Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse on FCC site

[Jason Dunn]

This must be "Give marketing people trying to keep a product launch a secret an ulcer" week at the FCC - <i>Sweetpete</i> has reported to us that Microsoft has their Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo in for FCC approval, and it seems that someone found them in that big ol' database. I'm really excited about the Bluetooth hardware (wires suck), but disappointed to see a straight keyboard design - I hope they released a split "natural" style keyboard soon after this standard one. I can't type on those freaky "normal" keyboards any more. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif" /> The mouse looks good though, so I may get one and simply not use the keyboard. Since I've heard this product will also ship with a Bluetooth "hub", this is good news for those of you who want to sync with your PC sans wires. Here's a picture of the keyboard I cleaned up (I swear, they make those photos look horrible on purpose):<br /> <br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/bluetoothkeyboard.jpg" /><br /><br />You can check out the PDF of the <a href="https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=263523&native_or_pdf=pdf ">mouse</a>, or look at the <a href="https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=262343&native_or_pdf=pdf ">back of the keyboard.</a> So what do you think? Something you'll buy?

[brntcrsp]

I'll lump my vote in with Ed on this one. If it works it could be wonderful. If not, then just another sad BT tale.

[JonnoB]

Where is the WiFi keyboard with integrated WiFi access point?

[RickP in AZ]

Oh boy! If this can work on my spankin' new 3975... >droooollll...&lt;

I too pray that they can quickly release a Nartual version of this (I too have been ruined for "normal" boards.) Use it on the desktop, get ready to leave, and just toss it in the backpack... I'm good to go writing anywhere!

[Jason Dunn]

Some other new keyboards coming soon from MS:

http://www.microsoft.com/insider/comingsoon/

No Bluetooth ones listed, but I bet we see them in November for the Christmas buying season.

[TypeMRT]

Where is the WiFi keyboard with integrated WiFi access point?

WiFi loses its appeal when you need an AC adapter plugged into a wall outlet :wink:

[sweetpete]

Where is the WiFi keyboard with integrated WiFi access point?

I saw some other similar keyboard designs that were marked as only Wireless and not Bluetooth wireless so maybe those are WiFi. I didn't really get into reading the specifics of the applications.
I heard that they were approved over at WinInformant and I wanted to take a look at the design. Like Jason, I am a split keyboard user and I can rarely ever stand to use the standard keyboards anymore so my curiosity took me on the search to find these pix :)
I didn't see any application approvals for any split design keyboards so maybe those will come later on??

[Mike Temporale]

This will be on my christmas list, natural or not. I just need something to use it with first :D

It might be time to sell off my 3600 and move on up! Any suggestions on how to convince the wife that this is something I REALLY need?? :(

[heov]

So what's the battery life on this thing. If it takes a pair of AA's, will it last long enough? Can you turn it off because I leave my computer on all the time; it gets shut down like once a month or when I go on vacation; else it just gets rebooted. So, if this thing can have on on and off switch, I might buy, or if it can last at least a month- non stop...

[jim s]

Does it come with a docking station so you can charge the batteries it must have or have they figured out wireless electricity? :roll:

[sweetpete]

So what's the battery life on this thing. If it takes a pair of AA's, will it last long enough? Can you turn it off because I leave my computer on all the time; it gets shut down like once a month or when I go on vacation; else it just gets rebooted. So, if this thing can have on on and off switch, I might buy, or if it can last at least a month- non stop...

I currently have the Logitech Wireless keyboard and mouse combo and the batteries last for a couple months at a time. It uses a standby technology when you leave it unused for a while to conserve battery and has always worked instantly as soon as I start typing or moving the mouse. Hopefully MS will have something similar in terms of battery use otherwise the product won't sell very well if it's sucking up the juice!!

[jdhill]

Add me to the list of "I won't buy one until the Natural version comes out". I can barely type on this damn laptop keyboard !!! I have been using the Natural keyboard since it was in hardware beta. Gotta have that wireless Natural keyboard !!!

