Hands on. Is this compact keyboard for you? A freebie too.

By on November 15, 2010 in Reviews

The Microsoft Arc Keyboard starts off with a good first impression. Out of the box I was impressed by the nice black cloth pouch. Slide out the solid glossy black keyboard and you will be impressed by the feel and the quality of construction.

Flip the Arc over and you will find the nano transceiver..all you need to do is plug it in to your computer and the necessary drivers are installed.

If you want to customise some of the keys the latest version of Intellitype Pro for Windows or Mac is available for download at the Microsoft Web Site. Insert the two AA batteries (included) flip it right side up and you are ready to go to work.

The first thing you will notice is that despite its small size the Arc feels like an ordinary keyboard..no keys in bizare locations. The slight curve is not only stylish but  makes for comfortable typing and you won’t find your fingers tripping over themselves. You will like the nice wide spacebar..I know I do. The spacebar is usually the first thing to go on compact keyboards. As much as you will like the spacebar you will feel less charitable about the big compromise..the cursor keys have been moved to a single D-pad in the lower right corner. It takes some getting used to. I didn’t realize how much I use those keys

Overall I like this little keyboard it is comfortable on the lap, the curve keeps it stable and that is nice when using it with the Xbox 360 or the Sony PS3. It is perfect for a media PC, although a couple of media keys would have been a nice addition. It also worked nicely on my iPad using the iPad Camera Connection Kit.

The price at $69.99 is a bit steep but if you move quickly it is currently on sale for $49.95 until November 16th at Bureau en Gros/Staples .

I have a French version of the Arc Keyboard to give away. To qualify simply leave a comment below with your email address. I will make the draw at 6PM next Monday.

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About

Former RCAF fighter pilot, retired TV Reporter, Producer, Executive Producer at CTV Montreal and past Mayor of Beaconsfield.
Bob writes about Personal Technology and Car Tech daily at http://hometechmtl.com.

3 Responses to Hands on. Is this compact keyboard for you? A freebie too.

  1. MC November 15, 2010 at 5:47 PM #

    If it works with a Mac I’m up for the draw!

    Reply
  2. Allan November 15, 2010 at 6:47 PM #

    Je suis bilingue. Count me in for the draw.

    Reply
  3. Steven Bely November 20, 2010 at 9:52 AM #

    Great site Bob, keep up the great work…Steve

    Reply

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