Logitech Alto USB Notebook Elevator Unboxed, Photographed

Recently Logitech released a notebook elevator doubling as a USB keyboard and a USB hub designed for road warriors that connects to your notebook via USB called the Alto. Logitech designed the Alto as a full sized keyboard complete with number pad and media control keys with an integrated lift to hold your notebook display at eye level for more comfortable work. The Alto is also equipped with three high-speed USB 2.0 ports that can also power USB peripherals that require more voltage via an optional AC adapter that includes plug styles for the USA and Europe. The Alto also has a wrist support integrated. Details & tons of pics after the jump.

Typing feel is a bit mushy and not clicky at all. If you are used to a clicky type keyboard you may not like the Alto as the keys offer decent resistance but no audible noise to let you know you hit the key. The downside to the full size keyboard design is that it makes the Alto very large and difficult to fit into smaller laptop bags. The elevator can take up to a 9lb. notebook. Measurements for the keyboard are 22mm thick for the keyboard alone, 35.7mm thick with the keyboard closed, 427.8mm wide, and 486.1mm deep when opened and 327mm deep when closed.

When opened the Alto takes up quite a bit of desktop space thanks to the full size keyboard and notebook lift section.

This is my Acer TravelMate 4404wlmi notebook booting up while sitting in the Alto’s notebook lift. The keyboard was situated at perfect eye level for me.

On the bottom of the keyboard section of the Alto is a stand that can be used to elevate the keyboard slightly during use. It can also be left flat for a lower profile during typing.

Logitech included cable guides on the rear of the Alto to route your peripheral cables so you can keep things tidy.

In this shot, you see the port for the AC adapter to power the USB hub if needed as well as two of the three available USB 2.0 ports on the Alto.

This is a close-up of the Alto’s keyboard lock used to keep accidental input from happening while you are away from your notebook.

This is the back of the Alto with the notebook lift locked in the up position. This is the only position for the lift other than closed.

Built-in short cut keys for office commands make life easier for those who work in MS Office all day.

If you use a small or medium size notebook bag, don’t count on fitting the Alto inside. The full size keyboard will make the Alto too long to fit in all but the largest laptop bags.