Surf & sound never felt better.
Written: Feb 25 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Nice, quiet, affordable, P&P
Cons: Small Enter key
The Bottom Line: When you need an easy to use keyboard for a low price this will impress you for years to come
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| janika's Full Review: Microsoft MultiMedia (K49-00054) Keyboard |
Introduction
Hello and welcome to my review on this Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard. Why did I say “This”? Well, because I am typing up this review on the keyboard we are talking about. I know there is not too much you can say about a simple input device, like a keyboard. I’ve wanted to share my opinion about this device for a long time. Currently I am in my office where I work on a daily basis and I use this keyboard all the time. At home I have the same exact keyboard. When it came down to choosing a keyboard and mouse for the PC I built for my boss’s daughter, I immediately went for the Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard, since I remembered how much she liked this one when in the office.
First impression
Well, this keyboard normally sells in a brown OEM box and it comes with a Microsoft, optical mouse as a combo package. When I purchased mine, it was on special and to my surprise; it was in a box with no mouse. Keyboard only in a brown Microsoft, OEM box. There is a label on the box, saying, “To be sold with a new computer only” Hmmm. That just made me think for a minute and than I went on with my life. Managed to purchase this keyboard for a mere $19.95 Cdn dollars taxes of course. In the box you see three components. You have your keyboard and a wrist rest, plus an adapter from PS/2 to USB. I still prefer the PS/2 connection since it is much more reliable. Not to mention the compatibility with some BIOS that won’t let you use a USB keyboard. I went through that frustration many times when troubleshooting systems with USB only connections. I still possess the adapter for it, just in case. The keyboard’s layout is very nice and the keys are quiet when typing on it. Microsoft calls this a Multimedia keyboard, but in reality it’s a Multimedia / Internet keyboard. It features extra buttons for your email, homepage, messenger and my documents. This keyboard also comes with an installation CD that contains the necessary software drivers to make this keyboard fully functional. I never installed it. Why? Well, because the keyboard will work just fine without it. I am a clean freak when it comes to my computers and don’t like clutter. Meaning I prefer not to install small applications or device drivers if I don’t have to. All extra buttons work without the software installation, except for the three left side keys that are my documents, My Pictures and My music. If you intend using these extra keys, I recommend you to install the included software. This might be different with other operating systems however. We use Microsoft Windows XP professional (Corporate Edition) and the keyboard works fine with it just by plugging it into the computer’s PS/2 port.
Other useful buttons besides the regular 101 keys: Starting from the left to the right. Quick access keys that work just by plugging the keyboard’s PS/2 plug in to the computer…
Sleep button
Log Off
Calculator
Messenger
Web / Home
Mail
Media
End of track
Beginning of track
Volume up & down
Stop
Play and pause (Same button)
Mute
(This is very handy in a business environment where you need silence wile talking on the phone or having a conversation with customers or colleagues)
Impressed
I am well impressed about the low price of this peripheral and I am also impressed about the features and the value you are getting for your money. I love how quiet this keyboard is when typing on it. I’ve seen quieter keyboards before, but not for this price! I also like the mute button and not least I have to mention the included wrist rest, which attaches to the keyboard. This keyboard is compatible with all windows operating systems, including the aging Windows-95. I also must mention the design. This keyboard is just nice when you look at it. It is two tones. Dark blue and white and the wrist rest is also dark blue.
Dislikes
Not too many things I can tell you at this department, other than the Enter key should be larger in size. The other annoying thing is the F Lock key. If you want to use the function keys, you have to turn on the F-Lock. This does not prevent you to use the ESC (Escape) key at any time. While this keyboard is laying flat on the table, it is stable. Meaning it does not travel or slide all over on your desk while using it. However once you open the two support legs at the bottom, it starts moving slowly. This also depends how much you use it and how hard you type.
Conclusion
Very highly recommend this beautiful and versatile keyboard for businesses, home user, Internet surfers and multimedia lovers. Please note: This keyboard’s multimedia buttons are designed to be used with the Microsoft Media Player program. They will not operate Real Player and other players as such. I could be worn though. If you are okay with this, go and purchase the Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard. It is also available in the ergonomic version. Thank you for reading this article!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 17
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Epinions.com ID:
janika
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Location: North America
Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me:
A hardware Gürü who likes computers, cars, travel & digital photography.
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