Bizstartup.ie - RESOURCES

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile keyboard 6000

You can dump your wires and even forget about wireless USB connectivity with Microsoft's new slimline Bluetooth Mobile 6000 keyboard.

Out of all the bits and pieces of technology that you surround yourself with on a daily basis, the keyboard is probably the most important in terms of usability and comfort. It's like the advice you get when moving into a new place: spend as much as you can on a good mattress and bed because you spend every night there.

Most of us can simply use the keyboard that came with our desktop or perhaps we never think to add one on to our laptop for extra distance from the monitor and general comfort (I know several people that do this for more control and less squinting).

I've tried my share of connected and USB keyboards but never a Bluetooth version and now I'm wondering what took me so long.

Getting set up the Bluetooth Mobile 6000 keyboard

Aside from having no wires hanging around or a doodad taking up precious USB connection space on your computer, this battery-powered beauty simply works with a Bluetooth-enabled PC.

Setup is simple: turn on Bluetooth, scan for the keyboard and choose it. Then enter in the pairing code (as provided by your computer) into the keyboard and you're good to go.

Bluetooth Mobile 6000 keyboard design

Now here's the bit that makes a difference: this keyboard has a unique design in that it splits up the main keyboard from the numerical keypad, and both of these are incredibly lightweight and ergonomically designed.

They are also highly transportable: There was little or no weight in the main keyboard and it looked so trendy and minimalistic sitting there on my desk with the keypad to the side. Yes, this is Microsoft's successful attempt to make normally mundane peripherals sexy and hip.

The keyboard is configured for the UK English 105-key layout and is PC-compatible, however, it does work with Macs, too, being aware that Mac keyboards have slightly different layout.

Looks of Bluetooth keyboard

The Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 is ultra-slim and has a matte black edging with a white underside. The keyboard has nice, flat keys and the design is Microsoft's Comfort Curve that is created to promote natural wrist posture so hopefully it will fight off repetitive strain injuries.

You can also keep an eye on the power as there is a battery status indicator on the top right of both the main keyboard and the numerical keypad.

The number pad comes in its own little pouch so if your job involves a lot of numerical entry and you travel a lot then this is the perfect peripheral for your compact laptop or netbook keyboard.

Verdict on Bluetooth keyboard

I don't usually get excited about keyboards but I will confess that the sleek design, good looks and wireless compact nature of this Bluetooth keyboard had me hooked. If you're going to splash out on a new keyboard and you're both space and design conscious, then this is the one for you.

The Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 has an ERP of €89.99 and is available from all good electronics shops nationwide.

Photo: Microsoft's Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000

Review courtesy of Gadgetrepublic.com , Ireland’s top source for gadget news and reviews.