Microsoft Arc Keyboard

As I recently mentioned in my Hanvon Windows 7 Tablet PC review, one of my biggest bug bears is with virtual keyboards. With no tactile feedback to know if you are hitting the correct keys, the entire concept of "touch typing" essentially goes out the window. These days, it is not uncommon to watch people trying to type on an iPhone or iPad to be staring more at the virtual keyboard than they are at what they are entering - and then either a lengthy editing session begins, or the person flings off the message complete with numerous typos or T9 correction gaffs. Is it any wonder, then, that I firmly believe the "Sent from my iPad" default sigfile that Apple installs in the iPad's mail client should more accurately read "Srht form my oPsd"?

Anyway, to ensure I would be able to endure semi-long typing spells, I decided to purchase a small portable keyboard to go with my B10 Tablet (hmmm - that really does sound like a vitamin pill!), and after browsing my local Officeworks for nigh on 30 minutes, I elected to purchase the super-tiny, but no less awesome-looking, Microsoft Arc Keyboard. Have been using it these last few days to type on, and I have to say that for the most part it's been a really great keyboard, but considering the alternative was an on-screen virtual one, it's a no-brainer really.

The footprint of the hardware is quite petite, being more akin to the sort of keyboard you'd find on a larger 10" - 11" netbook. The keys themselves are chiclet-style, and have a decent level of bounce or clickiness to them. It's a satisfying typing experience, and I have found myself warming to it quite quickly the more I use it. In fact, it would be fair to say that the Arc Keyboard is nicer to use than some larger sized, more expensive, keyboards I've been forced to endure over the years. The actual design of the unit is appealing, with the "Arc" nature of the keyboard giving it a slight ergonomic feeling as well, with a raised middle section ensuring your hands feel at essentially the right angle to make the typing experience comfortable.

In terms of the actual "extra" buttons you get on the device, there is a dedicated Start menu button, and while you don't get a dedicated numeric keypad (something I will admit I am saddened to see appearing less and less on keyboards), you do get a nice D-pad down the bottom right-hand corner for moving a cursor around on screen. I've found that little bonus quite a nice feature, and it certainly works better in terms of space useage than getting a more regular set of 4 directional keys. Chuck in some dedicated volume / mute keys, and you've pretty much got the Arc Keyboard down pat.

The device works with it's own dedicated USB dongle, which is thankfully a "Nano Receiver", which basically means you don't have a massive USB stick poking out of the side of your device. The receiver is a very tiny, discreet unit, which sits almost flush with the side of my B10 Tablet. When it is not in use, the receiver magnetically clips into a hollowed-out section under the keyboard, which makes for easy storage. Powered by 2 x AAA batteries (included in the box), overall it's proving itself to be a great travel keyboard. I certainly really like it.

About my only complaint with the device, and I am not sure if this is a problem inherent in the Keyboard itself, or just something I am doing wrong, but I have found that when trying to use the Shift key in addition to, say, generating the " character, I find it doesn't appear until I hit the Spacebar or something. Which can be quite annoying, but again, this might not be a problem with the Keyboard itself, but rather my use of it in certain app situations. I will have to do more testing before reaching a final conclusion.

But if there's one thing clear from the Microsoft Arc Keyboard, it's that Microsoft can definitely do good-looking hardware, there's no doubt about that. The Arc Keyboard is a beautiful addition to the growing "Arc" product family, which so far has really only included mice. If you are after a great travel keyboard that is thin, portable, and relaxing to use, you cannot go far wrong by getting a Microsoft Arc Keyboard. It's certainly become my essential travel companion to my Hanvon B10 Windows 7 Tablet PC.