Oh! Gizmo

This post is syndicated with permission from GamerFront.net

If you play PC games with other people online, there’s a good chance that you use some sort of voice chat. When playing WoW, our entire guild would use Ventrilo in order to stay coordinated in raids, or just to chit-chat. I never cared for free-standing mics, so I would always be wearing a headset. Sometimes it can be hard to find one that sounds good, picks up your voice properly and feels comfortable during long-term gaming sessions. This is why I love getting to review new headsets, so you don’t have to figure out the hard way whether or not one is worth buying. Well today I’m going to be sharing my thoughts on the Logitech Gaming Headset G330.

First Look

The G330 headset is of the behind-the-head variety, making it smaller than more traditional headsets. You’ll see that the width is actually adjustable on these, which is a welcome feature not often seen (on behind-the-head styles). The mic extends from the left ear and is adjustable. You will find in-line controls and your choice of standard stereo jacks or a USB adapter for hooking the device to your computer.

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By Chris Scott Barr

Last month we told you about a new keyboard and mouse set from Logitech called the MK700. At first glance it seemed like any other wireless combo, but under the surface there were a few things to note. Namely the new “Incurve keys” and an amazing battery life. Well I’ve spent a couple of weeks with this pair of peripherals, and today I’ll share my thoughts.

Features

The second-most notable feature are the new Incurve keys, which are concave keys with rounded edges. These are supposed to be more comfortable than your average keyboard. The battery life is definitely the number one feature, as the mouse can go a year and the keyboard a full three years before either needs a new set of AA’s. An LCD dashboard tells you the status of things like your battery, Caps Lock and Num Lock. Hyper-fast scrolling and a 2.4GHz wireless transmitter round out the main features of this duo.

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By Chris Scott Barr

Laptops are awesome, but they do have their drawbacks. My biggest issue is that I like to use a mouse, rather than the trackpad after a while. Sure, it’s fine for a bit, but a mouse is just so much easier and more comfortable to use. That’s why Logitech has announced a new product that will help in this area.

This anti-slip laptop board keeps your computer firmly in place and has a slide-out mousing surface. Now you can surf the web on your couch with a mouse. Sure, you could try using the cushion as a mousepad, but it doesn’t always work so well. Since the mousing surface retracts into the lapboard, it doesn’t actually add any extra bulk, making it easily stored. Look for this later in the month for $29.99.

VIA [ Logitech ]

By Chris Scott Barr

It seems like not all that long ago, universal remotes were very plain gadgets that you’d pick up at you local store when you lost your TV remote. Then you’d get it home only to find that your specific model wasn’t listed in the back, so you had to manually program the stupid thing. Yes, I’ve bought several of them over the years, and hated each and every one. Thankfully these days companies like Logitech are making remotes that not only have a lot of extra features, but also are easy to setup.

This morning Logitech announced their latest universal remote, the Harmony 700. This remote can control up to 6 different living room devices, which should clear up some room on your coffee table. They have attempted to simplify the way you use the remote, with buttons like “Watch TV” and “Listen to Music.” The color LCD screen also makes many actions a lot easier. Your favorite TV channels will be stored on the screen, letting you simply press a button to be taken there.

In order to program the remote, you’ll only need to download the software on your computer, and enter the model numbers of the devices you want to control. No codes to enter on the remote. As for power, the Harmony 700 comes with a pair of rechargeable AA batteries. When they start to get low (or die) you can simply plug in the remote with the included power adapter. I have to say that this is the first remote I’ve seen that comes with a power cord, which is an interesting idea. If you have a lot of devices in your living room, and don’t mind dropping $150 on a remote, then this would very likely serve you well when it hits stores later this month.

[ Logitech ]

This post is syndicated with permission from GamerFront.net
In my free time when I’m not gaming I’m generally programming, working on my own hit game. This involves a lot of traversing through source code, generally many lines of it. In the past this act would get very cumbersome, that all changed the day the Logitech Performance MX landed on my desk. The Hyper-fast scrolling feature allows me to reach from one end of my code to the other with a single flick of the wheel.

The Logitech Performance MX mouse also comes equipped with Darkfield Laser Tracking technology that allows it to work on just about any surface. Having a glass desk I found this most intriguing and was surprised at just how well Logitech delivers on this feature. Having spent time using it in both a work environment and gaming sessions I can’t tell a difference when using it on a mouse pad or the glass surface directly.

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By Chris Scott Barr

Last week Logitech announced two of their latest mice, equipped with Darkfield Technology. If you’ll recall, this feature allows mice to track on any smooth surface, regardless of whether or not it is reflective. While some people might not see the benefit in using a mouse on a reflective surface, those who want to use a mouse on their glass desk, or even something with a mirrored finish will be pleased. I’ve actually been testing out the Anywhere MX mouse for about a week now, and I thought I’d share my thoughts.

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By Chris Scott Barr

I’m sure that everyone remembers when optical mice first broke onto the scene. Finally the days of cleaning those stupid ball mice were over. Of course there is one place that those old mice can go that no optical or laser mouse can work. That would be reflective surfaces. Even the most high-tech laser mouse is defeated by the surface of a glass desk. At least that was the case until Logitech announced their new Darkfield technology.

You have to admit, Darkfield technology sounds like something really awesome, especially when you note that it works with lasers. Well this isn’t some strange weapon developed by a secret government group. Rather, it allows Logitech’s new mice to work properly on any reflective surface (minimum 4mm thick). Finally, those using a glass desk can ditch their mouse pad. The technology will first be seen in their Performance Mouse MX, and its smaller brother the Anywhere Mouse MX. Look for reviews of both in the very near future right here on OhGizmo.

[ BLogitech ]

By Chris Scott Barr

If you spend most of your workday at a computer like I do, then you’ll want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. A comfortable chair, a nice big monitor to look at and a good keyboard/mouse set are probably the most important. Today, Logitech announced their new Wireless Desktop MK700 keyboard and mouse, which are aimed at being both comfortable and convenient to use.

The new MK700 keyboard features a new type of key that they’re calling “Incurve keys.” These concave keys are supposed to keep your fingers in the right place and have softly curved edges to be more comfortable when moving from key to key. Other features like a cushioned palm rest and longer key travel should make things more comfortable in general.

So what makes this set so “convenient” you say? Well you’ve got things like an LCD dashboard that lets you know things like the status of Caps Lock, Num Lock and your battery life. They’re also using 2.4GHz wireless technology to ensure a strong connection (up to 30 feet away), because no one likes pressing a key and having nothing happen. The real kicker is the battery life. You can expect the batteries in your mouse to last for up to a year, while the keyboard can go up to 3 years without needing changed. Oh, and that’s on 2 AA batteries each. I hate changing out batteries, and measuring the time between changing them in years instead of months should be enough of a selling point for some people. Look for the MK700 bundle later this month for around $100.

[ Logitech ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Back at E3 I had a chance to chat with the folks over at Logitech. If you’ll remember they were kind enough to let me have some hands-on time with their G940 Flight System. However, the moment I walked in the door they saw me eying a different piece of hardware. It was under embargo, so I haven’t been allowed to talk about it. Well today that has been lifted and I’ve been given the go-ahead to tell you guys about it.

It’s no small secret that I’ve been a Guitar Hero nut since the game came out. My close circle of friends know just how picky I am about the controllers I use. (Seriously, I modded an original SG controller from the first game to work with my 360 because I hated the X-plorer so much.) Well let me say right now that I’ve found a new favorite, Logitech’s Wireless Guitar Controller. You might stop me and say “Chris, this is old news, they’ve had one of these out for a little while.” You’d be right, but I don’t play on a PS3, this one is for the 360.

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