At Rs. 3,500, the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 isn�t the cheapest wireless keyboard for your desktop or laptop but it is a good product if you decide to use it with multiple devices such as your tablet or smartphone as well. Just remember, it can only be connected to one device at a time.
Today we test the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000. It’s one of the simplest Bluetooth keyboards out there and will connect and work with not only your Bluetooth enabled desktop and laptop but your tablet or Bluetooth enables smartphone as well. Are the features enough to justify the heavy price tag?
Look and Feel
Straight out of the box, the first thing that will catch your eye is the design of the keyboard. It is curved in a “U” shape. The keys are well laid out but there is no space between them.
You will notice that the keys in the center such as the “B”, “N”, “H” are large and because of this certain keys such as “O”, “K”, “L”, “Q”, and more feel small. This isn’t a paranormal activity, its just a design choice on Microsoft’s part.
The device has a nice black matte finish to it, which makes it look elegant. The device also isn’t a dust and fingerprint magnet, which is very nice. The rear of the device houses the holder for the two AAA batteries and the on/off toggle along with the Bluetooth button.
Overall, the look of the device is nice. It’s no showstopper, but it isn’t a hag either. Its light and small enough to fit into your laptop bag, as well as a travelling case. Too bad the device doesn’t come with its own carry case.
Visit next page to read Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000’s features, performance and Verdict
Features and performance
We tested the device on a MacBook Pro, iPod Touch and an Android Smartphone. The Keyboards connects to only one device at a time so will have to reset it each time you want to use it with a different device. One setup however, the device works seamlessly.
You can connect the keyboard via your computers’ Bluetooth settings but we recommend you download the latest software from Microsoft’s website to ensure that you device works without any hitches.
In terms of typing, the device takes some getting used to. The curved nature of the device is meant to encourage a “natural wrist position for ease of use”, but that isn’t the case, initially at least. It takes some getting used too. Plus the fact that some keys on the keyboard are smaller than others can lead to errors. Since the keyboard doesn’t have a palm rest, you will have to rely on the table. If you use the device resting on your lap, it may not be the best for prolonged use.
One flaw that stands out on the device is that the F1 to F12 and the esc buttons are really small. Mac users will take some time to get used to the device as it doesn’t have the “command” or “option” button but these actions are taken care of with the Alt and Windows key.
The keyboard isn’t backlit either.
Our Take:
At Rs. 3,500, the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 isn’t the cheapest wireless keyboard for your desktop or laptop but it is a good product if you decide to use it with multiple devices such as your tablet or smartphone as well. Just remember, it can only be connected to one device at a time.
If you are in the market to pick up a wireless keyboard, you can take a look at the offerings from Logitech, Amkette and Microsoft’s other offerings before picking up the device.