Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: Microsoft, Keyboard, Thinnest, Mobile, Keypad | Themes: Laptops and Notebooks, Desktop Computers
Microsoft has revealed a thin Bluetooth keyboard with a separate Bluetooth number pad.
Microsoft Hardware officially announced a new, super-thin Bluetooth keyboard that features an additional (and optional) stand-alone Bluetooth Number Pad. Microsoft claims that its new Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 is its thinnest keyboard thus far, measuring just a few millimeters thicker than an AAA battery at the back. However, both the keyboard and the Number Pad work with Bluetooth-enabled desktops, laptops and netbooks.
"The design tenets of compact, clean and refined really set the stage for the success of the keyboard," said Chris Kujawski, industrial designer for Microsoft Hardware. "There is nothing extraneous about the design. We removed everything that didn’t fit with those ideas and ended up with something we’re really proud of--a compact, sophisticated keyboard that pairs perfectly with Bluetooth computers."
Both the keyboard and the Number Pad is extremely lightweight and easy to carry, and according to Microsoft, the Number Pad comes with its own carrying case for "added portability." For natural wrist posture, the keyboard features Microsoft's Comfort Curve design, bending at a slight 6-degrees to make blogs and Facebook updates somewhat easier. The separate Number Pad is ideal for notebooks or netbooks that lack a built-in number pad.
Microsoft said that the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 and Bluetooth Number Pad will hit retail shelves next month, costing $89.95 for the keyboard and $44.95 for the Number Pad. That's quite a load of cash when combining the two into one purchase, but for many consumers looking for that cool, thin gadget, the cost may be worth it.
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everything is about being ultra thin these days. i mean dont get me wrong its nice but it shouldn't be main selling point of the product.
Not as cool as the Logitech Dinovo Edge however... Slightly cheaper though :-p
A bit too expensive for me, but it looks really nice.
everything is about being ultra thin these days. i mean dont get me wrong its nice but it shouldn't be main selling point of the product.
I think what they're trying to say is "thin" looks sexy. like u know, the slim tiny ladies? /roll eye.
so me being fat is ugly???
If it's sturdy(er) than the mx 5000 I may get it, that keyboard's a bit too large and I don't need the LCD, though it's lasted the last four years in great condition considering how many times the kids drop it.
forgot to say that i hate thin becos there's no space to stick the goodies in? Fat is fleshy and can take a lot of stuff! he guys don't misinterpret me please.
Too expensive. My keyboard+mouse (wireless laser) only costed me $30 including shipping. What's the benefit of being thin? space saving? I don't think so.
God forgive me for what I am about to say, but when it comes to thin keyboards, there are none greater than Apple's. *gasps in pain at the statement* It is one of the all time best keyboards on the market, and blows this and the edge out of the water.
I also think I prefer a larger keyboard. I have an original Saitek Eclipse that I now use at work and love mostly, expect for wishing that the keys were heavier and metal. I have a Saitek cyborg at home and love that too for the most part, and that was only $70 new with a lot of cool feature that this one lacks...WTF Microsoft?
Guess I should of expected a -1 for a pro Apple comment, oh well.
I agree with Major7Up another keyboard I love is the Saitek Eclipse II (the Eclipse I had some firmware corruption problems). I am also partial to the Logitech EX 110 for those on a budget, though that mouse was a POS, but for the price you can't complain. The G15 was always a bit overpriced and tacky for my but the G11 looks great.
I still stand by the Apple keyboard as one of the few great products they produce, actually it might be the only one.
LOL. I will miss my chance to bash the keyboard against the monitor due to sheer fragility!
Why can't these keyboard manufactures come out with just a standard and natural back lit with blue tooth.
I have 3 keyboards to replace and these are my priorities:
1. Normal Form Factor
2. Back lit
3. Blue tooth
and so far Microsoft, and Logitech are not with the program
From my own experience, Microsoft's hardware quality is excellent. The prices for some of the fancier items however, is not so great.
Dayuum! That's sexy! If only it were a girl lol. However that hanging tag isn't too convincing...
This an April fool article right? What possible difference could it make that a keyboard is thin? What's next? A thin mouse? Thin packaging material for the next Window release? How about Kujawski, "design tenets," "really set the stage," "sophisticated keyboard," "pairs perfectly." What, did he get high before the interview? This is not hardware news. Send the article to Architecture Digect next time.
This could be used as a trampoline.
Yet one more item for the batteries to die on.
no thanks.
Kittle I would like to see a desk that plugs in and the entire thing charge inductive devices (like a wireless mouse and keyboard).
yeah, it could be good if it a) wasn't curved, b) was a normal keyboard c) had a variable backlight and d) had media keys with a pot for the volume control instead of buttons.
so.. the G11 with the cordless mx duo volume dial and bluetooth anyone?
Why have the decent keyboard manufacturers lost the plot these days?