Dell Multimedia keyboard mini-review

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:36 pm

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/prod ... u=310-7940

I find it VERY hard to pick a new keyboard. I'm very old-school in my tastes. I want a rectangular keyboard (no fancy curves, no bulges). I put my keyboard up against an old stained straight hand rest that feels like an old friend so I don't want an integrated hand rest that's not removable.

I don't like "mushy" keys. Never been a fan of multimedia keyboards with all the fancy buttons.

I also kill keyboards. I'm very hard on keys.

I have been using Dell keyboards for the past few years - the basic ones that come with any PC you order. Any time a client orders a new Dell but they have their own keyboard they want to use, I ask for the Dell keyboard that comes with it and use it for myself if I've worn the old one out.

The Dell keyboards are generally pretty rugged and feel good (not too soft, not too hard). They're nice and straight-edged.

Well the other day I tried a Dell multimedia keyboard on a client's PC I was servicing and I really liked the feel so I ordered one. They're $30 plus shipping.

I must say it's a nice feeling keyboard. Still nice and straight-edged with no fancy curves. The layout is standard and the multi-media buttons don't take up a lot of room.

I really have no need for the multi-media buttons but it is nice to have the volume right on the keyboard as a regular knob and not as buttons.

Unlike some of these multi-media keyboards, no software or drivers are required. Plug it in and all the buttons work (browser buttons, media player buttons, email, My Computer, calculator, volume).

And if you want to have an On-Screen volume display like you see on OEM systems like HP there's a free lightweight (35K) app that you can download called OSD Volume. Works with any multi-media keyboard. http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?a ... &id=189677

Excuse the dust and my grimy (but oh so comfortable) wrist pad.

MegaVectra · Post by **MegaVectra** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 2:25 pm

Actually the pic doesn't do it justice. They are very rugged and sleek at the same time. I have a few at work.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 2:55 pm

Another photo from Dell's website:

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:34 pm

Yeah we have a lot of those at work with our Dell desktops, but I'm still using an old Focus FK5200 keyboard that I've had for years and it still works.

RubberDuckie · Post by **RubberDuckie** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:43 pm

good keyboads are hard to find. I like a small footprint and I like the laptop feel. I have a veiwsonic KU709

Nice thin small and neat. I like having the USB on the side it allows me to use my wireless mouse on the keyboard. Nice and close so it always has signal.

Problem is I can not find a compairable keyboard. I never use the multimedia keys (with the exception of the calculator).

Good keyboard is like a good pair of sneakers.

Qui Gon-Jinn · Post by **Qui Gon-Jinn** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:38 am

Work is a "Dell" place.. so we have either the Dell OEM keyboards.. they are the "Non Multimedia" version of that one above.. or a Microsoft Ergo. and I hate the MS Ergo's.. I picked up the standard version w/ no multimedia stuff.. same layout.. at a swapmeet for a buck. I like them for general use. They feel good and are rather well built.

Personally here at home on my PC.. I run the Logitech G15. It fits my needs here..

If I could find the standard Dell keyboards in bulk.. I would love to have like 5 sitting here spare.. between me working on pc's.. and the wife killing keyboards they would get used.

found the image on dell.. 21.99 for a kybd... I will keep buying them used at that price

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:57 am

I really only use natural keyboards since I got my first one. I've upgraded to the Microsoft 4000 & haven't looked back. Though, I am jealous of alot of the bonus features that alot of the regular keyboards get that the natural ones don't. My life would be perfect if the keys lit up.

ZYFER · Post by **ZYFER** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:31 pm

This is the one I use:

It is part of the Logitech Cordless MX 5000 Laser set. It operates on Bluetooth and I have found it to be much better than standard RF keyboards.

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:13 pm

ZYFER wrote:This is the one I use:

It is part of the Logitech Cordless MX 5000 Laser set. It operates on Bluetooth and I have found it to be much better than standard RF keyboards.

I'm also using the MX5000.. Once you get it set up, it works well. But occaisionally the mouse will do some weird things, like lag a little.. But, I had SO many problems getting it to work out of the box. It was like pulling teeth. First time the BT adapter was bad. They replaced it, and I did a fresh install of XP and it worked great. Then, my fiance unplugged the adapter one day and when I plugged it back in... Nothing.. I had to uninstall the software 3 times before I got it to work properly. I'm not the only one that has had this type of experience with this unit. When it's working, it's GOLD, when it's not.. Well.. It's the same as anything else.

eGo

ZYFER · Post by **ZYFER** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:06 am

Odd experience for you I suppose. I have 3 of them in current operation and none of them had any of those issues. It was easy to install as well, no issues unplugging and plugging it back in either.

I do suppose you can not expect 100% of all products to work perfectly.