Logitech Alto Laptop Stand/Keyboard

Last update: Review by CNET (added on 20/04/07)

The Logitech Alto is a portable notebook stand with integrated keyboard. The Alto flips open for instant use on almost any flat surface, and folds down to a compact size for easy transport and storage. Also, the keyboard folds up over your notebook when in the stand to free up space. Notebook display riser elevates and extends your notebook’s display to an optimal height and distance for viewing comfort. It also features additional hot keys and three high-speed USB 2.0 ports.

Logitech Alto Latest Price Info

+ REVIEWS

CNET reviews the Logitech Alto (rating: 7/10) and writes;

“The good: Easy plug-and-play setup; sturdily constructed and stable; full-size keyboard and three USB ports; folds up for compact storage. The bad: Weight limit rules out some larger laptops; fixed height doesn’t always provide ideal ergonomics; blocks off ports on the front of the laptop; does not replace a full-fledged docking station. The bottom line: The Alto notebook stand is a creative attempt to make using a laptop at a desk more comfortable, but due to a few design issues we can’t recommend it for everybody.”

Logitech Alto Portable Notebook Stand with Keyboard Video Review

CNET Australia reviews the Logitech Alto (rating: 7/10) and writes;

“If you’re running multiple laptops and don’t want a dock — and LCD display — for each of them, then the Alto is a good, portable solution that’s well built and serves its intended purpose well enough. It’s not recommended if objects on your desk are constantly in motion, simply because it doesn’t lock your notebook in place, but aside from that it’s a very well made solution to a very common problem. The bottomline: Logitech’s Alto offers an easy way to add a full-sized keyboard to your laptop while bringing the screen up to a more comfortable and ergonomic position.”

XYZ Computing reviews the Logitech Alto (rating: Editor’s Choice) and writes;

“In summary, the Alto is a great product. It is not a panacea or something that will turn your notebook into a great workstation but it will make your system much more comfortable to use and will improve its ergonomics. The price seems high at first, but considering the features and the slick bundle Logitech put them in I think it is actually a good value, and one that is certainly worth the price for users who are trying to get everything they can out of their notebook.”

PCPerspective reviews the Logitech Alto and writes;

“The Logitech Alto is an potentially useful apparatus which integrates the comfort of a more natural LCD height for a notebook, while giving you the usefulness of a full-sized keyboard. The portability of the Alto is handy if you need to take it with you on the road to a hotel room, or to a conference…Overall the Logitech Alto does what it sets out to do, but a few design shortcomings keeps it from being a product I would recommend universally for notebook users. If you are interested in the Logitech Alto, best to test it inside the store before walking out the door.”

GearDiary reviews the Logitech Alto and writes;

“What I Like: Saves the laptop’s keyboard from daily wear; replaces laptop’s mini-keyboard with a full size and full featured keyboard; holds laptop at an easier to view angle; adds three USB ports and hot keys; allows air to circulate behind laptop’s base when laptop is inserted at an angle. What Needs Improvement: Has a huge footprint so it may not fit on all desktops; the black surfaces act as a dust and fingerprint magnet”

Tech2.com reviews the Logitech Alto (rating: 3/5) and writes;

“As mentioned earlier the keyboard is tactile and comfortable to use, so full marks to that. The angle at which the stand holds the laptop is perfect and I found myself looking straight at the LCD no matter what the size of the screen. So again full marks for that. The only problem I faced was with the distance created between me and the screen. I found the screen a little far for my liking making it a little strenuous to read text. You can tackle this problem by increasing the font size, but I would have still liked the screen to be a little closer.”

NotebookReview reviews the Logitech Alto (rating: 3/5) and writes;

“Save yourself some chiropractor’s fees down the road by improving the ergonomics of your workspace with something like the Logitech Alto. It does a very good job of its main features – providing a “standard” sized desktop keyboard, and providing a better viewing height for your screen. The Alto also has some nice secondary features that are much appreciated, like the built-in, 3 port USB hub and cable management system. It’s also compact enough to fold up and clear off your desk if you need the space. There are, however, a couple things to be aware of. First, if you need to plug in anything into the front of your notebook, the Alto may not work for you. Also, keep a microfiber cloth handy to take care of greasy palm prints and fingerprints if you don’t like that sort of thing. Overall though, I highly recommend the Alto – the $80-$100 investment will be worth it if you really want to avoid becoming the hunchback of the office.”

Logitech Alto Keyboard Review by GadgetsExplained

PocketNow reviews the Logitech Alto (rating: 4/5) and writes;

“Using the Alto has definitely improved the ergonomics of working from home with my notebook. I think the Alto is too big to travel with, but for home, it works great. Obviously, if you can afford it and have the space for it, go ahead and buy a separate monitor and keyboard for your notebook. For everyone else, the Alto provides a great alternative.”

About.com reviews the Logitech Alto (rating: 4/5) and writes;

“Pros: Fill size keyboard, Raises notebook screen to comfortable viewing level. Cons: Large size is bulky and won’t fit many laptop bagsIf you have a notebook bag large enough or if you will be using the Logitech Alto at a desk it makes for a fantastic keyboard. However, the full size keyboard and bulky design may be too much for some that are on the go a lot. A built-in USB hub and notebook elevator combined with good typing feel make the Logitech Alto a good choice for using a notebook PC at the desk..”

+ SPECIFICATIONS

System Requirements

* Laptop / Notebook PC (up to 9 lbs weight)
* Windows® 2000, XP™ or Vista™
* Available USB port

Note: The use of USB devices with high power requirements may require an external power adapter

Dimensions

* Height (thickness):
o Keyboard: 22.2 mm
o Closed: 35.7 mm
* Width: 427.8 mm
* Depth (front to rear)
o Open: 486.1 mm
o Closed: 237.0 mm

Package Contents

* Logitech® Alto™ keyboard
* User’s guide
* 5-year limited hardware warranty