finish many expect of Mac accessories along with metallic silver on the palm rest and top edge of the keyboard and a silver swath on the mouse. This color scheme matches my white MacBook perfectly and should match the aluminum clad MacBook Pro and new iMac as well.
The Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac uses a flat design, not as flat as the Di Novo Edge, but flat enough that it makes typing more comfortable. The keyboard also uses zero-degree tilt for natural hand position when typing. A bevy of built-in Mac one-touch controls allows you to access applications with the touch of a button. Controls for iTunes, iPhoto, mail and Safari are arranged on the sides of the keyboard. The keyboard is powered by a pair of AAA batteries and integrates a low battery light and auto-off to conserve power. Logitech claims a battery life of 6 months.
The mouse uses a laser engine and the scroll wheel zooms when pressed left and right as well. Power for the mouse is via a pair of AA batteries. Logitech doesn’t specify the sensitivity for the mouse, but I would peg it at 800 dpi. This is plenty of sensitivity for the small 13” LCD on the MacBook, but left me wishing for more when I used a larger 24” LCD.
Connectivity is via a USB mini-receiver that plugs into any Mac that has a USB port. Wireless range is good enough for use across the room without issue for both the mouse and keyboard. Mac users running Boot Camp will also be glad to hear the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac works inside Windows as well. Also included is a USB desktop stand so you can plug the mini-receiver in on your desktop.
Cordless Desktop S 530 in Use
Typing on the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac keyboard offers good tactile feel. The keys aren’t spongy feeling at all. Key travel is slightly less that on my G15 keyboard, but offers much the same feel. As a long time Windows user just starting to use a Mac, I was glad the keyboard brought back my backspace and delete keys, which I missed very much on the MacBook built-in keyboard.
The mouse uses a right-handed design that is very comfortable and feels good in the hand. It has a scroll wheel that can be clicked left and right for zooming on documents as well as thumb activated buttons and dedicated media control keys built-in. The media keys on the mouse allow you to control the volume of music in iTunes and mute the volume as well. All the Mac specific keys you expect to find on an Apple computer are on the keyboard.
Verdict
Conclusion
Pros
- Good typing feel
- Shortcut keys to major Mac programs
- Good wireless range
Cons
- Full size design not ideal for life on the road
Verdict
If you are looking for a full size keyboard and mouse combo for your MacBook or MacBook Pro for use at your desk, the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac is fantastic. If you are looking for a keyboard to take with you on the road, the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac is probably a bit too bulky for most users. Overall, the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac performs very well and is a great product for most Mac users.
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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His
extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer
electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.
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