Mrs. Mecomber's Scrapbook Talking technology, computers, and the Internet… for the average computer user

I work at the computer just about all day, typing. That’s how I justify my fussiness when it comes to computer monitors and keyboards. Seriously, I am REALLY fussy about my peripheral equipment. And I think I’ve finally found my dream keyboard! It’s the HP Elite Wireless Keyboard.

Now, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would get a wireless keyboard– I spend enough money on batteries, for my camera and all the kids’ toys and bangles, ya know? It’s gotten to the point where I’ll be soon needing to buy batteries like industrial supplies, in bulk! Sheesh! But the HP Elite is, so far, not a battery eater… and really, it would be worth it even if it was! What a great keyboard!

The keyboard was not easy to find. Only Hewlett-Packard sells it, on their website. I first came across the keyboard while browsing electronics at a store. It comes as a peripheral for a new computer out by HP, a touch-screen all-in-one computer. The computer is pretty neat but I can’t imagine getting a touch screen. I’m not “handy” like that (I prefer tools like the mouse), and I’d be washing the thing CONTINUALLY. Not practical. But I saw the keyboard that came with it and fell in love.

After seeing the HP model, I went in search of the keyboard, to check it’s price and buy it, if it was reasonable. But nobody stocked it! I searched online, tried search engine shopping, checked all the electronics stores I knew, I asked sales reps at the stores, etc. Nothing! The sales reps said the keyboard was not available for independent purchase. The manager at Staples said I’d probably have to buy the HP Touch Screen computer ($1300) iif I wanted to get this kind of keyboard. Haha, NO THANKS. $1300 just to get a keyboard?! Is he insane?

So a guy at Best Buy advised me to check the HP site. Even then, it was difficult finding it, because the keyboard has no name or identifying number besides the model number. And when I punched that number into the HP site, I got a lot of unhelpful search results. Finally I found it, buried in search results, where it is named HP Elite Wireless. And it was– amazingly- affordable! $30 with free shipping! I was blown away. It came in the mail, last week.

You can see that it’s very thin, with those Scrabble-like tiles that I admire. The HP Elite is a lot like the Apple aluminum keyboard I like so much (I have trouble using the Apple keyboard with my Vista machine), with its low profile. I’ve searched for thin keyboards, but haven’t had much success finding anything suitable and affordable. The closest I ever got was seeing a Kensington model, with a price tag of $80!!! Whoooaaaa! No thanks!

I love the HP. It was a breeze to install– just plug the wireless USB device into the computer, insert the included batteries, and I was all set. The two AAA batteries are still at 100% charge (there’s a keyboard battery monitor that will install in your tasktray). The range is excellent. I was able to type across the room, 20 feet away. I haven’t tried the keyboard to see if it works behind walls yet.

The low profile of the keys is very nice. I type all day, and my hands get so tired. The low-profile reduces fatigue. It’s also a simple keyboard– no bells and whistles. I have no need for magnifying/media/lock buttons all over my keyboard. I’m relieved to have JUST the basics for this one (although the HP does have a very convenient Sleep button). She’s a Plain Jane, but she’s doing the job better than any other!

I like it. It’s stable and suited for PCs, unlike the Apple aluminum (that kept installing and uninstalling throughout the day, it was weird). So I’m very happy with my purchase. If you’re looking for a thin, simple, wireless keyboard– I recommend the HP Elite Wireless!