<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Great keyboard with a few minor shortcomings
Review: Pros:-Aesthetically pleasing
-Integrated USB cable
-Two additional USB ports
-Driverless (at least under 10.2.8, which is what I'm using), hot swappable
-Adjustable foot for increased or reduced angling Cons: -Minor discrepancies that notebook users may find initially annoying
-Tactile response, while good, is not the best
-Cord is too short
-No power key I use this keyboard with my OS X 10.2.8 based PowerBook, and overall, I'm very pleased. There are some odd glitches, such as the fact that the key repeat rate is slower on this keyboard than on the PowerBook's integrated keyboard, and the tactile response isn't ideal for high-speed touch-typists like myself. On a good keyboard, I can reach about 130 words per minute, but this keyboard doesn't give me the right "feel" for me to hit speeds like that. If you're used to using your notebook's integrated keys for controlling your notebook's sound or display, you may be initially disoriented by the arrangement of the keys. Turning your notebook display's brightness up or down is possible with this keyboard, for example, but the keys that do it aren't labeled -- I discovered it purely by accident thru experimentation. And where's the function key? Granted, it's not critical -- perhaps not even needed at all -- but I'd still like to have it available to me. The keyboard doesn't have a power key, either, meaning you'll have to use the Mac's power key. The cord, at only thirty-two inches, is *much* too short. Be aware of this limitation, especially if (for example) you're thinking of plugging this keyboard into the back of a tower that's sitting on the floor behind your desk. On the upside, the keyboard is very handsome and comfortable to use. In addition to the integrated USB cable, there are two USB ports on either side of the keyboard, allowing you greater flexibility in connecting and placing your USB-based mouse. You can also use the extra port for any other USB-based peripheral (I personally find it very convenient for using my jump drive). No installation or configuration is required for use -- plug the keyboard in and you're set to go. The keyboard is also hot-swappable, so you can plug it in, or unplug it, anytime you like (although you should be cautious if you've connected any kind of storage device to one of the USB ports -- be sure to properly unmount the storage device before unplugging the keyboard). There are some other, smaller, conveniences as well -- such as the CD eject key -- that enhance the keyboard's utility. All in all, a very good keyboard that's definitely worth your consideration.
<< 1 >>
| 
