Convenient Internet features

Author's Rating:

Pros: Integrated wrist rest, dedicated buttons for navigating the Internet

Cons: None really except maybe it has only a PS/2 connector and not USB

The Bottom Line: 
If you need to replace your keyboard, or just want some dedicated buttons for Internet surfing, give this a try.

Author's Review
I just recently purchased an HP Pavilion 725n PC that came equipped with an Internet keyboard. It has buttons that allow you to control various functions quickly. In and of itself, it performs quite well. Why then replace it with the Microsoft Internet keyboard?

Well, I actually went into Compusa to purchase a wrist rest. The pull out keyboard draw of the computer desk I am using was designed, I am convinced, by someone who never used it to actually type. There is a lip on the end that cuts across the wrists making it painful to type for any length of time. I have a nice gel rest make by Fellowes at work, so I thought I’d just get one of those to solve the problem. They cost around $16.

While I was in the store, I noticed a large stack of Microsoft Internet keyboards selling for $19.95. For $3 more than the cost of a wrist rest, I could get a whole new keyboard with one built in.

Setup was a simple connection to the PS/2 port. This keyboard does not support USB. That may or may not be an issue for some. To get the full functionality, you will need to install the IntelliType Pro software that comes on the included CD.

IntelliType Pro activates the dedicated buttons on the keyboard. There is a Forward and Back button for moving from page to page, a Stop button to cancel a command, a Mail button to launch your e-mail program, a Search button to connect with your favorite search engine, a Favorites button to display your Favorites list and a Web/Home button to connect to your home page.

There is also a My Computer button to display Windows explorer, a Calculator button to bring up the calculator and a Sleep button to put your PC in hibernate mode (if you your power system supports it).

Several of the buttons can be re-programmed using the IntelliType Pro software. For example, I have re-programmed the Stop button to bring up an Excel spreadsheet and the Search button to go directly to Google.

The keys themselves have a positive feel, and the keys that can be used in conjunction with the Ctrl key (such as Ctrl+c to copy to the clipboard) are clearly marked.

The wrist rest is a piece of plastic extending from the front of the keyboard. It can be removed if so desired. In my case, it fits nicely over the lip the drawer and provides just the support I was looking for.

If you are looking to replace your existing keyboard, and not spend a lot of money, this will do quite well. If you are happy with what you have, unless you REALLY need the convenience of the specialized buttons, don’t bother.