Microsoft announced today its thinnest keyboard dubbed "Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000", which if you didn't notice in the name is designed exclusively for Bluetooth enabled PC's. The keyboard itself is just a few millimeters thicker than an AAA battery, with Microsoft's Comfort Curve design for a more natural wrist posture when typing. Check it out:
Images courtesy PressPass
"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."
According to Microsoft's press release, one of the top consumer complaints when using a notebook or a netbook is the lack of a number pad. So Microsoft has shipped a stand-alone Bluetooth powered number pad as well as a carrying case with the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000.
The keyboard will be available in October of this year with an estimated retail price of $89.96 for both the keyboard and number pad, and $44.95 for the number pad itself. Both are backed by a worldwide three year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft.
windows anyone ?
Money was discontinued this year
I would have to disagree with you on that, I've always chosen Logitech's kb/mice over Microsoft's. I however, like their software.
I never said Microsoft didn't make great software. I said that their software may not be the best. The keyword here is "may." Besides, when I talk about Microsoft software, I'm talking about a wide range of software not just Encarta or OS like Windows 7. By the way, I'm a BIG fan of Microsoft Windows. But, you have to face the fact that "you can be good at something but can't be good at everything."
Aren't they about to discontinue Encarta?
yep
There is nothing better than japanese Mitsumi Classic and hardly will be.
That's weird, I've had three of those and they all sucked.
Wow, what a lame excuse, just because you didn't expect the reactions....sigh
I came here to say the same thing. Microsoft is a huge mixed bag, some great hardware and software, some really bad stuff as well. A lot of people will accept anything that Microsoft gives them, whether it is good or bad. They are called fanboys, and will vehemently disagree at anything said against them. There are some of us here that use them when they produce something, but don't bury our heads in the sand to other companies also producing great stuff.
Now most of the people replying to your comment, which camp do they sit in?
As he said, they really don't make good software... And some of the hardware is ok.... Apples keyboard is thinner, but I don't mind the look of this one.
Windows Vista 7 is meh! honestly
Accounting Express/Pro 2008 or 2009 - will continue that line with more features and better importing/exporting for the more popular Quickbooks and other accounting software. The Express version is free and previous upgrades are free. I use this software over QB2009 and like it more and I am very familiar with QBooks.
You're making this game of Where's Waldo far to easy.
Well MS should have made it so the number pad could attach to the keyboard, as in some kind of quick connect/disconnect type thing.
Judging by the photos the Apple Keyboard is thinner too.
The keys seen in the picture look very similar to many other keyboards that are out today. So that could be an indication. Next to that people might not like the curving.
The Apple one has a lot of issues and you must find workarounds for it to be paired onto multiple operating systems and won't pair with the PS3 properly.
Another gripe is the function key in the left corner. FPS and typing in general can be thrown off by this. The price is fine and I will be picking one up asap!
Well, yes, maybe they are. But what if Apples keyboards are overpriced, and this one is more expensive, then what does that make this keyboard?? Over-overpriced.
Looks nice though, haven't used a curved design before, anyone have any experience?
Before I switched to Mac I had a curved Microsoft keyboard that worked brilliantly. IMO Microsoft makes some pretty good quality keyboards. But then again I also think that it's completely nonsense to claim that Apple keyboards a crappy and overpriced. When it comes to quality both companies make equally good keyboards. The only difference I prefer about the ones Apple makes is the aluminum design vs plastic.
Obviously the Apple Keyboards are designed to work with Mac OS X and provide perfect integration with that operating system. That said I've been using both the wired and wireless keyboards with Windows for a while now and they work just fine after installing the proper Boot Camp drivers.
You say that about every single Microsoft product on this website, M. Or should I say Steve?
I've also got their blue backlit keyboard and mouse they made together with Razer. They look and feel awesome.
Still waiting for someone to re-release a force feedback mouse. Logitech made a great one, not sure why they let the concept die.
Probably because most people who would buy this, buy the better laptops, which come with bluetooth. Not the cheapeast dell and hp's.
You can get a bluetooth transmitter from ebay for about $3 if you really want one.
They have kickass range too.
Maybe it's not a microsoft problem? Maybe it's a "you" problem.
Awh, I'm in such a feisty mood today. Today is going to be a great day.
I personally love this logitech keyboard; excellent key-travel; great texture; thin; backlight; wired ... http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboard...40&cl=us,en
and too whoever said about the mac one being better, whats wrong with you :|
i have to use those in college, i cannot stand the things ;(
so thin and spaced out, they feel horrible.
its freakishly heavy aswell
though it does seem like itd be a mission to break.
My mom has a cordless keyboard. All I hear her complain about is how fast she goes through batteries.
HOWEVER, I wont be buying it because it's Bluetooth. Unless this device is somehow different than most, it wont let you boot into the BIOS because the keyboard won't work that early in the boot sequence. If they make a normal wireless version then I'd think about getting it.
HOWEVER, I wont be buying it because it's Bluetooth. Unless this device is somehow different than most, it wont let you boot into the BIOS because the keyboard won't work that early in the boot sequence. If they make a normal wireless version then I'd think about getting it.
I've been using wireless keyboards for years (diNovo Edge and MX5500 Revolution) and they work pretty much on the standard USB interface. I've never had a problem with my keyboards in any situation, including the BIOS entrance as you've mentioned.
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