[RickP in AZ]

After thinking this through a bit I say; give me a "non-media-buttoned," Natural keyboard, with a *removable* palm rest! A removable palmrest and no fluffy keys at the top will obviously make it far more portable. Give me that and I'll buy one, a spare for backup, and like 6 sets of NiMH AA batteries! Woohoo!

Oh yeah, and they'd *better* give me/us WinCE drivers on the install disk/CD! Are you listening MS hardware group? Don't forsake me!

(Finally a use for my investment in a 3975 when I currently have no BT devices!)

[jdhill]

The photo of the BT mouse closely resembles my current RF wireless MS Explorer mouse (which works well, I might add).

[kiwi]

Where is the WiFi keyboard with integrated WiFi access point?

heheheheheh

err.. I hope you were joking!

[dunneldeen]

Given the atrocious nature of the bluetooth stack on Compaq devices, I SERIOUSLY doubt you will get this thing to work with an iPaq any time soon, if ever. #3!!, they don't even support headsets yet.

[JMountford]

I think it loos pretty nice. I honestly am not impressed usually by Microsoft's Hardware design and I am equally unimpressed now. The thing isn't even being marketed yet and we are all ready peeved because it is a standard layout board. And what was MS thinking there anyway? Hey we are making a keyboard/mouse combo for the geeky users and we will make it a standard layout.

Our family computer uses a standard keyboard due to my wife and daughter's preference and I can never type long at all. It kills me.

So anyway as per usual for MS close but someone has his cigar up his rump. And to be honest I am so sick of dingy white color on products. The black was nice but do the whole darn thing in black, or add some kind of dark blue for color, but dang I am sick of the crud white and grey.

I will hold out for a better product as I have become very used to doing.

[sweetpete]

Where is the WiFi keyboard with integrated WiFi access point?

heheheheheh

err.. I hope you were joking!

There was a beta probram in place with MS for a wireless suite of products including an AP. I'm pretty sure that the keyboard wouldn't have the AP integrated, but don't be surprised to see MS branded WiFi products soon! 8)

[Marc Zimmermann]

[...] (wires suck) [...]

Batteries suck (IMHO).

[Marc Zimmermann]

The thing isn't even being marketed yet and we are all ready peeved because it is a standard layout board.

Yup, I'm also pretty disappointed to see them returning to the standard layout for the majority of keyboards. And I just hate what they did to the arrangement of F-keys and the Ins/Del-block. Yuck!

[kansat]

Great! This is what bluetooth is about. Hope it plays smoothly, I've been waiting for one to come along.

[Jason Dunn]

...or have they figured out wireless electricity? :roll:

Yup! It's called "lightning"! :rock on dude!:

[Will T Smith]

Where is the WiFi keyboard with integrated WiFi access point?

Wow, you seem fairly brief. However, from your request you seem to indicate the need for 11Mbs of keyboard bandwidth.

If truly need a Wi-Fi keyboard, you'd better become more verbose.


BTW, what sense would it make to integrate a WiFi access point into a WIRELESS keyboard? You'd need ANOTHER access point to make it work without plugging it into CAT-5.

[Jason Dunn]

If truly need a Wi-Fi keyboard, you'd better become more verbose.

JonnoB was a little TOO clever and put "he he he" in the subject line where no one would see it - he was kidding. :lol:

[jim s]

Yup! It's called "lightning"!

Ya got me on that one, Jason. I guess there is also static electricity and batteries, for that matter! :lol:

[Jason Dunn]

Ya got me on that one, Jason.

Only because I got zapped in the same way by Kevin Havre &lt;sp> from HP at the first Pocket PC Summit. :D

[JonnoB]

Wow, you seem fairly brief. However, from your request you seem to indicate the need for 11Mbs of keyboard bandwidth.

If truly need a Wi-Fi keyboard, you'd better become more verbose.

BTW, what sense would it make to integrate a WiFi access point into a WIRELESS keyboard? You'd need ANOTHER access point to make it work without plugging it into CAT-5.

Maybe it was a joke.

I want a WiFi keyboard so that I can work on my computer in the home office from the kitchen - wait, I have a problem how am I going to see the screen? No problem, I will use a Mira display with integrated WiFi.

