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Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 Review

About.com Rating 4 Star Rating
User Rating 2 Star Rating (3 Reviews) Write a review

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Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 Review

Image courtesy of Microsoft

Microsoft’s Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 aims to fulfill two user groups: those seeking a travel keyboard and those seeking an external number pad. If you’re a laptop user who sorely misses the right-hand number pad -- but still doesn’t want a full-sized keyboard -- the Mobile Keyboard 6000 is a great choice for you.

At a Glance

The Good: Lightweight, slim, attractive

The Bad: A bit pricey

Bluetooth Users Only

The most important thing to note is right in the keyboard's name: Bluetooth. The 6000 will only work if you have integrated Bluetooth in your computer or if you purchase a Bluetooth receiver. I was required to enter a connectivity passkey for both the keyboard and the number pad, but thankfully only needed to do it once.

The Good

The Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 tested well with key response time and accuracy. It's extremely slim and lightweight -- it measures just 14 inches at its longest point and 6 inches wide, while the number pad is 5.5 inches long by 4 inches wide. Both would fit easily into most laptop cases. Microsoft uses its Comfort Curve shape design, which lends itself to comfortable typing despite its lack of a wrist rest.

The design is both attractive and durable, with rubberized edges coating three sides of each device and glossy black edges on the tops. A carrying case is included for the number pad.

For those with integrated Bluetooth, this is the ultimate travel keyboard because you will never need to worry about losing that receiver again.

The Bad

Although I only needed to pair the keyboard to the receiver once, I found that it occasionally stalled after I woke the computer from its sleep mode. This is likely due to the Bluetooth technology and not the keyboard itself.

The Home, End, Print Screen and Insert keys are only accessible while using the Function key. While this won't be a problem for some, it could prove to be annoying if you frequently use them.

The Bottom Line

At $89.99, the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 is a bit pricey and would work best for road warriors who require true portability.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

User Reviews

 5 out of 5
Great for Travel, Member jsh1120

Downsized my 15 inch laptop to an 11 inch netbook for travel. Unfortunately, that meant giving up a good keyboard for a cramped, less comfortable alternative. The Msoft Mobile 6000 has been a lifesaver both for travel and for use with my larger desk replacement laptop with an external monitor. Very thin design makes it easily ""tote-able"" and easily placed on a small hotel room table. Keys are responsive, well positioned and accurate. I'm not an accountant and don't use the separate number pad so I appreciate not having to carry it around. By the same token those who do use a number pad will find it useful to have a separate pad for use with or without the keyboard. I've had none of the problems others have noted with pairing the keyboard with my systems, though early on I did note the need to ""re-pair"" the keyboard on several occasions with my netbook. Not a big deal though a bit annoying. I suspect the problem lies with the system I was using with the keyboard rather than the keyboard itself. All in all, I don't think there's a better compromise between usability and portability.

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