Review: Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser keyboard for Mac

As Apple aficionados will know, the Mac Mini doesn't come with a keyboard and mouse. So, unless the plan is to use older devices, you'll have to pop to the Apple store to bag yourself a matching set. Or is there a better solution?

Logitech's Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac is almost identical to the PC version, the S 510. There are, however, a couple of new features, namely the Mac-Mini-matching white and silver colouring and extra Mac-specific buttons.

Rather than Apple's bespoke cordless solutions that use Bluetooth, the S 530 comes with a (white) USB mini-receiver that talks to both devices.

Setup is as you'd expect; add batteries to the keyboard and laser-tracking mouse, plug the adapter into a free USB and it will automatically detect the two devices.

The accompanying Logitech Control Center software has to be installed to make use of all the extra shortcut keys, however the software isn't compatible with the latest Intel-based Mac computers, which is bad news for those who've already bagged themselves a new Imac, Macbook Pro or Mac Mini. According to Logitech, a patch will be out to fix this by the end of April.

With everything operational, though, the S 530 offers far more functionality than Apple's own products.

Due to its wireless nature, a USB hub can't be built into the keyboard, but there are one-touch buttons for Apple Itunes, Iphoto (both part of ILife '06), Safari, Mail and Spotlight. All shortcut keys can be customised and there's an LED light to signify low battery.

The mouse also has buttons for volume, muting and forward and back web page navigation, while the middle wheel tilts left and right for document scrolling.

Logitech may have a point when describing the keyboard as ergonomic; however the jury is out as to whether its 19mm elevation is a help or hindrance for the longterm health of your arms and wrists.

Another bugbear is the mouse's right-hand-only operation, which won't please southpaws.

At £70, it's undeniably better value than Apple's Wireless Keyboard and Mouse, which sell for £39 each and offer far less versatility.

See also:

Sony designs a ringing rodent

Is the mouse phone a cheesy product?  21 Feb 2006

Hela Perific Mouse

An interesting alternative to the standard desktop mouse  06 Feb 2006

Think Outside Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard

Portable, wireless and allows for Qwerty typing on a PDA  11 Nov 2005

Think Outside Stowaway Bluetooth Travel Mouse

A mouse for your PDA and laptop  11 Nov 2005

I-Tech Bluetooth VKB

A keyboard like no other for people on the move  15 Aug 2005

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