Microsoft Internet Keyboard

by Microsoft

Product Details

Product Manual [187kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 19.6 x 2.8 inches ; 2.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002MZ8G
• Item model number: C19-00001
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 29, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

With one-touch access for many common functions, Microsoft's Internet Keyboard Pro will improve your efficiency level. The keyboard itself installs simply and quickly and sports an extra USB port in back--more digging around behind your PC.

To use the hot keys, just install the IntelliType Pro software that comes with the keyboard. It only takes a few minutes and will ultimately make your time in front of the computer better spent. There are seven different Internet keys that highlight common icons such as Back or Search, plus an e-mail hot key that accesses your mailbox with just one button. The multimedia hot keys are a bit more recreational--they control CD, audio, and video functions such as volume, play, and pause. You can customize the two functions keys to highlight frequently used programs or sites; without customization, these keys lead you to the calculator and My Computer features of Windows.

This keyboard is basically a gussied-up standard keyboard, with the only added comfort feature being the detachable wrist pad. This is great if you prefer the straight-key layout over those ergonomic twists and turns, but it won't be very comfortable for those with repetitive-stress disorder. The one-touch buttons will save on mouse use (good for carpal-tunnel issues), and the control-key shortcut labels provide other quick ways to reduce typing. The keyboard is larger than other compact keyboards, and the keys require a firm touch.

If you spend a significant amount of time on the Internet or regularly use e-mail or audio-video features, this is an excellent keyboard for you. The construction is sturdy, and the extra USB port can be convenient when you've got a new peripheral to play with. --Jill Lightner

Pros:

• Hot keys are quick and efficient
• Comfortable wrist pad
• Handy control-key commands
• Includes extra USB port

Cons:

• May be too big for small desk areas
• Straight keyboard layout is less comfortable than ergonomic designs

Amazon.com Product Description

The Microsoft C19-00001 Internet Keyboard is a standard keyboard with 10 hot keys built in. The hot keys allow you to browse the Web or check e-mail directly from your keyboard. The IntelliType Pro software also allows you to customize your hot keys. For added comfort, the Microsoft Internet Keyboard is designed with a detachable palm rest.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review for Internet Keyboard Pro, September 8, 2000

By 

A. Rossetti "Hurricane Andrew" (MILFORD, DE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft Internet Keyboard (Personal Computers)

The only difference between the Internet Keyboard and the Internet Keyboard Pro is the addition of two USB ports on the back of the keyboard to make adding/removing USB peripherals (provided they are low power or self powered devices) a breeze. I personally love this feature, which is why I opted for the Pro version, but either is quite commendable.

The best feature is the customizeable hot keys and a slew of Internet and Media hotkeys. If you freqently use a few programs (Personally, I'm always firing up Windows Explorer repeatedly) the one button approach saves extra clicks. The media player controls are also quite nice, and allow you to quickly adjust volume, stop, pause, and skip to the next/previous track on many programs, including Windows Media Player (of course) Win Amp, and some other popular players.

I depart from my usual frugal ways with this item, as it is a little more pricey than cheaper alternatives, especially if all you need is a basic keyboard, but I feel that the convienence features do justify the cost.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad keyboard for the price, but beware, June 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Internet Keyboard (Personal Computers)

I bought this as a replacement for the no-frills keyboard I already had, so the fact that there were any internet buttons at all was an added bonus. But if you think you're going to get your money's worth out of those 10 internet buttons, think again. The only buttons you can customize with a link to any program are mail, my computer, and calculator. All other buttons are either preprogrammed or have limited options, none of which include being able to pick the programs to associate with them. If you need to access more than 3 programs with a push of a button, this really isn't the keyboard for you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, Durable Keyboard, August 23, 2001

By 

Steve (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft Internet Keyboard (Personal Computers)

I've used just about every keyboard on the market, but this one is certainly my favorite. I've got four of them... two at work and two at home. They never seem to wear out like other keyboards and take a considerable beating. Once, a coworker was helping me move my desk and put my keyboard on the floor. He began picking up the monitor (a 17"), but it slipped out of his hands and landed on the poor keyboard. A dozen keys shot off and the little 'feet' on the bottom of it snapped out. That was six months ago... that same keyboard is still in my office and working PERFECTLY. You can't beat that.