[st63z]

I don't get the attraction for the split layout, I can certainly use those "ergonomic" keyboards just fine, but my speed suffers. I prefer the standard layout for the day to day. Those ergonomic claims seem to be controversial, and the whole thing smacks of a fad that's on the way out?

Anyways, I'm waiting to get this, but I don't think MS meant this particular kit for travel portability (otherwise they'd make the keyboard smaller or even use one of those folded designs). And I'd prefer the IntelliMouse Optical mouse style over the IntelliMouse Explorer style...

[sweetpete]

I don't get the attraction for the split layout, I can certainly use those "ergonomic" keyboards just fine, but my speed suffers. I prefer the standard layout for the day to day. Those ergonomic claims seem to be controversial, and the whole thing smacks of a fad that's on the way out?

Anyways, I'm waiting to get this, but I don't think MS meant this particular kit for travel portability (otherwise they'd make the keyboard smaller or even use one of those folded designs). And I'd prefer the IntelliMouse Optical mouse style over the IntelliMouse Explorer style...

I don't agree with you on the ergonimic keyboard. I use a 'regular' keyboard from time to time when forced to (or on my laptop) and I definitely feel strain in my wrists and hands that are not there when I use a Natural keyboard.

I do however agree with you on the portability issue. This keyboard was meant to use BT and wireless as a means to reduce the wiring clutter seen in most desktops, not for portability. I already have a USB BT adapter on my PC and Notebook (as well as 3870, but I don't think it'll be compatible for now :cry: ) so this just cleared up some clutter for me (granted I already have a Logitech wireless kbd and mouse :D )

The mouse is a matter of preference and I'm sure we will see MS come out with more designs as soon as this is released and BT becomes more prevalent on user machines.

[jdhill]

I don't get the attraction for the split layout, I can certainly use those "ergonomic" keyboards just fine, but my speed suffers. I prefer the standard layout for the day to day. Those ergonomic claims seem to be controversial, and the whole thing smacks of a fad that's on the way out?

Anyways, I'm waiting to get this, but I don't think MS meant this particular kit for travel portability (otherwise they'd make the keyboard smaller or even use one of those folded designs). And I'd prefer the IntelliMouse Optical mouse style over the IntelliMouse Explorer style...
I get sore wrists if I type a lot on my laptop. That doesn't happen on the Natural Keyboard on my desktop.

The BT mouse looks like it is an optical mouse, I didn't see a mouse ball on the photo of the bottom of the mouse.

[RickP in AZ]

Portability is as portability does. I want a true, full size (ergonomic)keyboard which connects to my desktop and my iPAQ via Bluetooth. I don't want another Stowaway, I want a full keyboard that I can take with me for long text sessions when visiting the park or coffee shop while my daughter is in school. I'm quite attached to my Natural keyboard (as everyone else seems to be) and to be able to toss it in the backpack for writing in the field would be ideal. I was just giving some tips for MS to make get more of my money.

[David C]

Yeah, screw the pocketop keyboard. Who needs IR when you got BT.

[ricksfiona]

So where are the programmable buttons? I saw some keys that are your usual music/cd type, button how about for starting applications and things of that nature?

The wireless deal is fine, but I won't dump a perfectly good wired keyboard if there is no real advantage to it. Give me some real features. How about a keyboard that has the feel of a thinkpad keyboard with programmable buttons, startup/shutdown button, natural layout, buttons that allow you to turn off USB devices (hey, I'm from California. We conserve energy out here!). This would be a great keyboard. I'm sure there are other features I'm not even touching on....

Unless you have a huge display, you won't be sitting any further away from your monitor than you already do. And the cable for the keyboard is more than long enough and doesn't get in the way.

[JonnoB]

Unless you have a huge display, you won't be sitting any further away from your monitor than you already do. And the cable for the keyboard is more than long enough and doesn't get in the way.

There are other uses. Consider this version of Windows here (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ehome/)

[paris]

the keyboards listed in micrsoft page are the bluetooth ones

notice that the layout from the small pictures is exatcly the same as the one that Jason Posted wich is in gray scale. Why do you think the keyboards are painted half blue? BLUE-tooh the name says it all

and yes Jason in microsoft webpage there is a Natural model as you like painted blue. This is no speculatio, just look close at the pictures and you will notice that its the exact same keyboards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.microsoft.com/insider/comingsoon/

[Jason Dunn]

I can certainly use those "ergonomic" keyboards just fine, but my speed suffers.

