Webboard - Apr/May '00

Webboard

Lawyers everywhere are cutting the cord and going wireless with all sorts of technology. When looking at traditional wireless keyboards, the problem is usually that you still have a separate mouse. I've never quite figured out how one is supposed to hold both a wireless keyboard and operate a wireless mouse. Something just isn't quite right with that picture.

This is where Unicomp's 88-key, wireless Webboard comes in. It connects to a desktop or laptop system with a PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse connector on an infrared receiver which, in turn, communicates with the keyboard. I tested the unit from as far away as 15 feet. A direct line of sight seemed to be required between the keyboard and the receiver unit. This is typical of infrared technology. Note that the dual connectors, both keyboard and mouse, can pose problems for laptops that only have a single combined mouse/keyboard port.

At about 2 pounds, this sleek black keyboard is shaped like a laptop keyboard with no separate numeric keypad. Its numeric keypad is embedded with selectable keys in the midst of the alpha character set. Typing on the keyboard felt natural and comfortable.

Much in the fashion of IBM ThinkPads, Toshiba laptops and the new Dell Inspiron 3700 series laptops, the Webboard has a built-in pointing stick. A little eraserhead embedded between the "G" and "H" keys, it's moved with one's fingertip. Interestingly, there's a second, duplicate pointing stick in the upper-right corner of the keyboard along with two mouse buttons below it. To accomodate lefties,the mouse buttons are also duplicated on the left side. There are also mouse buttons where one would see them on a laptop, just below the space bar. Overall, this offers significant flexibility in pointing.

The keyboard runs on four AA batteries, rated by the manufacturer at up to 330 hours of operation. I'd recommend alkalines or rechargeables if you hope to see that kind of battery life.

The keyboard includes a software utility package that allows you to control your PC's CD-player with standard music controls. It also includes keys that can be programmed to allow direct launching of your Web browser, e-mailer and so on. The software and the keyboard will work on Windows 3.x, 95, 98, and NT systems. The test PC ran Windows 98.

Unicomp Inc.
(800) 777-4886
www.pckeyboard.com

Windows 3.1x/95/98/NT

$69

Reviewed by Ross Kodner, lawyer and legal technologist, MicroLaw Inc., Milwaukee, Wisc.,

April/May '00 Issue

PROS
Sturdy construction, excellent tactile feel, dual function key sets.Light; compact; dual pointing sticks.

CON
Connectors not practical with many laptops.

VERDICT
If you need to cut your input cords, Webboard makes a lot of sense.