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One of the most important and least thought about input devices is the keyboard. Keyboards can be used as input for a whole plethora of devices from computers, to video game consoles to TV’s and streaming devices. Now all these wonderful devices can use keyboards, but how many keyboards do you really need? How about just 1, the new Logitech Harmony Smart Wireless Keyboard, which is available exclusively at Best Buy.
The Harmony Smart consists of a few separate pieces. These include the Smart Keyboard, 2 USB connectors(more details later), Harmony Hub, IR transmitter wire, power adapters and other wires. The way the system works is the keyboard interfaces with the hub, which then transmits the input from the keyboard to your living room devices. It might sound confusing on the first pass, but it is actually very easy to use and intuitive to set up. Initial setup took about an hour, but that was mostly reading and rereading the instruction manual. Some of the devices which can be used with the Harmony are: PC’s, Mac’s, AppleTV, Roku, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, TV and cable boxes- even TV’s. Connections available are Bluetooth, Infrared, IP and USB devices. Most of the devices are easy to connect with one connection, except the PS3 which uses both the USB connection and Bluetooth. There is one other way to interface with your Harmony, the Harmony App for smartphones. This App not only interfaces with the Harmony Hub, but also acts as a universal control and lets you customize gestures and Favorites. The App is available for Android and iOS as well.
Switching from one device to another is easy and fast making this keyboard a necessity to your living room table.
There are a few drawbacks of the device one is the keyboard is about the size of a laptop keyboard. So big handed people will not be happy. But on the flip side, small is good because this keyboard is going to be hanging out in the living room.
The Harmony is available at Best Buy and retails for $149.99.
If I ever decided to blog from a tablet, I would have to have this type of keyboard. I love that it uses blue tooth and connects to a variety of products.
Looks like a great keyboard! Will remember it the next time im in a market for a new one!
It’s funny how the trackpad has migrated from laptops to desktop keyboards!
I would love to have this when I travel. I hate trying to use screen keyboards!
It’s been so long since I’ve used a keyboard since I’m on a laptop. I will keep this in mind should we ever graduate to a desktop. Perhaps for our little one!
I love the convenience of a wireless keyboard and Logitech is my preferred brand.