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Initially I was just looking for something that was cordless and would work with Macs, so when I found this Macally USB Wireless Rf Programmable Keyboard With Multimedia Keys on sale for $29 at MacAllys site, I grabbed 2 of them. I gave one to my sister (a new mac-user), then popped the batteries in the other and plugged in the little USB RF unit to my iBook. It was just about everything I had hoped for ... nice responsiveness to the keys, the unusual shape provided a comfortable typing position with the keyboard propped against my knees while lying on my back, and the semi hollowed-out back helprd form a functional "fast-grab" one-handed grip on either side of the keyboard. Between keyboard commands, the arrow keys, and the scrolling-rolling wheel, there wasn't much need for a mouse at all.
I didn't even bother installing the included software for a month or so, and the only thing that really drove me to it was that the volume keys didn't work. Actually, I should have known better, and just gone directly to MacAlly's site looking for new drivers ... and finally did after having a heck of a time trying to get the multimedia keys to respond to the newly installed programming software. The drivers on the installation CD were at least 2 years old. But the new drivers fixed everything, and although I should, I can't bring myself to deduct a star for that, especially considering I got the boards for half the retail price, and I'd think the kewboards would be shipping with the new drivers by now.
After that, it was fun experimenting, and assigning all kinds of strange functions to all those extra keys. My favorite one starts up VoiceOver and immedistely starts reading what I've typed, or what I've selected from a page of type anywhere. Another brings up my Snapz program, and I can start taking pictures or movies of anything on my desktop. I think that's the best part about the programming, you can make it do just about anything. There's a couple set up with my Credit card numbers, so I don't have to be squinting and typing in all those numbers, and my favorite web links are attached to others.
It's 10 months later now. I haven't changed the batteries yet, and that's in spite of the fact that there;s no off switch and I use it 4-5 hours easily every day. I've dropped it at least 30 times, and aside from some small chips or something rattling around inside, it still works as good as day-1. I've even used it up to 20 feet from the computer, with no loss of function. I stole the one back from my sister too. Since she lives upstairs, only 4-5 feet over my head really, I was a little worried that her Mac would be responding to commands I typed in on mine (that's what I told her anyway lol), it does btw have 2 channels you can switch between, so using two keyboards within range shouldn't be a problem. This is one great keyboard for my purposes and I absolutely love it and recommend it highly.
A nice companion to this keyboard, and another good investment is the MacAlly RF Mouse Jr. It has a comfortable sculpted feel with two programmable buttons and a scroll wheel which actually acts as a third button too. It has the same kind of set-up ... a USB plug-in RF receiver on a 3 foot cord, and it has another rather unique feature. The mouse comes with 4 rechargable batteries. Two go in the mouse, and two go in the receiver which is also a charger ... so you always have 2 fresh batteries waiting for you. The mouse does have an OFF button on the bottom, but if you forget it use it like I do, you'll be swapping the batteries out about every 3-4 weeks. If you're a Mac user, these are both good solid precise input devices you'll come to really appreciate, and the only thing that could make them better would be if they were bluetooth, and didn't tie up the USB ports.
| | I ordered this item not knowing that it was for MACs only. A little more information on this product would have saved me a lot of time and trouble.
| | MyMAc.com Review Donny Yankellow |
| What goes well with a wireless mouse? How about a wireless keyboard? Macally's rfKEY (which I am typing this review with) is a nice wireless keyboard with TONS of features.
Let's start with the basic features of a keyboard that an Apple user might look for. Most importantly, are there drivers for the Mac? Yes. The keyboard comes with drivers for OS 10.1.5, 10.2 and higher, and 9.2. There are no Intel drivers, but they are under development. While there is basic functionality without the drivers, I would not spend $[...]on a keyboard without full functionality.
Back to the other features. Eject button? Yes. Volume control? Yes. Delete and backspace? Yes. The all-important Apple/Command Key? Yes. Can you boot the computer from a CD with the "C" key pressed? Yes! This is definitely a keyboard made for a Mac.
As for the extra features, this keyboard is loaded with them. There are fifteen customizable keys at the top of the keyboard. These keys can be programmed to open programs, open a website, and even control iTunes. In addition to these keys, there is a set of keys and a scroll wheel located where the arrow keys would normally be (don't worry, the arrow keys are located under the number pad). By default, this set of keys (consisting of refresh, backwards, forwards, and home buttons) is for navigating through web pages. The scroll wheel acts just like you would expect it to- it scrolls up and down a page.
The keyboard itself is white. This size is what I consider an oversized keyboard. It is about twice the depth of an Apple keyboard. Underneath the keys is a wrist wrest, which accounts for part of the size. The keys have a soft touch to them, reminding me of some Dell keyboards I have used. The thickness of the keyboard gives it a nice working angle, and the additional lifts underneath the keyboard will angle it even more, for those who want to use them.
Set up is extremely easy. You install the included AAA batteries into the keyboard and connect the USB receiver to the computer. Next, you install the drivers and you are good to go. There is no connecting process needed, although there is connection buttons if a problem occurs.
Response time from keyboard to screen is pretty good. I do notice a very slight delay after touching a key. It is just that, a slight delay, and not enough to cause any problems.
Battery life seems to be very good. I have been testing the keyboard on a regular, daily, basis for two weeks now and everything is still working fine on the original batteries.
The range on this keyboard is amazing! I walked about ten feet to the doorway of the room I am in, and it still worked. The keyboard continued to work for another five feet into the hallway, and between some walls! Based on that experiment, you should easily be able to get 15 feet away from the receiver.
At $[...], the rfKEY might be a little pricey, but it does have a lot of nice features. I priced other wireless keyboards, and the rfKEY fell into the average price range, but many of the other keyboards came with a wireless mouse. With that said, I would still recommend this keyboard for those in need of a good wireless keyboard option.
MyMac.com rating 4 out of 5 (4.5 if there were Intel drivers)
Pros:
All the basic Apple keyboard functions.
Plenty of extra customizable keys.
Comfortable keyboard.
Great range!
Easy set-up.
3-year warranty.
Cons:
I notice a very slight delay from keyboard to screen.
No Intel drivers - yet.
A little pricey at $[...]
| | Not for Use wtih Intel-Macs |
| Nice looking keyboard but fairly useless with Intel-based Macs as there are no drivers for it. E-mail from Macally (November 2007) states that Macally "has no plans to make Intel driver for this keyboard". $35 down the drain.
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