When I was at school, back in the days before computers, the end of the summer signified “back to school” time. I’d get new school shoes, fresh pencils, a new geometry set and (if I was very lucky} one of those new-fangled calculating machines that began appearing in the 1970s.
Well, things have changed quite a bit since I was at school. Today’s children are more likely to go shopping for new technology to help them start a fresh school year. And now that so many students are likely to be experiencing blended learning between home and school, that technology could well be a new keyboard or mouse.
Logitech is probably one of the best-known brands in rodent technology. It has drawn up a handy list of back-to-school products that are made for today’s tech-savvy schoolchildren. The company is offering a number of computer accessories at reduced prices with the new school year in mind.
Logitech’s sweet little M350 Pebble Wireless Mouse is both affordable, attractive and hard-wearing. It’s tough enough to slip into a school bag or a jacket pocket, plus it’s available in a range of pastel colors. The M350 comes with one of Logitech’s Nano Unifying USB receivers for plugging in to the host computer. However, it can also be connected using Bluetooth. Perhaps the best feature of the M350 is its virtually silent buttons and a whisper quiet scroll wheel that won’t distract other students in the room. The buttons can be programmed using Logitech’s mouse software and it’s powered by a single AA battery which should last a whole school year.
Alongside the M350, there’s the Logitech’s K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard. This ultra-thin membrane keyboard is available in the same colors as the M350 mouse and can be paired with up to three devices via Bluetooth. For example, the keyboard might be paired with a laptop as well as a desktop computer and tablet. Switching between the devices is only a button press. The K380 has stylish round keys and works with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices. Power comes from a couple of AAA batteries that Logitech claims will last for around two years.
Both the M350 and K380 can also be bought as a combo package to save money. The best thing about both products is they are hard wearing and offer great value for money. I think the Pebble Mouse is probably my favorite portable mouse at any price.
Logitech’s MK470 Slim Combo is a compact keyboard with a matching mouse. It has a numeric keypad and 12 Function key shortcuts that are ideal for students who need a numeric keypad for creating spreadsheets. The full set of function keys are handy for shortcuts in creative software packages like Adobe Photoshop. The Slim Combo ultra-portable mouse that’s small enough to slip into the pocket of a messenger bag. The thing I like about the keyboard is its compact layout that means you get all the keys you need without the keyboard being too big or too heavy. The keys are low-profile scissor mechanisms and are up to 90% quieter than many regular keyboards. Both the mouse and the keyboard use a Logitech Nano Unifying receiver to connect with a computer.
My last suggestion from Logitech’s back-to-school campaign is the Slim Folio. This is a keyboard case for Apple iPads (5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Gen) and the iPad Air (3rd Gen). It protects the iPad when it’s in a bag and folds out to reveal a Bluetooth keyboard and an integrated stand that can lock at an optimal angle for typing, viewing or sketching. The Slim Folio is powered with small coin cell batteries and, thanks to its smart-power management system, the Slim Folio should work for up to four years before the batteries need changing.
Pricing and Availability: All the products featured here are available now and options like pricing and color choices can be found simply by following the links I’ve added. The special back-to-school offers are available until September 12. I’ve been using Logitech mice and keyboards for years despite being a Mac user. I love the look of Apple’s Magic Mouse and Keyboard, but I appreciate the option to be able to switch easily between my various devices without having to pair them each time.
More info: www.logitech.com
