Just what I have been searching for...
Written: Feb 10 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small, light great for lap typists and leisurely web browsing.
Cons: Line of sight infra-red can be inconvenient
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a smaller, lighter keyboard, look no further - it works, and it works well. Highly recommended, great value.
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| pkitch's Full Review: PC Concepts Express Pro Remote (61533) Keyboard, T... |
I have been looking for something along these lines now for a while. I wanted something that would sit on my lap while I am web browsing, so it needed to be not as heavy as my regular 'ergonomic' style keyboard. I also like the idea of having something wireless so as not to keep entangling myself with the cord.
This for me is almost the perfect solution. It's light, much smaller than a regular keyboard (keys are full size though, and have same amount as travel as a laptop keyboard). I can use it while I am browsing with it perched comfortable on my lap.
The keyboard is marketed under a couple of names and brands, but it seems to be actually made by a company called PC Concepts, and this is the brand that mine was sold under. Models SK-7100. The board and its receiver are made of tough ABS plastic with a very slight textured finish, and a slight gloss look. The plastic is very tough and durable and is top quality, though does not exude quality in the manner of a Logitech or Microsoft Product - but it's close. The packaging though doesn't do the product itself any favors; the box exterior almost persuaded me to re-think my purchase. Speaking of which, Office Depot for $49.95.
Unit works just as marketed. If you can live with a laptop keyboard and it's slightly 'compacted' layout, you'll be O.K. with this puppy; it’s the same. Infrared claims range of up to 25ft. I have not tested the range, but will vouch for up to 15ft or so.
A small equally well-made receiver unit connects to your PC's regular PS2 port or serial port with the supplied adapter. A second cable plugs into the keyboard port. I chose to plug the first cable into the serial port, this allows me to use my Trackball Mouse aswell as the keyboard's built in pointer - a benefit I really like as I have several functions programmed into the trackball. Lights on the receiver indicate Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, Num Lock an when the unit is receiving data. Having the lights on the receiver presumably save on the keyboards power, supplied by 4 x AA batteries.
Added features are the built in pointer on the keyboard; located to the far right is a small 1/4-inch high, rubberized pointer, and two (left and right) buttons giving features of a mouse. This to me is an added bonus, and really does fall secondary to my primary pointer. I think that it would be slightly frustrated to use as a primary pointing device - the motion is not as fluid as rolling a ball or mouse around. The buttons are rubber here and not as tactile as the other buttons, but again are perfectly functional when desired. I would definitely recommend keeping your existing pointer as I did.
Other interesting features are the shortcut keys. Although not revolutionary, these do make life a little easier, and are user programmable. Non-programmable keys are set for the CD controls, volume up/down and to display the keyboard controls on-screen.
I made a quick trip to the manufacturers website http://www.pcconcepts.com and downloaded an updated driver (version 4.0) over the supplied (on 2 x 1.44MB floppies) version 3.0 and found it be much improved - a highly recommended update.
Overall this product is a perfect item for my needs, and I am very happy with all aspects. My only note is the choice of infrared being of course line of sight. A nuisance with two cats prowling my workspace! Radio might have been a better choice. It works, and it works well. Highly recommended, great value.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 49.95
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Epinions.com ID:
pkitch
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Member: Paul
Location: Orlando, FL
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 2 members
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