Microsoft Remote Keyboard

The latest gadget in the Media Center line is welcomed with open-arms into my ten-foot experience. The Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition is a slim lap friendly keyboard designed around the Media Center enthusiast and couch web surfer. The device contains not only a full QWERTY keyboard but also all of the features found on the standard Media Center Remote control – such as shortcut keys for volume, channel, stop, play, pause, etc. and can easily be slid under the couch when not needed where you can resume using your regular remote. The keyboard even connects through the same IR dongle and as your Media Center remote – this was an important factor for me as I hate having multiple IR receivers for every IR device.

The keyboard is about the same size and layout as a standard laptop. The keys are crisp and clean and offer just enough resistance to the touch. I wouldn’t want to write a term paper using this keyboard, but for sending e-mail and browsing the ‘net, it’s perfect.

Another welcomed feature, though somewhat difficult to use, is the inclusion of a pointing device in the upper right corner of the keyboard. The “nubby” (as many call it) is similar to that of IBM laptops and is simply a plastic “nub” that extends from the keybaord by a 1/4 inch and can be nudged all 360 degrees. The only problem is, these “nubby” pointing devices are inaccurate and take quite some time getting used to. After an hour of surfing the net, I was finally able to get the correct pressure applied to the “nubby” and became relatively confident in my control over the mouse pointer. Clicking is achieved by two buttons located in the upper left of the keyboard and provide both a “left” click and “right” click.

Some other interesting features include a backlight button that supplies a soft amber light to the remote control buttons upon depress, a very small keyboard lock switch to prevent accidental key presses, and a “finally they got it” feature – programmable buttons for TV power, volume, and channel. By hitting a sequence of buttons on the keyboard, then pressing the desired buttons on your regular TV remote, you can train your keyboard to apply the same IR frequency. For example, the standard Media Center remote has a button to power down the PC but no button to power down your TV. By using the programmable feature of the keyboard, I hit the power button on my TV remote that is pointed directly at the keyboard and I now have the ability to power down both my PC and TV. Very cool.

For anyone serious about their Media Center, and especially for those with HiDef TV’s, this keyboard is a must have and can really add some great functionality and I highly recommend it.

Product Details
Requires:

• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
• Media Center Edition IR receiver
• Update Rollup 1 for eHome Infrared Receiver

Power: 4 x AA batteries (supplied)
Connectivity: Wireless IR (30 ft radius)
Dimesions: 17.5″ x 5.5″ x 1.25″
List price: $99.99
Best price: $75.99 at Buy.com