Nathan Davis19 January 2007, 2:09 AM
Logitech is all over the Vista bandwagon, releasing a slather of Vista compatible hardware that features 'visual experiences'.
If Windows Vista were a piece of hardware, Logitech reckons some of its new gear is Vista incarnate.
It proclaims that several of its new gadgets "complement the new visual Windows Vista experience," even though some would argue, such as myself, that Vista's distracting and hyperactive visuals are in dire need of a tone-down.
Among the newly toned-up gadgets, there is a rather slick-looking keyboard, called the diNovo Edge. It has "a striking design that makes a bold statement for any system," although Logitech was sure to add "... running Windows Vista," at the end of that statement.
 The diNovo Edge: Glass-tacular. |
This probably means the keyboard will make any other operating system appear like it was pummelled by the ugly stick.
This is unfortunate, as it doesn't look too shabby and not everyone will want Vista. It even features a nifty mouse pad, dubbed the 'TouchDisc'. That said, the Numpad was chopped off, which kinda sucks.
 QuickCam Ultra Vision: Totally ultra. |
Another reportedly Vista-coloured device is the QuickCam Ultra Vision webcam, which Logitech says will "complement the striking new Windows Vista visual experience." It keeps saying that, huh.
Appearance isn't the only thing that makes some of its new gadgets wholly Vista compatible, though, so its new Vista-likeness gear isn't entirely skin deep.
For example, the Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser, which consists of a wireless keyboard and mouse, has several buttons that do Vista things. One such thing includes opening the start menu with a Start key, that which "lets you get the most out of Windows Vista." Apparently this key is a new concept to Logitech.
The mouse can activate Vista's Flip 3D function, the 3D version of Alt+Tab window-switching.
 Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser: No sharks included. |
Considering you can assign buttons to whatever you damn well please on keyboards and meeces/mouses/mice, additional well-placed buttons are generally useful in any operating system environment.
To really deliver a true Vista experience, the diNovo Edge keyboard retails for a princely $349, bringing the Vista hardware experience to screaming wallets abroad.
Of course, all of this Vista compatibility, superficial or otherwise, might actually be useful if Vista were available and used.
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