Product: Adesso 2.4GHz RF SlimTouch Pro Touchpad Keyboard
Supplier:  Adesso
MSRP: $119.99     Find Lowest Price @ PriceGrabber
Author: Nick
Date:  April 19, 2010

With more and more video content being available on the internet and a lot of newer computers including HDMI ports, it goes without saying these computers will be hooked up to TVs.  However, this means possibly having to use a keyboard and mouse on the couch.  For the most part a mouse will work ok on the couch but there are many times it will not.  This is where one of Adesso’s newest keyboards comes in.  The SlimTouch Pro Touchpad Keyboard not only serves as a keyboard but also has a built in touchpad to help eliminate the need for a mouse all together.

Features/Specifications (As Provided By Adesso)

• Work freely with no limits of space, angles or distance - Answering the call of customers frustrated with cord clutter, Adesso turned to wireless technology to satisfy this need. It has 6500 IDs on 12 channels you can enjoy 30 feet of wireless freedom. Enjoy the freedom of wireless connectivity in all angles and great space saver for any desktop.

• Soft tactile membrane key switch for regular typing – A standard feel and touch as you type, encode data and very ideal for longer use. The membrane keys reduce noise when typing. Putting less stress and effort in using the keyboard which makes typing much faster and easy. This design is typical to standard desktop keyboards as users requires more hours
• Built-in Touchpad which eliminates the use of a mouse – GlidePoint touchpad technology provides precision and control. This makes the movement of your cursor accurate and precise. The integrated Glidepoint touchpad eliminates the need for a mouse and saves valuable desk space, and is centrally positioned for ultimate comfort and convenience.

• Power saving switch and an easy connect button - A new feature on Adesso’s wireless keyboards, the On/Off switch saves battery life for extended use. The Quick Connect button enables users to synchronize their PC with the click of a button.

Contents

Included with the Adesso 2.4GHz RF SlimTouch Pro is a USB transceiver, a set of batteries, and a user guide.

First Impressions/Usage

After only a minute of usage, I discovered one major downfall of the SlimTouch Pro Touchpad Keyboard.  In adding the touchpad to the device, Adesso eliminated the number pad and placed the keys that are usually in between main part of the keyboard and the number pad where ever they could find room.  While the number pad is minor, the latter issue definitely takes some getting used to.  To me this left the keyboard feeling like a cramped netbook keyboard and also decreased my typing accuracy.  With a little bit of use, I became used to this keyboard but was still slightly frustrated with the ergonomics.

Another thing I noticed right away was the presence of only a few multimedia keys to control basic features such as volume, playback controls, scrolling, as well as a buttons to open up your email program and web browser.  I personally liked this as I almost never use the tons of multimedia keys found on some other keyboards.  Also even more impressive is that none of these keys required the installation of software often times required by other keyboards.

A unique feature of the SlimTouch Pro is the built in touchpad.  This is one part of the keyboard I have no real complaints about.  Since I do not have cable, I rely solely on a couple laptops hooked up to my LCD tv’s via HDMI for most of my TV watching.  Up until now, I have always used a wireless keyboard and mouse to navigate my way around various streaming media sites.  While for the most part, mice do not always work the best on couches.  Having a touchpad right on the keyboard solved all those problems.

Conclusion

As a full time keyboard, Adesso’s 2.4GHz RF SlimTouch Pro Touchpad Keyboard leaves a lot to be desired.  In order to accommodate the touchpad, Adesso not only removed the number pad, but changed the layout to that of a smaller laptop.    The end result was keyboard which required getting used to before it could be used proficiently.  However, as keyboard for a HTPC where typing is somewhat limited and more emphasis is placed on the mouse, the SlimTouch Pro excelled.   The touchpad worked better than any of the mice I had on a couch.  This being said, my only other real complaint about this keyboard is its price.  To me, $119.99 seems a little high.

Pros

+ Minimalistic in terms of extra keys
+ Multimedia keys require no additional software
+ Built in touch pad eliminated need for a mouse

Cons

- Keyboard feels cramped and changes in layout reduce typing accuracy
- Price

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Tags: Adesso, keyboard, SlimTouch, touchpad