I have a problem with keyboards. I love trying new ones. Over the past year I have actually been using a Logitech one pretty consistently, but I keep trying new ones to see if I can do better.
My most recent adventure is with a Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 3000. Unfortunately, I love the feel of the short throw keys and the curved layout. I say unfortunately because it uses the same old fashioned wireless adapter / technology that has caused me to get rid of other MS keyboards in the past.
As I’m trucking along working, the follow message pops up:
You’d think that I’d be appreciative of the fact that the computer is trying to help me work better – but, I think that the following picture tells the real story:
See that lozenge just past the keyboard to the left of the white speaker? That’s the keyboard and mouse receiver. Just how much closer does it need to be to get a good signal? I’ve got an idea, why don’t we build in the wireless receiver into the keyboard. Then you’d only have the wire to the receiver going into the keyboard! It’s pretty funny – if you look at the MS web site for the product (linked above), you’ll see they have the receiver in pretty much the same place.
Not a set up. No joke.
Meanwhile I’ve put over 2.5 million keystrokes on my Logitech MX3200 keyboard with no wireless signal problems, a smaller adapter and I’m still on the first set of batteries. The main reason I’ve decided to try this MS keyboard is for the "natural" comfort curve, which should help with my wrists creaking. We’ll see if I can find a good position for the receiver. <sigh>