Review - Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro

Last week, I needed a new keyboard. The last one was a Microsoft keyboard with the little "plus" layout for the arrow keys which, over time, I started to absolutely despise. I decided to get the Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro mainly because it had the inverted "T" layout for the arrow keys, and sported USB support including 2 ports from the back of the keyboard. Note that I bought the Microsoft keyboard mainly because we use them at work, and I'm not really familiar with any of the other keyboards out there. When I'm dropping my own money on something, I buy what I like. Also, I hate returning things which is why I don't buy something with the intent on bringing it back.

When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised. They end of the cable split into a USB and a PS/2 connector which I wasn't aware of when I looked at it at CompUSA. Using the PS/2 connector alone obviously didn't allow the 2 USB ports in the back to work, but using the USB plug alone without the PS/2 plug doesn't seem to be supported, you have to plug in the PS/2 port or Windows won't see the keyboard at all. Update October 15, 2001: The keyboard was first installed under Windows XP Home RC2. I've since installed Windows XP Pro Retail and the USB-only portion of the keyboard works fine.

Using the 2 USB ports in the back worked for my iPaq cradle and my Kodak DC4800 camera, but my WebCam Go! wouldn't work at all connected this way. The WebCam doesn't work with XP yet, but under ME where it does work, Windows complained that there wasn't enough power to use the WebCam.

On the top of the keyboard are 19 buttons. They're listed here in the order they appear, left to right:

Back
Forward
Stop
Refresh
Search
Favorites
Web/Home

Mail

Mute
Volume -
Volume +
Play/Pause
Stop
Prev Track
Next Track
Media

My Computer
Calculator

Sleep

So what Microsoft did was split features into two main groups: surfing and playing music. Without installing drivers under Windows XP, all these buttons worked, and did just what they say they do. While working on this site, my daughter needed me and I pressed the "Play/Pause" button while in Adobe GoLive! and sure enough, Windows Media Player paused.

Now, the media navigation buttons on the keyboard seems to be tied in directly Windows Media Player. When I launched WinAmp, the Play/Pause button did nothing under WinAmp, but started from where Windows Media Player left off. The audio buttons work fine, and seem to be tied into the PC's audio system as a whole, rather than with one application.

When I went to install the IntelliType Pro software from the inluded CD, it told me that Windows XP wasn't supported, but pointed me to http://www.microsoft.com/keyboard/ where I downloaded version 2.11 of the IntelliType Pro software. After you install the software, it asks you if you want to register the keyboard. Saying "Yes" brings you to an error page on Microsoft's web site saying that no page matches the requested URL. Trying to register manually doesn't work because there's no selection for Windows XP as the OS, nor can you select this keyboard.

The Quick Start Guide is just that, getting you started on certain features of the keyboard. The Intellitype Pro application sets your standard repeat rate and other useful things, but also allows you to assign functions to some of the buttons and keys on the keyboard.

Overall, I'm very impressed with this keyboard. The keys have just the right feel for me, and are nicely spaced. You might not want to use this as a USB hub if you need to add powered devices.