Lockdown created an environment where people can find themselves working in the most unusual places. Either at home on whatever table is available, on a train or in a coffee shop. Even if you are watching a film or playing a game on your laptop, you’ll often find that the screen just isn’t high enough. To combat this situation, Logitech has developed the Casa pop-up desk – which it claims is a groundbreaking compact workstation that combines wireless functionality with ergonomic design.
Logitech hopes to use Casa to redefine the way people work and play outside of the office. The idea is to add comfort and familiarity – without having to sacrifice workspace or portability.
In the demonstration we saw at the start of August, there were a number of Casa pop-up desks on the shelves in the demo room – looking very much like books. Getting set up is pretty simple. The intuitive design lets you quickly unfold the desk (held shut with an integrated rubberised strap), extract the wireless keyboard and touchpad, and securely lock the integrated stand in place. Placing a laptop on the stand completes the setup, providing an elevated and ergonomically-friendly workstation in a matter of seconds. When you've finished working, it can be quickly packed away and stored on a shelf – as you can see here (to the right of the glowing logo).
It took a few seconds to try and work out how the keyboard and touchpad are extracted – but there is actually a clever riser in the middle of each slot that you can push to elevate the peripherals and take them out.
Casa Keys is a wireless keyboard offering an optimised typing experience and Casa Touch is an intuitive touchpad – both of which are compatible with everything from Windows to iOS to Chrome. These devices seamlessly connect via Bluetooth and are supported by the Logi Options+ App, ensuring a personalised and efficient workspace experience. The keyboard is very similar to the MX Keys Mini that we have previously seen. It has a ‘diction’ button for Apple and PC users. It allows you to dictate rather than type out long sequences of text. Casa Keys also has emoji buttons built in – making it easy for you to type them into messages instead of choosing them off a menu.
The only downside we can see with the keyboard is that it is not backlit, but that lack of a light is the reason why Logitech believe it will last more than 6 months on one charge. In comparison, the touchpad will last closer to 6 weeks.
Having used a laptop for work in a multitude of situations across the globe, just the fact that Casa can lift your laptop screen up by close to 8” is a definite bonus. The stand itself will support laptops up to 17” /7.5kg which, in today’s market, covers almost anything you’re likely to be working with.
Casa also has a built-in storage compartment, but it won’t fit a mouse – in case you were wondering.
Delphine Donné is the Vice President and General Manager of Personal Workspace Solutions at Logitech and she says, “As hybrid work becomes the norm, the need for innovative solutions to accommodate diverse needs such as limited space, flexibility, and enhanced comfort has never been greater. Casa Pop-Up Desk empowers today's young professionals with the tools and flexibility they require to craft a productive and personalized workspace that aligns with their preferences.”
Joseph Mingoriis VP for Logitech’s Mobile Solutions & Partnerships – and he believes that the product can have a real-world impact on your physical health and stress reduction, “Working long hours in front of a PC can take a toll on the body, especially when you don’t have a fixed workspace. With Casa Pop-Up Desk, we are able to deliver a sustainable, cross-OS compatible, and ergonomic solution that addresses workspace limitations so people feel energized at the end of the workday.”
Casa comes in three colour options: Nordic Calm, Bohemian Blush and Classic Chic. We’ll leave you to decide which is which.
It is available now on the official Logitech website or from John Lewis if you want to see it up close and personal before buying it. It has a suggested retail price of £179.
KitGuru says: You’d have to imagine that the Casa pop-up desk would be particularly advantageous for individuals working within confined spaces (very small home/office space) or facing unexpected/unpredictable working conditions, such as cramped trains or hospital stays. It will be interesting to see if Logitech can create a new market with this product – and how long it will take others to ‘follow' if that market is seen to exist.
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