Setup and Connection
Since the keyboard and the numeric keypad are fundamentally separate devices, you will need to pair them individually with your computer. Using the Bluetooth adapter in my notebook, I had the opportunity to set a passcode for each device and the connection process took mere seconds. Again, no software is required when using it with Windows. In fact, there is no download available when you go to their software page. The only download available was one that was required for Mac OSX.
After the keyboard was paired with my computer, however, it still took several seconds before key presses actually registered with my computer for some reason. Further still, you’ll find that when left unused for some time, the connection seems to enter some sort of “sleep” mode where it will take a few key presses before things start showing up again. Since there is no required software to install, we can’t blame it on that.
Typing with the Main Keyboard
One of the common complaints that people have about using a netbook is the smaller keyboard. They say that it is not as comfortable to use for an extended period of time. Thankfully, you can easily pack along this Bluetooth keyboard for when you take your holiday in Cabo.
The Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 makes use of Microsoft’s signature comfort curve design. It can take a little bit of time to get used to the slight curve in the key layout, but it is ultimately more comfortable in the long run. The key travel is somewhere in between a laptop and a “full” keyboard, so that is quite comfortable as well. The keys make a positive chatter with each engagement and you may find yourself enjoying the chatter.
I am a little disappointed to see the lack of additional function keys, however. Aside from the volume controls in the top right corner, you don’t get any quick access keys to multimedia or anything like that. Further still, while there are keys for delete, page up and page down, you have to hold the single Fn key (located in between Alt and Ctrl on the right side) to get Home and End.
One of two things could have helped with this situation: another Fn key to the left of the space bar; or the shrinking of the Del key to accommodate the Home and End keys.
Another thing that bugged me was the lack of little “legs” to “prop up” the back of the keyboard. I’ve grown far too accustomed to an “angled” keyboard to really be comfortable with a “flat” keyboard.
You can see the small ledge toward the back of the keyboard, but this doesn’t prop it up high enough for me. Foldable legs would have made a world of difference for a more customized fit to a wide range of users.