It's all about muscle memory - once you get "trained" on the ergo keyboards, your speed will suffer when you go back to the regular keyboard. :D Most certainly not a fad - I won't buy anything else, neither will my wife...

[Jason Dunn]

notice that the layout from the small pictures is exatcly the same as the one that Jason Posted wich is in gray scale. Why do you think the keyboards are painted half blue? BLUE-tooh the name says it all

You may be right (I don't know for sure), but the photo I posted wasn't in greyscale - notice the blue backdrop. The Bluetooth keyboard has no "blue" on it.

[sweetpete]

and yes Jason in microsoft webpage there is a Natural model as you like painted blue. This is no speculatio, just look close at the pictures and you will notice that its the exact same keyboards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.microsoft.com/insider/comingsoon/

Actually, those keyboards are not the Bluetooth ones, but 2 multimedia kbds that are also slated for release shortly. There is currently no Natural one slated for release with Bluetooth. If there was, you would be able to find it on the FCC approval site as each and every product with radio transmitters needs full FCC approval. I've searched and it's not there, trust me ... I'd like one too!! :cry:

[sweetpete]

Unless you have a huge display, you won't be sitting any further away from your monitor than you already do. And the cable for the keyboard is more than long enough and doesn't get in the way.

There are other uses. Consider this version of Windows here (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ehome/)

Actually, the Media Center edition of XP is mostly intended to be contorlled via remote control AFAIK. Even though it is a full fledged PC, the additional items (photo, video, etc) are intended to be simple enough to use with tthe RC and no need for a kbd. Not to say that you couldn't attach one anyway and get some extra range for playing some games on your TV :lol:

I disagree with ricksfionna that there is no use for this. I have 3 PC's with wires and connections all over. I'd love a wireless kbd and mouse that will be compatible with multiple devices like my notebook, PC's, and hopefully iPaq instead of several of them with all the accompanying wires. No wires plzzzzz

[Bob Anderson]

Christmas is shaping up to be a very good season! I will definitely add this keyboard and mouse to my collection. I am praying that it will work with the new iPaqs with Bluetooth, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

[JMountford]

MS can bite me with blue teeth. :D

There is a whole nother sub thread here just for normal versus ergo. I have really big hands and much prefer ergo, but that's just me.

I got to thinking though about the whole BT thing and I wonder if the keyboard could be used with a Bluetooth enabled phone for text entry?

Yeah, yeah I know... Why the heck would you even want to? I don't know chances are if you have the bluetooth keyboard you are at your desk in which case you would probably be sending emails and what not from your computer as opposed to a cell phone. Still it was just a thought.

Someone needs to come up with a wicked mobile Bluetooth keyboard that will work with all kinds of small devices.

Hey it just dawned on me how great this new keyboard will be for the new XP home Edition. What they need is a BT Optical Trackball Mouse.

OK I'm Done.

[Will T Smith]

I don't get the attraction for the split layout, I can certainly use those "ergonomic" keyboards just fine, but my speed suffers. I prefer the standard layout for the day to day. Those ergonomic claims seem to be controversial, and the whole thing smacks of a fad that's on the way out?

Anyways, I'm waiting to get this, but I don't think MS meant this particular kit for travel portability (otherwise they'd make the keyboard smaller or even use one of those folded designs). And I'd prefer the IntelliMouse Optical mouse style over the IntelliMouse Explorer style...

From your comments I deduce that you either

1) Type with four fingers

or

2) Have VERY narrow shoulders.


All things aside, butterfly keyboards tend to be a very polarizing affair. Those who like them swear by them as they relieve wrist tension from the "home keys" position. Hunt-and-Peck typers are typically very hostile as they relate the key positions to where they SIT rather than where their fingers are.

