Logitech adds entry Harmony remotes, notebook speakers
updated 08:45 am EST, Tue March 2, 2010
Logitech Harmony 600 and 650, Z205 speakers debut
Logitech took advantage of the opening of CeBIT to add a spate of accessories to its lineup. The Harmony 650 and its monochrome sibling, the 600, provide a newer mainstream jumping-in point for universal remotes. While they don't have the touchscreen of the Harmony One, they now have one-button presets for common tasks like watching a movie or playing music that will handle all the associated steps at once. Their displays still provide a visual guide for less automated functions or for picking a favorite TV channel by its logo.
Either remote can be loaded with devices profiles from a Mac or Windows PC and should support most any IR-capable home theater hardware, including game consoles when a compatible IR receiver is attached. Logitech ships the 600 and 650 later this month for $80 and $100 respectively.
Computer owners get their own addition today through the Laptop Speaker Z205. It's meant to provide better audio either on the road or at a presentation and clips on to the lid of all MacBooks or most Windows notebooks to provide stereo audio without occupying space on the sides. Both power and sound come entirely through USB, to keep the connection simple, and a traveling case makes it possible to stuff the Z205 in a notebook bag.
The Z205 will be relatively inexpensive at $40 and should ship this month.
