Vidabox Premium Wireless Keyboard Review

Testing:

Next, I will run the Vidabox keyboard through a series of simple application tests to measure its functionality and ease of use.

Testing Setup:

• Processor: Intel Q9450 Core 2 Quad 333x8
• Motherboard: Gigabyte X48-DQ6
• Memory: Mushkin XP2 Redline 8000 2 x 2GB 5-5-5-12
• Video Card(s): Palit HD4850
• Power Supply: Mushkin 800 watt Modular power supply
• Hard Drive: 1 x Seagate 1TB SATA
• Optical Drive: NEC DV5700
• OS: Windows Vista Ultimate Edition

After I initially installed the Vidabox keyboard, it took a few minutes to get familiar with the compressed layout of the keys. I also noticed that when the keyboard is held with both hands like an oversized console game controller, the track ball and buttons are easier to use. I was amazed by how light-weight and thin the Premium wireless was. Lifting the keyboard was almost effortless, which made it fantastic for transporting the keyboard around my PC and media center. Moving on, I put the device through a series of usability tests.

First, I loaded up Firefox using the keyboard hot key to test some web browsing capability. I found that browser windows and tabs were easy to navigate, but once the mouse pointer sensitivity was turned down, ease of navigation improved greatly.

Next, I tested the keyboard by navigating Windows Explorer. Files and folders were effortless to move and scrolling was simple as well. During this test I did notice that the trackball moves a lot smoother when the keyboard is laying closer to a horizontal position rather than a vertical position. This is because the actual ball slightly falls away from its housing when turned vertically, which makes the ball harder to move accurately. 

Moving on, I created a Word file to test the fluidity and ease of the Premium Wireless' typing action. I found typing to be a lot slower on the smaller layout of the Vidabox than on a full size keyboard. I am sure a lot of this has to do with my lack of familiarity with laptop-sized keyboards. I must point out that my typing speed increased dramatically after the first 30 minutes of use.

Finally, I tested the wireless range of the keyboard. Vidabox's website states that the Premium Wireless has a range of up to 30 feet. I believe this 100%. The range on the keyboard is incredible. I could take the keyboard into any room adjacent to my PC and it would still maintain a strong connection.