Personally, I am a BIG fan of butterfly layouts. I have VERY broad shoulders that force my arms into a contorted position to find the home keys. The professional computer folks (touch typers) I've worked with have all been pro-butterfly. Management tends to be hostile to them as these are "special orders". Plus most management either doesn't know how to type or has others do their typing for them.

Once you enter into "high-velocity typing" (BTW, I have been accused of of using scripts and macros when chatting online do to my non-abbreviated full throttle input), you'll find that the butterfly keyboard allows you to type constantly without inducing carpel tunnel syndrome.

[Will T Smith]

The BT mouse looks like it is an optical mouse, I didn't see a mouse ball on the photo of the bottom of the mouse.

Now that the optical technology has been widely deployed, optical mouses are becoming cheaper and easier to produce that the traditional mechanical tracking devices.

WHY??? The optical mouse has a solid state tracking mechanism. Their are less parts to put together, less things to go wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if the buttons eventually become small "tap-pads" like the track pads on notebooks. Certainly, the scroll wheel could easily be made "solid state" as the new iPod's have replaced their mechanical scroll wheel with a "track pad wheel".

Such a device could replace tens of mechanical joints, bearings, springs and other doohickies with a single touch sensitive pad with multiple "zones". I would bet that such a device would be Apple's first "multi-click" mouse. A single optical driven device that is touch sensitive along it's entire outer surface. Left, Right, Scroll, Page down, etc... zones could all configured in software and eventually by the user's tastes. Utlimately cheaper to produce as it's a solid "piece" that's fabricated, not assembled.

[Will T Smith]

Unless you have a huge display, you won't be sitting any further away from your monitor than you already do. And the cable for the keyboard is more than long enough and doesn't get in the way.

Some folks like to put their keyboard in their laps and kick back in their chair a little. The tethered keyboard can obstruct that a little.

Apparently, their is a rather substantial market for this as multiple vendors are now pimping their wireless keyboard wears.

As others have pointed out, the bluetooth keyboard/mouse may be a central component of Microsoft's "Media XP" endevour. Microsoft wants window to drive our entertainment centers. For this to work, you need reliable wireless input devices.

Regarding wireless mouses. I have heard many a shriek and complaint as the mouse's tail has become SNAGGED and got it's master FRAGGED. Beyond that mouse tethers get in the way. Myself, I'm always losing things. So I employ a cable managing, ergo mouse wrist wrest/pad. I have no desire to hunt down my lost remote that will inevitably elope with the TV remote.

[Will T Smith]

Wow, you seem fairly brief. However, from your request you seem to indicate the need for 11Mbs of keyboard bandwidth.

If truly need a Wi-Fi keyboard, you'd better become more verbose.

BTW, what sense would it make to integrate a WiFi access point into a WIRELESS keyboard? You'd need ANOTHER access point to make it work without plugging it into CAT-5.

Maybe it was a joke.

I want a Wi-Fi keyboard so that I can work on my computer in the home office from the kitchen - wait, I have a problem how am I going to see the screen? No problem, I will use a Mira display with integrated WiFi.

I bet your Bluetooth keyboard could talk to your Bluetooth enabled tablet device.

You seem very set on Wi-Fi. I hope you don't work on anything confidential with this system. Otherwise, anyone could park across the street and tape record your entire digital life. What you write (for the keyboard), and what you SEE (in the case of the Mira device).

Wi-Fi is a transitional quagmire. I wish folks would stop pimping it for EVERYTHING.

[Will T Smith]

\

Someone needs to come up with a wicked mobile Bluetooth keyboard that will work with all kinds of small devices.

.


You wish is very close to granted. Someone has developed a "virtual" keyboard that can be projected onto any flat, opaque surface.

Beyond that, I would suggest the obvious. Voice keyboard. It doesn't have to recognize words, just letters. Namely, military style lettering convention.

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, FoxTrot, etc...... 27 letters plus 10 digits, plus say 20 assorted symbols. That's about 60 odd distinct and easy to recognize commands.

[Gremmie]

I agree, this 'could' be good...look at the BT problems with the iPAQ and T68, between discover, discoverable mode and just like everything else, someday's anything wireless just seems not to work, I hope this will work well.

