Fig 1  Customizable Hot keys

The keyboard also supports the power management functions in Windows 98, with the Sleep button placed on the right side of the keyboard.  Some keyboards with multimedia functions in the market have included the wake button as well.  I really don’t see the point of that, as the PC will wake up just by depressing any buttons or moving the mouse.  There are also 2 other customizable buttons, using the Microsoft Intellitype software, to give you a total of 114 buttons.  The 2 extra buttons are set to default to My Computer and Calculator in Windows 9x.  Users can customize 4 of the 10 extra buttons with the Intellitype software.  For instance, you can set the Calculator button to open Windows Explorer, and so on.  Whenever you press these buttons, an overlay message will pop – up indicating the applications that will be launched. 

If you purchase the OEM version of the keyboard, you have to download the Intellitype software from http://www.microsoft.com/keyboard/download/pc/download_PC.htm, an 18 MB download.  Install the software, and it will add some features to the existing keyboard property in Control Panel, like the ability to customize the buttons (Fig 1).

One of the neatest feature of this software is the ability to disable specific keys such as both of the Windows keys, the Caps Lock and the Application key (Fig 2).  This is useful to prevent us gamers from accidentally pressing the keys while fragging, or racing, or whatever, and risk crashing the game you’re playing.  Other than that, we also have the options to set the language, keys repeat rates and so on. Pretty much the standard keyboard features in Windows.

Verdict.

Overall I found that this keyboard is definitely worth buying, especially if your current keyboard needs 20 tons of pressure to activate one button.  Probably the web buttons will be the reason why you should buy this keyboard.  These buttons are a welcomed addition, but I don’t really use it, that frequently, preferring to use the mouse while surfing. Most of us will probably feel the same way.  And these web buttons will be of little use if you’re not a heavy surfer, or doesn’t access the Internet that frequently.  But if you’re a heavy surfer, then these web buttons will be of big help, as you can use your left hand to press the buttons and keep your right hand on the mouse. With only 2 buttons that are not web related (excluding the Sleep button) that can be customized, the absence of multimedia buttons will be felt.  Probably Microsoft should have included a few basic multimedia buttons, such as buttons to access the Media Player.  But if you feel that multimedia is your requirement, then go get the Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro, for almost three times the price of off-the-shelf Internet Keyboard.  I’ve used this keyboard for almost 2 weeks already, which include all night fragging and surfing.  This keyboard will last, and will probably be the only keyboard you will ever need.  And with some outlets in Imbi selling it for as low as RM55, I don’t see why there’ll be other choices than this, price wise.  Some of the stores have special bundles, which sells for RM110 for both the Keyboard and the excellent Microsoft Intellimouse.  Do note that the OEM version doesn’t include all the extras, like the palm rest and drivers CD.  If you want all the xtras, go get the full market version, for about RM30 – 40 more.  Happy fragging.

Pros  

Relatively cheap   

Good, comfy layout 

Additional buttons useful when surfing

Tough, durable design     

Cons

Big software download

No multimedia buttons

Palm rest not included

Web buttons limited to browser functions only