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Logitech

Logitech's really comfy Comfort Lapdesk

I've been shopping around for a go-between that would prop my toasty laptop off my lap. I thought I found this with the Thermapak, but now here's another tempting choice, Logitech's Comfort Lapdesk ($39.99).

Unlike the former, the Lapdesk marries hard plastic with a padded cushion for what seems to be the best of both worlds. Though it won't cool your notebook or roll up into bundle like the Thermapak, the Lapdesk can double as a useful work surface while you're lounging on the couch. Thermapak or Logitech? Time to dust off that Magic … Read more

Logitech to cut up to 600 jobs

Clarification at 7:40 a.m. PST: The percentage figure for net income has been fixed.

Logitech International announced late Monday plans to cut 550 to 600 jobs, as it posted a steep drop in its financial performance and predicted continued weakness in the months ahead.

The company expects to make the bulk of its job cuts in its fiscal fourth quarter, which started January 1, and take a charge of $16 million to $18 million during the quarter. Overall, Logitech expects to take a $20 million to $24 million charge over the next 12 months.

Logitech, a peripherals giant … Read more

Razer drops new PC gaming mouse and headset

On the heel's of Logitech's announcement of its own new PC gaming peripherals, Razer brings word this morning of new PC gaming mouse and a audio headset. The $130 Mamba mouse hits stores in February and the $80 Carcharias (a family of sharks) headset is set to debut at retail this month.

The Mamba mouse includes many of Razer's hallmark features, plus a few that are new. The large buttons, nonstick Teflon mouse feet, 1,000Hz polling rate, and built-in memory (for carrying mouse settings between systems) we've all seen before. You'll be glad to … Read more

Logitech announces handful of G-Series PC gaming accessories

Logitech announced several new member of its G-Series line of PC peripherals today. We'll tackle them one at a time, starting with the G35 Surround Sound headset.

When it's available in March, the Logitech G35 Surround Sound headset will cost approximately $130 for the benefit of its simulated 7.1 channel audio output. It includes an adjustable, noise-canceling boom mic, as well as three buttons on the left ear piece dedicated to what Logitech calls "voice morphing" in its press release. This sounds like a simple voice-effect overlay, and we're confident your World of Warcraft guildmates or whoever might be on the receiving end of your chat software will want you to use these effects over and over and over and over. You get volume and mute buttons built into the ear piece as well, and Logitech also gives you three different headbands to use with the G35, a welcome nod towards customization.

Logitech is not the only peripheral vendor with a 7.1-channel headset on offer. Razer's Megalodon was announced in 2008 and is also scheduled to launch sometime in Q1 2009. We're skeptical as to whether it's worth getting too excited over 7.1-channel audio simulated over headphones, but we'll withhold judgment until we can give either headset an actual listen.

… Read more

Logitech unveils Harmony 1100 universal remote

When Logitech released the Harmony 1000 in 2007, we were disappointed that the tablet-style remote wasn't easily customizable and that the response time of its 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen wasn't quite as zippy as we would've liked. Two years on, it looks like Logitech has finally taken those criticisms to heart. The new Harmony 1100 includes the ability to customize the on-screen buttons, and its new Flash-based OS (and faster processor) should make for a smoother user experience. Those improvements--plus the black color scheme--look to be the only major changes from the 1000, so the new model … Read more

Logitech to slash 15 percent of workforce

Correction at 8:00 a.m. PST: Logitech employs over 9,000 people.

Swiss peripherals manufacturer Logitech plans to cut approximately 15 percent of its salaried workforce. Logitech has more than 9,000 employees worldwide.

In a statement Monday, the company cited the deepening economic gloom as the reason for the cut.

"During the December quarter, the retail environment deteriorated significantly," Logitech Chief Executive Gerald Quindlen said. "We experienced varying degrees of weakness across all geographies and channels, as our customers reduced inventory levels in the face of weaker consumer demand. Moreover, we expect the economic environment … Read more