Top-end keyboard with integrated USB hub
Written: Jul 02 '04 (Updated Jul 02 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Superior IBM feel, design, appearance, small footprint, integrated USB hub, Touchstyk and Touchpad
Cons: Pricey
The Bottom Line: If you spend your days typing, a comfortable and attractive keyboard such as this will easily justify its price.
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| gregfokker's Full Review: IBM USB with UltraNav (31P8954) Keyboard |
Aesthetics
The USB ultranav keyboard has a very modern, super-thin profile while preserving that legendary IBM "feel". Your hands will be as comfortable on it as they are on your Thinkpad. There's a muted yet positive tactile impression to each key click, and the Touchstyk pointer has a new and improved rubber cap, a big step up from the old porous "nipples" used on the older keyboards.
Features
The keyboard also includes a built-in two jack USB hub for added elegance and convenience. The USB hub does not provide full-speed USB2 performance, but it's fast enough for most applications and the convenient placement in the keyboard itself is a huge bonus, liberating you from having to fiddle behind your computer to plug in your USB appliances. I found the price somewhat steep at $100, but it's clearly a superior and attractive keyboard.
Functionality
The Ultranav allows users to use either the Touchstyk pointer, the Touchpad, or any combination of the two. The Synaptics driver software (included) allows users to configure a mind-numbing range of possible combinations for custom control of pointer, clicking and scrolling options using these two integrated devices.
While the Ultranav keyboard is designed to be used as an external keyboard for Thinkpad laptops, I'm using it with a non-IBM desktop and it works fine. The integrated volume and mute buttons are getting a lot of use, and the Touchstyk (I hate touchpads) works well enough to have permitted me to remove my external mouse entirely, cleaning up my desktop. As well, the software is flexible and I'm able to keep the IBM Ultranav plugged alongside a wireless mouse without conflict or loss of performance.
The keyboard has two-tiered popout legs to allow you to adjust the angle of incline of the keyboard between flat, slightly raised and steep. As well, the plastic base serves as a handrest, obviating the need for a separate gel or plastic hand/wrist-rest. Overall, the focus is on liberating desktop space and reducing footprint without sacrificing effectiveness or ergonomic utility. It looks great on my desk and is a pleasure to use.
Bottom Line
Overall the keyboard feels, looks and works great, combining a USB hub and integrated pointing device. Even at $100, I'm happy with the purchase.
WARNING: A new driver update to replace the previous Synaptics software has appeared on the Windows update page in early May 2004. After enduring a few weeks of blue-screen-of-death crashes, I've managed to diagnose the problem and roll back the driver to the Autumn 2003 version. The problem has corrected and all is running smoothly. If you install the May 2004 driver update and your system begins crashing, reverting to the last 2003 version should fix your problem as it did mine.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100
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Epinions.com ID:
gregfokker
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Location: Montreal
Reviews written: 40
Trusted by: 2 members
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