Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk assessment: A intelligent moveable laptop computer workstation

Worth When Reviewed

Not accessible within the US

While the pandemic made working from dwelling extra mainstream, not everybody has the area nor privilege for a devoted workplace with exterior monitor/s, a desktop PC unit and standalone keyboard and trackpad. 

The fact is that many individuals are nonetheless working from laptops on eating room tables, which isn’t precisely good for posture (simply take into consideration these cricks in your neck!). This state of affairs has impressed Logitech’s new product: The Casa Pop-Up Desk, now accessible within the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. 

This multifunctional product appears like an atypical ebook when closed, however homes a number of surprises that may remodel your less-than-ideal work at home set-up right into a extra ergonomic expertise…in principle. However how does it work in observe? 

Additional studying: Lap desk shopping for information: Work and sport comfortably out of your sofa

Hannah Cowton / Foundry

Design and construct  

• Three color choices
• Homes a keyboard, trackpad and a compartment for cables/stationery
• Weighs 1.2kg (2.6 kilos)

Logitech merchandise are almost at all times high-quality, and the Casa Pop-Up Desk isn’t any completely different.  

When closed, the Casa appears like a big pocket book. It’s accessible in three colour choices: Traditional Stylish (deep gray and inexperienced), Bohemian Blush (pink) and Nordic Calm (off white) – I examined the latter.

Which means the stretchy silicone strap maintaining the ‘ebook’ safe is lilac, however this can range relying on the mannequin you select. The case includes a material design that’s wipeable, although mine did decide up a small stain that wasn’t utterly eliminated with a moist fabric.

When opened, the entrance cowl expands out, then folds in on itself to create a stand – there are two protruding elements to your laptop computer to nestle into, and they’re safe and durable. Based on Logitech, the stand helps laptops from 10- to 17-inches, and may maintain gadgets weighing as much as 7.5kg (16.5 kilos).  

Hannah Cowton / Foundry

The underside of the Casa has three compartments, housing a keyboard (the Casa Keys), trackpad (the Casa Contact) and a bit for the charging cable – however you would simply retailer pens or different small gadgets within the latter. The keyboard is smaller than a normal one, however not so compact that you simply’ll really feel cramped when typing.

It includes a vary of helpful shortcut buttons, together with a dictation button, a screenshot button and even an emoji button for utilizing in messaging apps. Nevertheless, the keys aren’t backlit, so that you’ll want an honest exterior mild supply whereas typing.

The Casa weighs 1.2kg (2.6 kilos), which is a much like some slim laptops. While Logitech hasn’t suggested this as a journey product, one of the crucial pure use instances can be on a practice or at a espresso store. Sadly, the unwieldy construct implies that your bag might be hefty to hold round. 

Options and usefulness  

• Connects through Bluetooth
• Works with Home windows, macOS and ChromeOS
• Makes use of Logi Choices+ app

The Casa Keys and Casa Contact don’t require a dongle, merely connecting through Bluetooth. The Contact can simply swap between as much as three completely different gadgets.

Whereas the Casa Pop-Up Desk is technically appropriate with all laptops from 10-17 inches, Logitech particularly suggests Home windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and iPadOS. The latter raises the prospect of utilizing the iPad or one other pill, although it’s not precisely designed for this use.

Hannah Cowton / Foundry

In order for you further customisation over your gadgets, you then’ll have to obtain the free Logi Choices+ app – it’s solely accessible on Home windows (10 or later) and Mac (macOS 11 or later). Moreover checking on the battery lives of your gadgets, you may also remap buttons, with all kinds of instructions to select from. You can even alter the contact and faucet controls on the trackpad and alter the cursor velocity.  

The Casa Keys is quiet to make use of, and I seen little or no lag when typing on my laptop computer. I had minor points with highlighting textual content in WordPress with the Casa Contact, however it labored simply fantastic in all different functions, with the system responding to fast swipes and shortcuts.

Battery life

On the subject of the battery life, you needn’t fear. The keyboard can last as long as 5 months on a single cost, while the trackpad can provide as much as three weeks of use.

These estimates are primarily based on round a full working day (eight hours) value of use. Throughout my quick stint of testing, I haven’t made a lot of a dent within the battery lives of both gadget.  

Charging is through the USB-C ports on every system, and a cable is included within the field. While I haven’t time to run this system to flat, Logitech claims {that a} one-minute cost offers you a full day’s use on the Keys, as will a 3-minute cost on the Contact.

Hannah Cowton / Foundry

Worth and availability 

The Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk prices £179 and is out there both instantly from Logitech or John Lewis. On the time of writing, this product isn’t accessible within the US – simply the UK, Australia and New Zealand.  

There’s nothing in the marketplace that may instantly compete with this product, however regardless, almost £180 will not be precisely low-cost. I’d solely think about the Casa if there may be presently no area for a monitor in your house, and also you’re searching for an all-in-one resolution that may assist provide you with higher posture.  

If the Casa Pop-Up Desk is out of your worth vary, then take a look at our charts of the perfect laptop computer stands, keyboards, and mice.  

Hannah Cowton / Foundry

Verdict 

There isn’t a denying that Logitech has created one thing fully distinctive with the Casa Pop-Up Desk. It appears refined, is simple to make use of and has glorious battery life. The pack away construct and deceiving ebook design additionally make it an awesome ornamental piece for across the dwelling.  

While it’s primarily an answer for individuals working from laptops with out a devoted monitor or desk, a lighter construct would additionally permit it to be a useful gizmo for working when travelling or out and about in public areas. Plus, it doesn’t come low-cost.  

Specs

• Colors: Nordic Calm, Bohemian Blush and Traditional Stylish
• Whole weight: 1.2kg
• Battery life: 5 months (Casa Keys), 3 weeks (Casa Contact)
• Casa Guide dimensions: 29/160 x 230 x 290mm (shut/opened as laptop computer stand)
• Casa Keys dimensions: 17 x 112 x 280 mm
• Casa Contact dimensions: 14 x 88 x 125 mm