One Less Wire To Trip Over!
Written: Feb 09 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to install and use, durable, nice appearance, accurate typing in range, price.
Cons: Relatively small wireless range, no lock indicator lights.
The Bottom Line: Micro Innovations' KB985W is a wonderfully functional and affordable wireless Internet keyboard and mouse. If you're in the market for a wireless set-up definitely give this set a look.
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| luxuryliners's Full Review: Micro Innovations KB985W (788875701061) Keyboard a... |
Introduction
Seeking a way to maximize the benefit of attaching my computer to my television via a new video card; I decided to purchase a wireless keyboard and mouse set up. Initially the market for wireless keyboards proved too expensive to enter as prices nearing $100 seemed a bit much to pay. One day however, I happened upon this relatively low cost set by Micro Innovations for around $40 at Wal-Mart.
Computer Connection
Connecting to a PC with this "wireless" device is misleading in that there are actually wires involved. An adapter connects to a USB port and standard keyboard port via a 4 foot long wire. The adapter itself is shaped somewhat like a mouse and features an orange light to indicate activity below a gray "connect" button. Whenever a key is pushed or the mouse is moved the orange light flashes on and off silently. The connect button forces detection of the keyboard and mouse by the adapter, a process that takes less than 30 seconds and should be started with the two wireless devices at least a foot away. The term wireless in this case refers to the fact that the mouse and keyboard are not directly connected to the PC and thus give you more freedom in positioning them.
Product Description
The whole set includes a keyboard, mouse, and the wired adapter. All three devices are black with silver buttons (excluding keys) and white lettering. The scroll mouse is of the laser type and the central, rubber, scroll button lights up red with the laser. A chrome piece divides the two left and right click buttons and in my opinion, makes the device look more expensive and enhances its appearance.
The keyboard features all standard keys and side mounted number pad. Additionally a row of silver buttons along the top of the keyboard allow for quick access to commands pertaining to Internet use, music playing, and general functions respectively. The Internet section houses from left to right; back, forward, stop, refresh, search, and a button that launches your default music player. The music playing section houses; mute, volume decrease, volume increase, play/pause, stop, rewind, and fast-forward again from left to right. Finally the last section houses the new folder, home, e-mail, my computer, calculator, and sleep keys.
All quick access keys worked fine in a plug-and-play manner with my Windows XP computer and the pictures below each key are easy to interpret and remember with regular use. In an effort to conserve battery power, the keyboard doesn't include the caps lock, num lock, scroll lock, indicator lights common to most keyboards. I miss these lights which let me know that the keyboard was properly attached to the computer or if I accidentally bumped the caps lock key when using my previous keyboard. The only light on the KB985W keyboard sits just below the "my computer" quick access button and comes on when the batteries are low.
Other than the omission of the aforementioned indicator lights and the lack of a wire, this keyboard looks pretty normal. It is very lightweight and the white print on each key is easy to read. On the back of the keyboard two plastic feet can be extended to create a slight grade to the device as with any other keyboard. Three rubber grips at the front of the keyboard play a more important role than those on a standard, wired, device to keep traction on varying surfaces not necessarily as flat as a desk top. For practicality the mouse uses plastic grips that allow it to slide around but the downside to that is that the mouse will slide off of any uneven surface.
Software Installation
For Windows XP users this wireless set is plug-and-play and I have had no issues on three separate computers with that ability. You can install software that will allow you to control scrolling speeds, letter repetition, button functions, etc.. but I have found that the default setting suite me just fine. If you do not have XP the software for installation comes on a CD-Rom and is easy to set up. The default settings put an icon for the mouse and keyboard in the system tray, which, may slightly slow start up and so I believe that placement is unnecessary and ill-advised.
I will caution that uninstalling the software from an XP operating system can prove difficult. I recently moved this set from one computer to another and the software interfered with the plug and play function of the replacement keyboard and mouse on the old computer. I was finally able to uninstall the wireless software through the add/remove programs function of the control panel in the old computer but it was a hassle as the computer would not recognize, or properly operate the replacement keyboard and mouse I was trying to install, even after I unplugged the wireless devices.
Typing Function
I have noticed that a significant variation exists in the feel of different keyboards from different manufacturers and systems. The Kb985w keys are quieter than many others I have used and require less pressure to push down as they offer less resistance in comparison. I have used keyboards ranging from loud, old, Windows 95 equipment to ergonomically designed devices with Windows XP and even so, this keyboard took some getting used to. After pressing down a key, it takes slightly longer for that key to return to its standard position than with most other keyboards I've used. The time difference I'm referring to here is only fractions of a second but it is still notice-able. I will say though, that after adapting to this slight difference, I can still type at the same 53 wpm I could with my old keyboard.
