Installation

Installation of the keyboard is very simple and straight-forward. First, the batteries need to be installed on the backside of the keyboard. There is a red strip of fabric that needs to be located underneath the center battery, which can be pulled to remove the center battery quickly and easily.


Second, the USB RF receiver needs to be plugged in to an available USB port. If one is available on the front of the case, the receiver can be plugged in there, although it will stick out almost 3 inches. If there is not a USB port available (or the receiver would stick out too far from the front port), the receiver can be plugged into the extension cable and routed to the rear of the case. For best performance the transmitter and receiver should be in direct line of sight, but unlike infrared this is not an absolute requirement.


With the receiver installed, use a straightened paper-clip or other small object to press and hold in the button labeled "SW" on top of the receiver for at least two seconds.


Next, press the Keyboard Sync button on the wireless keyboard. After a few moments, the two should connect and everything is ready to go. There is no other software to install or setup, although users may need to adjust the trackball speed from the Mouse applet in the Control Panel to their liking.

Use

The range on the keyboard is excellent, and line of sight may not always be needed. I was able to use the VidaBox keyboard from the next room at a distance of about 25 feet away from the receiver. After a preset period of inactivity, the keyboard will go into sleep mode. To wake the keyboard, press one of the keys. The tracking on the trackball is rather sensitive and there may be an adjustment period needed to get used to it. One thing that is missing from the keyboard is a scroll wheel, and users must scroll web pages using the "Up" & "Down" arrows or the "Page Up" & "Page Down" keys.