Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard by Microsoft
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Digital camera reviews of Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard
Digital camera Review: Never worked
Summary: 1 Stars
I ordered "Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard" from "V.I.P. Group Corporation". Order processing was no problems.
But when I tried to use it I found that at least 3 keys don not work : "c", "3" and "Web launch".
Idea is good : cheap keyboard with a lot of nice functions, implementation of this idea - terrible.
Digital camera Review: Not a quiet keyboard or a laptop keyboard replacement
Summary: 3 Stars
As multiple reviewers have noted before, the Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard has a solid feel to it and its key response is very good. However, I am giving it 3 stars because of the following reasons:
1. The solid feel and good key response is not unique to this keyboard. There are several other lower priced keyboards on this site (that I have tried out) that do the job just as well, if not better.
2. This keyboard is NOT quiet. It makes as much sound as any other keyboard on the market. If you are looking for a quiet experience, this keyboard is not for you. Some reviewers have mentioned that the keyboard gets louder with time. Well, I have had it for around a month now and if it gets any louder, I am afraid I may have to wear headphones to drown the sound of my own typing!
3. I originally bought this keyboard as a laptop keyboard replacement. Though I knew that it would be unrealistic to expect that a full-sized keyboard would be as soft and quiet as a laptop keyboard, I was hoping that the keys would be at the very least, slightly softer and easier to type on as compared to the standard keyboards. This is not the case. The keys are just as fatiguing as any other office keyboard. They are WAAAY more fatiguing than a laptop keyboard.
4. I don't believe in installing additional software for basic plug and play components such as a keyboard. I am very glad that the Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard worked right out of the box without a hitch. I just a needed a basic no-frills efficient (and quiet) keyboard and I have no use at all for the media frills. Keyboard shortcuts (with a program such as Winkey) are a much better way to launch applications. I fail to understand the need to map every random media application on a keyboard - when you can have infinitely efficient software map them on the go for you. Thus, the additional buttons are a space-hogging waste for me.
In conclusion:
- This is a reliable keyboard and does what any keyboard is supposed to do.
- However, its NOT worth buying if you are looking for:
a) A laptop keyboard replacement.
b) A quiet keyboard
c) A low-fatigue soft-touch keyboard
d) A very basic non-frills keyboard.
e) A space efficient keyboard
(Keep in mind that it does NOT have any of the above features.)
PS: It comes with a USB as well as a PS connector. So there were no problems in connecting with both newer and legacy computers.
Digital camera Review: Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard
Summary: 1 Stars
I have been unable to install the software for this product. That obviously limits its functionality. The error message indicates a lack of disc space, which is not a problem for me, or "some other error". I've heard that others have had the same problem. I would definitely not recommend this product to others.Digital camera Review: After 2 years of use, the verdict is in: excellent, well-designed, durable
Summary: 5 Stars
This probably the best you are likely to get in keyboards within the $10-20 price range. I've been using one of these for almost 2 years now in my little home office and, 2 years later, it's still as good as new - it hasn't failed me once.
Personally, I have no use for the extra dedicated keys but, I just verified that pressing the 'calculator' button conveniently located right above the numeric keypad does bring up the little Microsoft Calculator (I am using Vista), the 'Web/Home' button calls my default browser (Chrome, not IE) and the 'Mail' button opens my default email client. Additional buttons are for documents, pictures, music. You also get speaker control buttons and video playback controls (play/pause, stop, fast forward and back).
Overall, I am impressed with the built quality. I am a fast touch typist and, for me, it's hard to improve on this one. I tend to type as I think words and I am rarely aware of the keyboard's existence as my fingers are allowed to do the talking and they can do it undisturbed on this keyboard because all keys are exactly where they are supposed to be.
Additional details: connects to the computer via a USB interface. There are 5 'My favorites' keys that I never used but it's good to know that they are there. Comes with a removable hands rest and... that's just about it.
If you are in the market for an inexpensive, rather large, typist-friendly keyboard that also has some frills then this is what you want. And this comes from someone who is not exactly a Microsoft fan.
I wish I could think of some reason to take out one star or two but, given the price, I can't. It's an easy 5-star.
Digital camera Review: Solid, useful shortcut keys, not as quiet as I had hoped
Summary: 4 Stars
I can't ding this product for not meeting my expectations. I should have tried it out in person. The keyboard feels very solid, the media shortcuts are useful, the installation software was painless to install.
I really wanted a quiet keyboard so I could type (take notes) while using my headset on conference calls, etc. Despite the MS "quiet touch" keys and at least one review to the contrary, the keyboard is about as loud as the ancient standard Dell keyboard that I was using before. It is definitely quieter than some, but I had hoped for better. Is it really that hard to make a quiet keyboard? Next time I will shop in person.
Still, I give it four stars. Unless you're looking specifically for a silent experience, you'll be satisfied with this good quality keyboard.