Avant Stellar really is Stellar
Written: Nov 21 '02 (Updated Feb 20 '03)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: 100% customizable, tactile feedback, solid construction, extended life, keyboard based macros
Cons: No NT support (supports Win2K and WinXP). Expensive (but worth it). No USB version.
The Bottom Line: If you use a keyboard more than an hour a day, it will pay for itself in comfort, typing speed, and maintenance cost.
|
|
|
| sgartner's Full Review: CVT Avant Stellar |
I've been using the Avant Stellar for years now. I have had no real problems. I did have an enter key that bounced, but after a little cleaning it works great now. When I bought my 3 Avant Stellar keyboards they weren't being actively imported so I paid even more than you can get them for now (under $200) and I still feel like I got a good deal.
These keyboards have a terrific feel. They weigh almost 5 pounds so there is no feeling of that "toy" plastic keyboard that most of today’s keyboards give. When you press a key on this keyboard you are certain when you have it right. There is none of that prevalent mushy feel that even the top of the line keyboard from other companies provide. I really think the computer companies like HP, Compaq, and Dell should be ashamed for the keyboards they provide with their computers these days.
The keyboard is fully customizable. You use a graphic Windows application to create a keyboard map. You use a tool (provided with the keyboard) to move the keys around physically on the keyboard (it comes with extra keys for commonly moved keys that are not the normal square shape). For example, I believe that the modern placement of the caps lock key is wrong and that the control key should be right next to the "a" key so I moved my caps lock key down just left of the space bar. I have several keyboard settings for different major tasks that I switch between. I haven’t really used the "macro" capabilities of this keyboard much, but they are extensive if you need them.
The keyboard has function keys along the top and along the left (depending on the model you get). It has an inverted T arrow block in the middle with a complete set of dedicated keys above it and a full "numeric keypad" on the right. What more could you ask for?
The only place where I was disappointed with this keyboard was the lack of software for newer operating systems (Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Linux). As of February of 2003 they now have added support for Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The new application is not quite as pretty as the previous one, but it is fully functional and has not yet failed me! Apparently there is still some problem with the way they send the mapping codes to the keyboard that isn't compatible with NT. Also, you still cannot get a USB version of these keyboards.
So, the bottom line is that if you are a keyboarding snob, like me, and use a keyboard more than an hour a day, this one will easily pay for itself in comfort, typing speed, and maintenance cost. If you need to remap the keyboard or want to use the macro features then there’s another bonus. Go get it!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 260.
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
sgartner
|
|
Member: Scott Gartner
Location: Boise, ID, USA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Veteran computer programmer.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.