The Office Keyboard (Continued)

This keyboard is the widest I've ever seen, thanks to the additional navigational console. It measures in at approximately 51 cm by 26 cm so you better make sure there is ample space on your desktop. Here's how big it looks compared to the Microsoft Internet keyboard (front most).

The keyboard comes with a USB interface. If your system doesn't come with USB ports, don't worry. Microsoft ships this keyboard with a USB to PS/2 converter. If you are plugging it into your USB port, note that there are NO USB ports on this keyboard. This means you will lose one whole root port just to plug this guy in. I suggest you use the PS/2 converter whether your system come with USB ports or not.

The keyboard seems to use the new spring switches which don't make much noise when you're typing, making it ideal for people who share office space with someone else. With this keyboard, no one will ever complain about your clickaty-clackaty typing.

The package comes with Microsoft's IntelliType software which is basically a driver that enables the keyboard's scroll wheel and buttons. I forgot to check exactly what works with or without the software. But it's safe to say that without it, you've just bought yourself a VERY expensive standard keyboard!

Speaking of shortcut buttons, here's Reason #1 why they call it the Office Keyboard.

The top launch buttons are very Microsoft Office oriented with the Word and Excel buttons predefined to their respective apps; and the Mail and Calendar buttons calling up Microsoft Outlook. However, every key can be redefined to launch something else.

Aside from those buttons, there is also another set of buttons that control the volume, a logoff button (to cater for WinXP, no doubt) and a sleep button. Of these buttons, only the logoff button can be reconfigured.