CES 2009: CES Unveiled Pre-show Event

Logitech – G19 Keyboard & Harmony Touch Screen

The original Logitech G15 has been a great success and they have been busy evolving the keyboard trying to keep the masses happy. The latest G15 had a fixed display and few G keys. Today Logitech has unleashed an updated gaming beast, the G19 model that features a full color LCD screen! The 320×240 LCD can display VOIP communication data and many other favorite items. The keyboard also sports more customization capabilities such as user-selectable character backlighting color, 12 fully programmable G-keys, two high-speed USB ports and multi-key input. Up to 5 keys can be used at one time for complex key commands. I personally like that the USB ports are now USB 2.0 as the original G15 is only 1.1.

Something else that caught our eye was that the keyboard actually requires more power than a standard USB port provides, so it comes with its own AC adapter. Finally, something that really impressed me was finding out that the keyboard actually has Linux embedded in it, which means that the keyboard can play video clips from YouTube, or do just about anything you can dream of, independent of whatever game or activity you may be engaged in. We think this is a great step up from being limited to .net applications. The pricing is a little higher for the G19 with an MSRP of $199, but damn is it cool! The line starts here and youll have to wait until March to get your grubby little paws on one.

Logitech Harmony 1100

A touch of luxury for your living room indeed. Logitech knows remote controls and wow does it have a beauty with the new 1100. This sweet little gadget has a full 3.5 inch touch screen and uses RF technology instead of infrared, so line of site is not an issue.

All the programmable keys that we know and love are still available and set up is a breeze. Knowing the Harmony faithful and the cost be damned attitude of most AVS fans, a price tag of $500 wont keep you from beating a path to the local shop to pick one up.

Thats it for our Pre-CES coverage, check back tomorrow for more from CES 2009.