Range
The freedom of a wireless keyboard and mouse does have its limitations. Through trial and error, I have discovered that the mouse has an unobstructed range of between 7 and 8 feet before it is completely useless (the manufacturer suggests 4 feet). The distance I am referring to is between the electronic eye on the mouse, and that on the adapter. The mouse seems to function very much like a television remote control. At about 7 feet away the mouse is still fully functional but as you pull farther away, the cursor response on the screen becomes sluggish and by 8 feet away the computer no longer responds to mouse clicks and the cursor ceases to move. Within 7 feet, the mouse acts just like any other mouse with accurate movement and clicking. Very rarely interference from unknown sources will cause an unauthorized click command or the cursor to move rapidly across the screen, but these situations are temporary and not a normal occurrence.
The keyboard is a different story than the mouse. At nearly 20 feet away it still works well, even with walls in the way. I'm not sure what the difference in transmitter devices is, but it is hard (although not impossible) to use one device without the other. I have never had a problem with keying accuracy on account of interference or keyboard error. I will note that electronic devices including monitors, speakers, etc... have the potential to interfere with the proper function of either device. As of yet, the keyboard and mouse have not interfered with each other unless I accidentally block the electronic eye on one of the devices with part of the other device. It is also suggested that you do not place the adapter on top of the CPU as erratic behavior may occur.
One point I will make about the range limitation is that no matter what the range of the wireless devices, you still have to be able to see your monitor to determine what you have input into the computer. This fact in mind, I cannot read my 17 inch monitor from 8 feet away even on its lowest resolution setting so the mouse's range limitation doesn't matter. I can however, read the screen when it is projected on my 50" television over a video card from about 15 feet away and this brings the mouse into play as it no longer works from that distance (the keyboard still does). In any case, you have the ability to move about 11 feet from your CPU, considering both the length of the adapter cord and 7 foot practical range of the mouse from the adapter.
Battery Life
The keyboard requires two "AA" size batteries and I have been very impressed with longevity in that device. I can let the keyboard sit for months or type with it every day and I only need to replace the batteries once or twice a year based on that use. The manufacturer suggests an average battery life of 3 months with regular use.
As I anticipated the mouse burns through its two "AAA" size batteries more frequently. Between running the laser and being moved around more often than typing is done, the mouse just uses more energy. To its credit though, the mouse shuts off after about 15 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery power. This function takes a bit of getting used to because you have to click the left mouse button to turn it back on and there is a one to two second delay before it starts working again. Fortunately you do not have to re-connect the mouse to the adapter by pressing the "connect" button every time it shuts off as the connection is automatic. This power conserve function also does not interfere with the power save options of your PC; my monitor is set to shut off after 30 minutes and the computer goes into stand-bye after 45 minutes without issue from this wireless set up.
Durability
With the potential for portability comes the increased potential for dropping something. Luckily the people at Micro Innovations realized this and the result is a very robust keyboard and mouse. Everything from the keys to buttons on the mouse are made of a hard plastic that feels very solid. Of course every effort should be made to avoid dropping these devices on a hard or wet surface but they do hold up well to a short drop to a carpeted surface. Given the complex nature of the devices and the delicacy normally associated with them, I feel that the KB985W is durably designed.
Company Information
Micro Innovations makes a wide variety of Desk top and mobile computing devices that can be viewed at http://www.microinv.com. Product related downloads and other information can be found on the website as well. Technical support is also offered over the website or by calling 1-877-550-5534. I was able to quickly find a copy of my long-lost owners manual available free on the website as well as a troubleshooter and FAQ so I highly recommend it.
Final Thoughts
Overall I really enjoy using the KB985W wireless keyboard and mouse set. I like the freedom of having no wires, the plug-and-play ease of installation, ease of use, durability, matching black color scheme, upscale look, gadget appeal, and comparatively low price. With only a few down sides I think this set is well worth the price especially if you have a large monitor or television hooked up to your computer. If you want more range than 7 feet for the mouse, however, I would look into Bluetooth options but be prepared for higher prices. One final caution, this device will not work with USB to PS/2 adapters, you have to use the PS/2 keyboard port. The KB985W is a product of China. Thanks for reading!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 40
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luxuryliners
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Location: Frozen North, WI, United States
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