Adesso rolls out compact WKB-4000UB wireless keyboard
By Donald Melanson 
posted Aug 20th 2009 2:51PM
posted Aug 20th 2009 2:51PM
Looking for a wireless keyboard that's compact but not too compact? Then you might want to consider Adesso's new WKB-4000UB model, which packs some seemingly full-size scissor-switch keys and a (non-multitouch) trackpad into an 11.75 x 8.25-inch package that weighs just over a pound. You'll also get the usual 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for a range up to 30 feet, an included USB receiver that can be attached to the back of the keyboard with a magnet, a low battery indicator, and various power saving features to help those AAA batteries last a bit longer. You'll have to decide for yourself if that's worth the $109.99 list price though.
blah
FOR 109? total blah.
its not the best but i got a 30ft Range with my ione keyboard n mouse.think it was like 18 bux too!
I'd even buy this for say 40. but 109...no way.
"Compact"? Hardly, not with the giant wasted area for the track pad. If you're going to integrate a pointing device with a keyboard, make it a nubbin in the middle.
I never understand why they cannot make one of these keyboads cheaply, like say £25-30, i'd snap one up in a instant. But at that price i can not justify it.
I agree. If it's basically just a notebook keyboard with batteries, it definitely should not cost over $100.
I agree. I picked up a Logitech Cordless MediaBoard Pro for $80. While it's geared for the PS3, I use it with my HTPC, which is just a laptop. Works great and is the all-in-one solution for me with the touchpad built-in.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstation_3/keyboards/devices/3616&cl=us,en
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/104608
£30
@rory.mills
...the exact keyboard I have for the Mac Mini in my living room. Works great and the right price for lower-end wireless tech...
You can snag the diNivo from Newegg for 20 bucks after you use this code 24HRSALE82XF and mail in the 30 dollar rebate.
@rory.mills
Looks like i might need to eat my words then, my wallet won't like this...
Still this particular one still shouldn't be nearly $110.
slapchop that price and I might be interested..
It seems quit cheap if you consider how much a logitech one costs. Is it only in black ?
*quite
IDK, man ... I've have the Logitech Dinovo Edge for about 3 years now -- and it's been worth every penny. Build quality is excellent, the unique "swirl action" on the touchpad, the glossy black, excellent battery, ... yada yada.
Of course, I would have been happy to have paid less for it.
This thing looks neat, but I agree -- it should be less than $100.
Wow, not even Bluetooth. So it uses an inferior wireless technology (that you'll probably need drivers for), has no media keys, and looks ugly as hell. When you're competing against Logitech's diNovo Edge, you'd better be MUCH lower in price if you're coming in with fewer features and a complete lack of style. Cut the price in half and it might be interesting. Maybe.
it probably uses 2.4Ghz RF to a receiver which is actually faster then bluetooth and better for things like gaming. Hince why Razer doesn't use bluetooth. It is a different technology, not an outdated one.
Bluetooth may use a broader spectrum of light but it is an inferior rushed technology. We still haven't tapped into the power of redlaser tech. Bluetooth is shit.
I'll pay the price even thoygh I thik it's high if only they would put the Media Player controls and Up/Down volume on the thing. That way I cab use it with my media PC and get a lot more out of it than that stupid MCE remote gives me.
If you want all those gimmicky extra controls, don't look at COMPACT keyboards.
I had the previous Adesso, which from all outward appearances, is just like this "new" model. It was my couch keyboard/mouse for the mac mini I used to have connected to my living room DLP TV. It's thin and lightweight, and works well for this particular job, but it feels a little chintzy for the money (I think the one I bought was $75) and was horrendously slow to come out of sleep mode. I bought it because it was the only thing I could find that was essentially the bottom half of a laptop.
I too had the older Adesso. I give it 3 out of 5. Not pretty but very useful and was reliable for me.
How is this news? It looks like it's just another generic wireless keyboard...
That key layout smokes crack. Delete next to the arrow keys??? no tnx.
They stole the bottom of my laptop!
hmm good try since we actually need something like this since we live in a time where we can hook up our nettop/netbook/notebook to our 46inc hdtv in the living room... but no bluetooth no innovation for at least 100 bucks is kind a rip-off especially for a No-Name brand device (i'm living in switzerland so sorry if i assume it's a no-name brand)...so i guess i'm stuck with my lovely logitech device then
I've been using the previous version of this keyboard (seems basically the same) for the past 4 years or so. I'm very happy with it. Works reliably and is well-built. It's even been dropped on a hardwood floor a couple times and incurred no damage.
this will sell like shit cakes.
Tastes like shit and comes in crumbs?
made with 100% ass?
Shit cakes
"Tastes like something familiar".
I bought a "Zippy" keyboard some months ago for my HTPC and completely love it. Fits wonderfully in the hands when using the laser trackball. Highly recommend it. http://www.ergogeek.com/2-4-ghz-mini-wireless-keyboard-with-laser-trackball-mouse.html
this uses RF instead of IR. that's why this is more versatile because you don't have to point the keyboard at the receiver. you can use it anywhere at any angle and even through walls if you want. let's say you have a computer hidden behind a wall that's hooked up to your tv, everything will be hidden and you can still control it. no regular IR wireless keyboard will do that.
you have to ask, what is this for... HTPC
What do you do most with that.... scroll and click
are people used to cellphone qwerty.... yes
So, take a cell phone keyboard and add a track pad... maybe 4.5 x 3.5 inches... rechargeable battery and coffee table cradle and I think you have a winner
Or, write a iphone app that turns the screen into a trackpad and pop up keyboard... work it over wifi... perfect
KeySonic Wireless Mini-Keyboard? http://www.ebuyer.com/product/104608
That costed £30 for me.
needs more nipple.
yeah, i'd rather take a dinovo edge over this...
this is a very interesting keyboard. I want to ask how it works so good?
Err... The price kind of chokes me. Has anyone been thinking about pairing the pic of the said keyboard with Apple's so much rumored tablet? I bet the end result will be astounding.
Dah, I just ordered one and it doesn't work with OSX. I had the older model that worked just fine without advertising OSX support, but this one doesn't. The trackpad doesn't connect :(. I gotta stick with the old ugly one.