On a side note, being the wireless revolution; I think the FCC deserves a well rounded hand for leaking everything :)

[st63z]

From your comments I deduce that you either

1) Type with four fingers
or
2) Have VERY narrow shoulders.

All things aside, butterfly keyboards tend to be a very polarizing affair. Those who like them swear by them as they relieve wrist tension from the "home keys" position. Hunt-and-Peck typers are typically very hostile as they relate the key positions to where they SIT rather than where their fingers are.

Personally, I am a BIG fan of butterfly layouts. I have VERY broad shoulders that force my arms into a contorted position to find the home keys. The professional computer folks (touch typers) I've worked with have all been pro-butterfly. Management tends to be hostile to them as these are "special orders". Plus most management either doesn't know how to type or has others do their typing for them.

Once you enter into "high-velocity typing" (BTW, I have been accused of of using scripts and macros when chatting online do to my non-abbreviated full throttle input), you'll find that the butterfly keyboard allows you to type constantly without inducing carpel tunnel syndrome.

Heh, I'm not sure what 1) means, but I touch type, too (I don't think I'd ever get a day's work done if I hunt and peck). I would actually think that hunt-n-peckers ( :D ) woudn't mind split keyboards at all as I don't think it slows them down any (after all, the keys are still in the same relative positions, just shifted on each half by a bit). It's the touch typists who're used to standard layout that can get thrown because their finger (from "muscle memory") would travel to a specific spot and the key wouldn't be there anymore.

Truthfully though, I never gave myself the time to acclimate to the ergos before dismissing them (frustration from less coding productivity). Judging from the sworn statements here, I may give it another shot if it can really alleviate the occassional wrist pains... And yes, I've been accused of being broad-shouldered and big-boned, too (and not always flattering) :) Us tall people (6ft+) do have our advantages...

[paris]

I prefer Ergonomic Keyboards also.

I have an MS Natural keyboard Pro.

all what the ergonomic keyboard does is force you to use the left hand for right keys or vice versa. The result? you use more fingers and both hands, so you type faster.

[Janak Parekh]

Truthfully though, I never gave myself the time to acclimate to the ergos before dismissing them (frustration from less coding productivity). Judging from the sworn statements here, I may give it another shot if it can really alleviate the occassional wrist pains... And yes, I've been accused of being broad-shouldered and big-boned, too (and not always flattering) :) Us tall people (6ft+) do have our advantages...
It does indeed take some time to get used to, but once you do you never go back. One person in my lab hated all Natural keyboards when he joined; but when he left, he took his own Natural keyboard with him, as he'd grown so attached to it. He bought us a new one as a replacement. :D

--bdj

[Janak Parekh]

I agree, this 'could' be good...look at the BT problems with the iPAQ and T68, between discover, discoverable mode and just like everything else, someday's anything wireless just seems not to work, I hope this will work well.
Huh? Wha? If anything, the iPaq -> T68 pairing is one of the easiest and most reliable. I've heard very few failure stories there, and I've paired the two several times without trouble. Now, if the iPaq's darn Bluetooth manager was just stable..

--bdj

[Jaxbulls]

THERE WILL BE A NATURAL VERSION!!!!
I found this picture linked over at Neowin.

http://web01.microsoft.se/portfolio/Latest%20Product%20Box%20Shots/Wireless%20Optical%20Desktop%20Pro/Photography/GIF%20(for%20online)/WODP_straight-overhead.gif

[JMountford]

Jaxbulls if this is true, and I think this may just be an IrDA wireless keyboard, but even at that this is perfect. I would prefer BT though. Even IrDA does have cables for the darn IR receiver.

[JMountford]

I personnaly liked this image http://web01.microsoft.se/portfolio/Latest%20Product%20Box%20Shots/Wireless%20Optical%20Desktop%20Pro/Photography/JPG_SMALL%20(for%20online)/WODP_enviro.jpg

[JMountford]

In this image you even get a picture of the Bluetooth AP. There are also images at this website under wireless for the standard wireless keynoard as pictured on the Thoughts front page. SOme of the pictures even of the standard wireless keyboard show the BT AP. As this is MS's pre-marketing information for their partners, you can see they are gearing up for a launch soon!!!!

