Perfect wireless keyboard - almost
Written: Sep 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Reliable, good battery life, small, light weight
Cons: Problems with GO Video VCRs nearby, small and close keys
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| dwj's Full Review: PC Concepts Express Pro Remote (61533) Keyboard, T... |
Get a wireless keyboard to "set you free".
WHY:
The freedom to roam around the room and hand off the keyboard to others is a big plus in a setting such as a den or family room. It can also be the answer if you are stuck in bed for an extended period. And, need I mention reducing cable entanglement?
WHAT:
Details of the PC Concepts "Express Pro Remote" model 61533 keyboard (the PCC61533 also appears to be called the "Surfboard") can be found at http://www.pcconcepts.com/html/frmExpressPro.htm -- so I will not belabor the specifics.
The PCC61533 also appears to be identical to the US Electronics "Surf Mate 3000." Details on the SM3000 can be found at their http://www.uselectronics.com/products/surfmate3000.shtml web page. I assume since US Electronics has other similar models (and PC Concepts does not list any other wireless ones on their web site), that US Electronics is a supplier for PC Concepts (no promise though). Both of these are infrared based keyboards which can be good or bad depending upon your particular environment – see CON #1 below.
SUMMARY:
If I get another wireless KB, I will seriously consider the Surf Mate 2000 for about $50. It appears to offer most of the features of the PCC61533 (otherwise known as the SM3000). However, it includes full size keys and gives up the special programmable function keys.
PROS:
1. The PCC61533 solved a problem I had with a previous wireless keyboard – that of radio frequency (RF) interference. Its infrared transmission method seems to be fairly reliable (assuming you have line of sight to the remote transceiver). Infra-red keyboards can overcome interference problems if you have a lot of RF in your work area. However, beware of RF based keyboards if you have a lot of equipment such as X10 wireless components, wireless telephones (especially 900 MHz ones), cell phones, etc.
2. The PCC61533 is available with either AT or PS/2 style connectors.
3. Battery life, so far (still going), is about six months with moderate use (weekly but not daily).
CONS (minor for the most part):
1. As is sometimes the case with many infrared devices, I have found some conflicts. The "Express Pro Remote" duplicates some functions of other devices. Specifically, I have found that it activates certain items of Go Video’s VCRs (at least the "EPIC" model, but I suspect others as well). This is especially bad as one of the duplicated infrared codes is for recording on the VCR. However, I believe this is more the fault of Go Video as I have noticed that it conflicts with many other devices.
2. The keys are short travel, small, and closely spaced. If you are used to a standard key board or have large hands, this may be somewhat annoying. This has not been a significant problem though.
3. The packaging did not indicate whether the unit had AT or PS/2 style connectors. Actually, it appeared to say it supported both. However, this was not correct. The Office Depot rep I worked with did not know anything about a different unit either. I returned it the next day and searched through the boxes myself till I found one with the connectors I needed. The model number and even the bar code were the same between the units! Hopefully, PC Concepts has corrected this packaging problem by now.
:-)
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dwj
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Location: Little Rock, AR
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
CISSP certified (www.isc2.org) with little time for more than family and work...
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