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Expert Review
Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Macintosh

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Expert Review

Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Macintosh

Date Published: 6/19/06

Macintosh owners don't often find input devices specifically designed for their systems. Usually, they're plugging in USB mice and keyboards made for Windows machines and are forced to track down a Macintosh driver.

Mac users can now rejoice. The stylish Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser, which includes a keyboard and a mouse, is an input device combo made just for Macs. The thin, zero-tilt keyboard is comfortable to type on, and it features a variety of shortcut keys that Macintosh owners will find especially useful. For starters, you can open and control iTunes at the touch of a button. Other buttons are geared toward the iPhoto application and the Spotlight search feature, but they can all be programmed to your preferences with the included Control Center software.

The keyboard sits so flat that it took some time to get used to, but the low-profile design is ergonomically beneficial for extended periods of use. In addition, its solid palm wrest felt cool and comfortable while we were typing.

The S 530 cordless input devices require batteries (included), and Logitech promises up to 6 months of life before they need to be replaced. Both the mouse and the keyboard feature battery indicator lights that will flash when there is less than 10 days of battery life left.

The contoured laser mouse works well with or without a mouse pad, although its curves fit right-handers only. The mouse's tilt wheel lets you scroll horizontally as well as vertically, which is great for extra-large websites, and the five customizable buttons control volume and moving back and forth in a web browser. The mouse even has its own USB mini-receiver (which plugs into the larger USB receiver for the keyboard), so you can take just the mouse on the road with your iBook or PowerBook.

The color scheme of stark white with silver accents will match most Macs nicely. It's a great option for Mac Mini owners, as these systems don't come with input devices. Logitech offers an excellent 5-year limited hardware warranty, so you're covered for the long haul.

With an MSRP of $100, you can purchase less expensive input devices, and even wireless ones, but you won't find a set that is so uniquely tailored for Mac users. If you're looking for a cordless input device combo for your Macintosh, Logitech's Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser is a beautiful and versatile package.

Pros: Stylish design, comfortable, can take mouse on the road
Cons: Mouse for right-handers only



Warranty
5 years hardware, limited



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Magic Debugger

release: 8.4.3-qa1
content_id: 263622
type: review
category: l4-cp-keyboards-mice

brws title: Consumer Guide: Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Macintosh Review

meta d: Logitech's Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser is an excellent keyboard-mouse combo specifically for Mac users. Read Consumer Guide's review.

url: http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/Logitech-TrackMan-Trackball-904353-0403/SF-1/PID-20302313