9. MediaXchange DSC Keyboard

The DCS MediaXchange keyboard accommodates an iPod and a multi-function card reader without requiring any more desktop space than a conventional keyboard.

The keyboard itself is a basic model, but it looks reasonably attractive and offers the usual 101-plus key layout. Thus, you’ll find a standard QWERTY at the lower left, text control keys at the immediate right and the good-old numeric keypad at the far right. The doc sits at the top center of the keyboard, with two sets of seven Internet and media hot keys to its left and right. These provide access to favorite applications and Web pages and offer reader controls for Windows Media Player and iTunes software.

The keyboard also features two additional USB ports to accommodate other devices as well. The iPod dock lets you synch and charge an iPod using a dock connector, but you can also use it to play back songs from the iPod through your PC. The memory card reader plugs into the same docking port that the iPod uses, which explains why the unit takes up so little space on the desktop. That said, prospective buyers and users need to recognize that only one of these two devices may be used at any given moment (the card reader also includes a USB port and can be used in standalone as well).

For grads or dads who use an iPod and a PC, this keyboard makes a decent combination. The wow factor goes up for those who also have lots of memory cards from cameras and other devices to work with as well. At a pretty modest price, just about any such dad or grad will find Visiontek’s MediaXchange DCS keyboard a useful tool. For more info on this device, please visit Visiontek’s product page.