[Dave Beauvais]

A previous poster made a passing comment about the key layout. Having seen it in more detail thanks to those photos, I can say with 100% certainty that I will never buy this keyboard. Jason mentioned that your fingers become used to a keyboard layout. Well, in the decades I've been using computers, keyboards have always had two rows of three keys for the Ins/Del/Home/End/PgUp/PgDn keys. My dad has a Natural Keyboard Elite that turns those into three rows of two. It drives me insane each time when my fingers instinctively reach for a key that isn't there. Logitech's cordless ergo keyboard is also screwed up this way.

MS fixed this layout when they made the Natural Keyboard Pro, but now they've gone an messed it up again. I have one of the original Natural Keyboards from late 1994, which is still going on strong. (Knock on wood.) If this is the future of MS keyboards, I will be picking up a Natural Keyboard Pro while they're still available.

Just my "thoughts." :)

--Dave

[Kre]

I like natural keyboards as well. But you know that Logitech wont be far behind with a BT keyboard of their own. Quite frankly, Ive never liked the looks of Microsoft keyboards. Ive always liked what Logitech did better... they looked better and were always the highest quality keyboards you could buy... they certainly had the best look, build quality, feel, and were the quietest Ive ever used. More so than anything MS or anyone else ever came out with IMO. This MS keyboard doesnt look too bad, but I think Im going to wait to see what Logitech comes out with. I do have to say though, that MS does make a really nice, good looking, comfortable optical mouse.

[ironguy]

I got a new PC at work. We contract with IBM so it's all IBM equipment. They have modified the keyboard so it is the same width as the PC case (desktop). To do this they put the Insert, Home, Page up, Page Down, End, and Delete keys in a vertical line parallel to the major part of the keyboard.
Talk about ridiculous!

[ironguy]

Why do manufacturers continue to use buttons for Vol Up and Vol Down? A rotational knob is much better. Just ask anybody that owns a home stereo!

[Adam]

Here's a link to a Google search (http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22bluetooth+keyboard%22&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&meta=). Notice that FCC approval has already been granted. The MS press release is near the bottom of page one, *below* the PPCThoughts entry...

Anyway, I've looked at a few of them and they all seem to have the same or similar info. (regurgitations of the press release). No pictures (that I saw) and one or two links to the stories of the original showing.

I'm a little disappointed it's a USB-based hub as I only have two USB ports and both are taken up, so I'll have to look at expanding my USB provision. That's the problem with everything being external, USB these days.

Anyway, someone with a bit more time and patience than me :) might want to have a look through the later pages to see if there's more info. I did find this: http://www.bluelogic.co.kr/korean/keyboard.htm, does anyone know anything about it?

[Jason Dunn]

THERE WILL BE A NATURAL VERSION!!!!
I found this picture linked over at Neowin.

Wow - sweet! I'm drooling now... :D How did Neowin get that wicked picture...?

[Jason Dunn]

I'm a little disappointed it's a USB-based hub as I only have two USB ports and both are taken up, so I'll have to look at expanding my USB provision. That's the problem with everything being external, USB these days.

I'm already on my 2nd USB hub - if your PC came with only 2 USB ports, pick up a USB hub for $30 and you won't have any problems. :-)

[Adam]

I'm a little disappointed it's a USB-based hub as I only have two USB ports and both are taken up, so I'll have to look at expanding my USB provision. That's the problem with everything being external, USB these days.

I'm already on my 2nd USB hub - if your PC came with only 2 USB ports, pick up a USB hub for $30 and you won't have any problems. :-)

Oh, I know and I know it's a bit petty. It's just that I keep having to pay these extra little costs on top of the price for the stuff I'm actually getting. It all adds up.

Anyway, I'll probably go for something like this Blue802 (http://www.networkcomputing.com/1312/1312buzz4.html) and kill two birds with one stone - without the need for USB or extra stuff on the desktop. Then I'll need the keyboard and mouse without the BT hub. I'm sure an option for that will come out....and then something else will come along that will require a USB hub anyway... :lol: