I've been really looking forward to trying out Motion's Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard. I've used two other keyboards that Motion has (usb keyboard and the hardtop keyboard). My experience with the hardtop keyboard was less than pleasant. The usb cable and the setup was too big of a hassle. So, I was anxious to see how the Bluetooth setup would work. I was very impressed.
I initially had trouble with the setup. My M1400VA came with SP2 pre-installed, so the included instructions didn't match my Bluetooth setup. The included instructions assume that SP2 has been installed by the user. After talking with Motion's tech support (which was very good by the way), they decided to send me a new one. The replacement had a bluesheet that told me to download the newest instructions from their website, since I had SP2 preinstalled. Note to Motion: The instructions to download the updated guide were incorrect. Put the link on your Technical Support Page like the instructions say. I'd also recommend that you include the updated instructions in the package, as well as make the resellers update their stock with the latest instructions.
Following the updated instructions, the pairing process actually went really smooth. The keyboard is setup in discovery mode by pressing the power button, resetting (FN-R), and pressing the power button again. The keyboard is powered by 3 AA batteries (included).
I found typing on the keyboard a real pleasure. The keys responded wonderfully to my fast typing. It was a much better experience than the hardtop keyboard. I also found it to be a better keyboard than the TC1100 keyboard. If I let the keyboard sit idle for 30 – 45 seconds, I would notice a slight delay in typing. After the initial delay, typing was normal speed.
The trackball and mouse key locations take a little getting use to. I wouldn't want to use the trackball and mouse keys on a daily basis, but for a mobile solution, they are fine. If the trackball was a trackpoint and the mouse keys were at the bottom of the keyboard, I could seriously see myself using this keyboard on a daily basis. There is a plus in the way the keyboard is currently designed, though: you can grasp it with both hands, and operate the trackball with your right hand and the mouse keys with your left hand rather easily. I really liked that.
The trackball falls asleep after 3 minutes; the keyboard falls asleep after 20 minutes. All you have to do is press the power button to wake them up again. The instructions say that when you reboot your computer, a short delay will occur while the keyboard wakes up. I could never get the keyboard to operate after reboot without pressing the power button. Not a big issue, but it would be nice if I didn't have to do that.
I experimented with using the keyboard from different lengths and did not notice any lag in speed or accuracy. This solution is really good for those doing wireless presentations via a projector.
There are 11 function keys included: Windows Media Player, Media Player full scree toggle, Pause / Play, Stop / Eject, Mute speakers, volume up / down, web browser, sleep, email, and of course Power. The keys are nice, but I've never used them even on my regular keyboard. I'd like to see them redesign it without the function keys, and use that extra real estate for a trackpoint and mousekeys on the bottom of the keyboard.
Using a keyboard is great, but it can be a little problematic with a slate: What are you going to prop the slate up with? Most slate manufacturers include some type of stand, but its' still something extra you have to carry with you. Well, if you have a slate with great viewing angles like the M1400VA, you can just lay it down flat and type. You can still see the screen really well, but its' not optimal. To compliment their Bluetooth keyboard, I'd love to see Motion adapt a pull out prop that is attached to the back of the slate (or embedded into the back so its' unobtrusive when not being used (M1500??). See this video for an example.
Motion does not currently have any plans for a Bluetooth enabled hardtop keyboard. I would highly encourage them to look at it. The keyboard is a fantastic accessory to the slate, but its' another piece of hardware that I have to remember to carry with me. If it were attached to the back, it wouldn't be an issue.
Pros:
- Light
- Full size keys
- Solid design and feel .
- Responds very well to typing.
Cons:
- The trackball and mouse keys location take a little getting used to.
- Keyboard does not power up automatically when the computer reboots.
Competitively priced at $149
Buzz Meter: 4.0 out of 5
Purchase now at http://www.motioncomputing.com
