REVIEW: Belkin Wireless Keyboard

[aggie]

I just got my Belkin universal wireless keyboard and I am loving it. I paid $34 at ecost.com and it is listed at $59.99 at belkin.com. I decided to write a review to help those of you who are still trying to decide which one to buy. I chose the Belkin because it was the cheapest one with number keys. It also has four keys designed to replace the four hardware keys on the Axim and they have double function too; they also can be used to go to the Today screen, calculator, and others. I use it mostly for msn and internet explorer. The arrow keys come in handy for playing games like Tetris and snake.

These are the specifications:
• 13mm key-pitch, 3mm key-travel
• Dimensions opened: 10.5" x 3.6' x 0.375"
• Dimensions closed: 5.25" x 3.6" 0.80" (stand attached)
• Weight: 8.8 ounces


The software was pretty easy to install and the driver works fine. The keyboard used 1 AAA battery and according to the users manual it should last about 360 hours of continuous use, which sound like a lot. Once the driver and the battery are installed you can start playing with it. The only semi-difficult part is learning where to position the keyboard for optimum accuracy. I learned in three or four times. I get it right all the time now. The range of the keyboard is actually pretty big. I tried typing from two feet away and it worked fine. I would have tried more but my desk is not that big.

The outside of the keyboard is made out or aluminum and it looks as if it could take a beating. That is definitely a plus for those of us that drop things all the time. The Axim stand attaches to the outside of the keyboard and it fits perfectly (it barely adds any bulk). The Axim stand is made out of plastic and it is very light. I’m afraid too break it but it serves its purpose. The keyboard folds in half and the keys are big enough for fast typing although the feel could be a bit better. Some people complain about the shift key on the right being next to the up arrow. I am used to using the left shift key so I don’t have this problem, but I have used the right shift key and I don’t see what all the fuzz is about. For those of you that need to type in landscape mode, it works fine too. I definitely recommend this keyboard. For $34 it is worth every penny.

[aggie]

width comparison

[aggie]

side by side comparison

[aggie]

axim in landscape mode

[aggie]

axim on stand

[Drpoulette]

Good review. Now you got me wanting one. Great price, too! I never heard of ecost.com. Do they ship fast? Thanks.


:alien:

[RommelS]

Awesome review ...and thank you for providing your input.

eCost.com is a great and reputable site to purchase products from, and yes they ship fast - if the product is available. They'll hit you a bit on shipping and handling especially if the product you're purchasing is not coming from their warehouse.

Personally, I've purchased a lot from eCost.

[Computer Ninja]

I get many of my consumer products from eCost, like printers and digital cameras.

[aggie]

Shipping from ecost.com was faster than I expected. I ordered on Tuesday and it got here on Thursday afternoon. Shipping was free because I ordered a media reader and the total was higher than $50. I don't know if they still have that offer though.

[TopDog]

This Belkin keyboard looks ALOT like the Pocket Top keyboard... does anybody know if it's the same?

I'm looking for a keyboard, and nobody in Norway sells this Belkin keyboard, but I've found a couple that sells the Pocket Top.