Logitech accessories for iPad, Mac computers (review)

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are almost upon us, so it's definitely time to start thinking about the holidays. Here's a set of goodies from Logitech that might make a good gift for a co-worker or the Mac junkie in your life.

Out of all of the potential goodies that Logitech offers for the iPad, the keyboard case made in partnership with Zagg has to be the best one. Keep reading to find out why.

Quite simply, this keyboard made the value of the iPad so much greater for me. It's basically a full keyboard that connects to the iPad via Bluetooth (no cords!) and you're ready to start typing. It works with the iPad every app that involves text input, whether it be Safari, Evernote, Mail, or just typing in the passcode for the iPad itself.

This device made me way more productive too as I could simply tote the iPad 2 around with this keyboard (which also doubles as a protective case, at least on one side) instead of my laptop. Thus, I could get work done from so many more places while in transit as I usually don't like to lug around my notebook.

However, that isn't to say that there weren't a few quirks.

The two major problems I had with the keyboard case were significant, but easily fixed. For one, the keys sometimes popped off in my bag. So far, I've been able to pop each one back on, and everything was OK again.

The battery life on the keyboard is also quite significant. The device charges fairly quickly (in about roughly an hour) using the included standard micro USB cable. The battery life is supposed to be somewhere around "several weeks," but really, after eight to 10 hours of use (especially consistent use), the keyboard gets cranky and will keep imputting keys without you typing. For example, if I typed the letter "a," it would keep going "aaaaaaaaaaaa" forever until I exited the program. It really became a problem when hitting the delete button.

However, fully charging the keyboard fixed it. Thus, for $99, I think this is a worthy  purchase for anyone who wants to actually use their iPads for more than just reading, games, and basic browsing.

The Logitech solar powered keyboard for Mac computers is quite interesting. The wireless keyboard is even powered by light indoors, and it comes powered (at least halfway) upon arrival -- even after being stuck in a dark box.

The set-up for the Logitech K750 keyboard is ridiculously simple. As soon as you plug in the included USB receiver, the Mac computer of your choice (running at least OS X 10.4 or later -- which almost everyone must be by now) will automatically bring up the System Preferences window about keyboards and mice. Within a few clicks, the keyboard is connected to your Mac desktop or notebook.

For Mac owners that have computers with larger screens, such as a 17-inch MacBook Pro or one of the iMacs, this comes in handy when you want to watch videos within a browser from across the room and you can type and such from a distance.

(Windows users, note that there is a version available for you too!)

My only major gripe with the K750 keyboard is that it's much longer than most other keyboards, causing it to take up a lot of real estate on a desk.

However, it is very thin and easy to type on, and it will defintiely blend in with any Mac products you or the recipient of your gift might own.

The solar keyboard for the Mac comes in at $59.99, which is slightly cheaper than Apple's wireless keyboard. However, the Logitech model is considerably longer, but at least you don't hav to keep swapping out AA batteries.

Finally, there's this nifty tablet speaker for the ipad. Technically, it could also serve as a mini-iPad stand of sorts because when it clips on to the iPad, it also props it up. (Think probably about the same amount as the iPad Smart Cover from Apple when its propped up lower.)

The speaker measures just short of  the long side of the iPad, and it's really easy to carry around. The sound quality isn't the best, but it's pretty good for the size and portability. This one might be ideal for one to two people watching a movie on an iPad while traveling or at the park, as well as anyone who wants to make a quick presentation while on-the-go.

Out of these three items, the speaker really is the stocking stuffer of the group...albeit an expensive one at $49.99. But it does come with a nice protective travel case as well as a 3.5mm audio cable that plugs into the headphone jack for connecting to audio devices.