Logitech Introduces New Keyboard Design

New Cordless Desktops Stress Form, Function and Beauty Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Logitech (Nasdaq: LOGIY; Switzerland: LOGN, LOGZ), today unveiled a radically new industrial design for desktop peripherals with the introduction of the Cordless Freedom(TM) Optical, the flagship product in the company's new fall line-up of desktops. Cordless Freedom Optical combines Logitech's top-selling Cordless MouseMan(R) Optical, with a sleek, low-profile keyboard featuring Logitech's custom Zero Degree Tilt(TM) design. Zero Degree Tilt is a new industrial design that keeps the key-plane parallel to the desk surface. This ultra-slim profile helps to increase comfort by allowing the wrist to remain in a neutral position while typing. The industrial design is complemented by a smoked translucent finish and brushed-steel special-function keys. In addition, select keys are labeled with the most popular Windows(R) keyboard shortcuts.

"We're taking the next step in keyboard design with the introduction of our new desktop family," said Denis Pavillard, Logitech's director of worldwide product marketing. "We believe consumers will be delighted to discover that our products are not only responsive to their needs of comfort and functionality, but also beautiful to look at."

iNav -- A key feature of the Cordless Freedom Optical desktop is Logitech's new iNav(TM) zone, located on the left side of the keyboard. The iNav zone includes a "go" button for instant access to any Web site, a "back" button, and a special iNav scrolling wheel that speeds up common tasks by combining left- and right-handed navigation. With the iNav scrolling wheel, users can easily:

• switch between open applications by simply scrolling the wheel;
• use the scroll as a zoom in Microsoft(R) Office(R) applications and Microsoft(R) Internet Explorer;
• scroll vertically through web pages or documents;
• easily locate and launch music files and play lists saved on the hard drive;
• navigate and view digital images that you have saved on the hard drive;
• scroll through Internet favorites or bookmarked web sites;
• edit documents easily with cut, copy and paste; and
• use the wheel as an easy-to-reach volume control.

Multimedia -- Cordless Freedom Optical's dynamic multimedia controls for MP3's, CD's and DVD's emulate those found in consumer electronics multimedia products, bringing a sense of familiarity to the desktop setting. This intuitive key layout makes it easy to operate the volume dial, fast-forward, pause and stop buttons. An additional multimedia key allows the user to easily select the media player of choice, eliminating the frustration of defaulting to the last-installed player. All keyboards in the new line-up include the award-winning MUSICMATCH(TM) Jukebox for playing favorite music files. With more than 20 million users, MUSICMATCH provides personalized products and services for finding and listening to the music that best matches individual tastes.

iTouch -- Like all of Logitech's most recent desktop offerings, the new Cordless Freedom Optical includes iTouch(TM) Internet keys on the keyboard and the iTouch WebWheel(TM) utility in the mouse. This iTouch technology allows users to seamlessly connect and navigate the Internet with one press of a key or mouse button. Initial settings within iTouch will offer instant access to popular locations. For example, the "search" function will link users to Google, one of today's most widely used search engine. All of the iTouch hot keys are easily programmed to individual preferences and can launch frequently used desktop applications or instantly access favorite web sites.

Advanced Digital Radio Technology -- All of Logitech's cordless peripherals are based on proven proprietary digital radio technology. This ensures reliable performance within a six-foot radius of the receiver with no line-of-sight requirement. The receiver can be set off the desk or even behind the computer without affecting performance. For the cordless desktop combinations -- keyboard and mouse -- one single receiver handles both the mouse and the keyboard. The latest generation of radio technology includes multi-channel RF with encryption to protect the privacy of the data transmitted between the keyboard and the receiver. In addition Logitech's cordless devices utilize a 12-bit digital secure ID code that enables multiple cordless devices to operate in close proximity without risk of interference.

An entire family -- Cordless Freedom(TM) Optical is the flagship of a three-product introduction by Logitech. It is available in retail outlets and online at a list price of $99.95 (DM 299). Additional desktop products available at the same time in the new Logitech line-up include:

• Cordless Freedom iTouch -- Featuring the same comfortable Zero Degree Tilt and multi- channel encrypted digital radio technology, as well as easy-to-use zoned multimedia and iTouch(TM) keys. Priced at $79.95 (DM 199), the Cordless Freedom(TM) iTouch(TM) keyboard is partnered with Logitech(R) Cordless Mouse.
• Internet Navigator -- A corded keyboard featuring Zero Degree Tilt comfort and easy control of media and Internet functions. Internet Navigator(TM)includes the innovative iNav wheel for easy navigation of the desktop and the Internet. Priced at $29.95 (DM 79).

System Details: All of Logitech's keyboards and desktops are compatible with Windows(R) 95 and 98, Windows(R) 2000 and Windows NT(R) 4.0, Windows(R) Millennium Edition and will support Windows(R) XP when available. Limited five-year warranty.

For more information on Logitech and its products, visit the company's web site at www.logitech.com.

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SOURCE Logitech