Now this just makes sense. Instead of having a receiver for every USB wireless device, Logitech managed to stuff the right goods into its Unifying receiver. This little guy can pair with up to six Unifying-compatible Logitech mice and keyboards at the same time, just like Bluetooth peripherals have been able to for ages. The first device should be picked up by Windows and each device after that just needs to be added through the Unifying software pack.
Photo Gallery by Picturesurf
Four products are launching to help get the Unifying party started: Wireless Keyboard K350, Wireless Keyboard K340, Marathon Mouse M705, and Wireless Mouse M505. Expect the whole set to launch in September staring at $49.99.
FINALLY! I’ve been waiting for something like this for sooo long. I’ve always thought “If bluetooth can do it, then why can’t wireless?”. It just makes sense to go this route. I think that eventually it would make even more sense to just incorporate these chips into laptops and PC’s like we’ve already done/start to do with bluetooth.
Does anyone know if you can buy the USB reciever separately or do you have to purchase it with another device? I guess I do need a new keyboard though…
Wait. doesn’t even matter since it only works with certain products.
Brilliant. A brand new proprietary system designed to do exactly what I’ve been doing with Bluetooth mice, keyboards, cellphones, printers, etc. for years. What color is the sky in Logitech’s world?
This is going to be the new standard for wireless devices. In other words…
Bluetooth =/= Wireless
Bluetooth already does most of this, but this still isn’t a bad idea. It does make a lot of sense. Not everyone has a computer with Bluetooth and this would solve that problem. Reminds me of some of the Kensington mice that don’t have bluetooth buts still work wirelessly. It’s a good idea. I like it. http://ziggytek.com/
I don’t mean to say this is not an effective or useful system. It’s just that with miniature Bluetooth USB adapters readily available (just as compact as the Logitech adapter pictured), why do Logitech, Microsoft, Kensington and the others feel the need to create proprietary solutions? Most of these manufacturers already make some Bluetooth products, so it’s not as if they don’t understand the concept. Why not give the customer greater flexibility by going with an existing standard? Those with Bluetooth already in their computers can use the mice and keyboards right out of the box; those without can use the Bluetooth USB adapter and also get access to their cellphone, printer, etc.
They are attempting to create the new standard for wireless technology.
Bluetooth =/= Wireless
On another note, I wonder what the pro’s and con’s of the two tech’s are?
Tell me again why they won’t just use bluetooth? I love Logitech product, but WTF?
Oh, and then when you buy a few of their “Unifying” devices, you only need one receiver. So, in your desk drawer, sit the un-used “extra” receivers. like so many usb-ps2 converters from years before.
Does this signal Logitech A La Carte purchasing? ie getting the Mice and Keyboards separately, since they can now sync to one device? I notice that combos are not in any of the new sets of devices…
Couldn’t you pair multiple devices with the pre-2004 Logitech usb dongles? I mean, sure, those are a lot bigger than this tiny one but still…