About Bluetooth Keyboard

In most definitions, a Bluetooth® keyboard is one that uses the Bluetooth® wireless protocol to connect the keyboard to a mobile device, such as a cell phone or a Personal Digital Assistant .

Essentially, any standard QWERTY keyboard that makes use of Bluetooth® could be considered a Bluetooth® keyboard, but the most common definitions limit a Bluetooth® keyboard to one that connects to a small, mobile device that doesn't contain its own keyboard.

In most cases, the Bluetooth® keyboard, which may include a touch pad too, is actually one that can fold up when it isn't in use. This makes it especially easy to carry along with a mobile device.

Keep in mind that most Bluetooth® keyboards are not as large as the standard size you'll see with a computer keyboard or even with a laptop computer.

Sometimes, a Bluetooth® keyboard doesn't involve a physical keyboard.

For example, I-Tech makes the Virtual Laser Keyboard, which projects a virtual keyboard using laser light onto a table or desk.

Some desktop computer manufacturers also connect their wireless keyboards to the computer using Bluetooth® technology . This isn't the standard definition of a Bluetooth® keyboard because it's used with a computer, rather than a mobile device.

About Vertical Keyboard

The vertical keyboard represents quite a change from the traditional computer keyboard. Although the letters remain in the QWERTY arrangement, the keyboard is split into two halves that are perpendicular to the base of the board. This means that typing on the vertical keyboard means the thumbs are upward instead of in horizontal position.

An early vertical keyboard was tested by Cornell University in 1999 to address the ergonomic issues of the standard keyboard.

Since most typing means the hands must remain at an ergonomically challenged position, the vertical keyboard was thought to be a solution for typists who might be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome due to long bouts of typing.

Those who have used the vertical keyboard do describe their first use as somewhat awkward as compared to use of a normal keyboard.

Sometimes a vertical keyboard is sold with side mirrors to help new typists.

Typists who have used the vertical keyboard also report that it is difficult at first to type letters with the pinky fingers as these are closest to the base or table on which the board sits.

Using a vertical board might allow some workers to return to typing even if they have carpal tunnel syndrome already. However, some dislike the new arrangement, and the vertical board tends to require more space than does the normal keyboard.

Fixed Wireless

Fixed wireless is a form of wireless service or connectivity that exists between two or more fixed locations, rather than mobile or portable locations. This type of wireless connectivity is often established between two fairly permanent locations, such as two buildings, and can be used for a number of private and commercial applications.

Fixed wireless services can also be used for broadband Internet access , often as a preferable alternative to wired connections in some regions.

While there are a number of different uses for a fixed wireless system, it is commonly used in the creation of a wireless local area network .

In situations in which this type of connection would be impossible or extraordinarily expensive, such as a network that would connect two or more buildings, then a fixed wireless system can be preferable. This type of system is created to connect multiple locations, such as near or adjacent buildings, onto a single wireless network .

A fixed wireless network is typically created using multiple antennae or dishes that transmit and receive microwave signals.

In this way two buildings, such as a library and a computer lab in different buildings of a college campus for example, could be connected by a fixed wireless network.

The use of fixed wireless in creating broadband networks has also been explored as a viable means of providing Internet access in some areas. This is an especially attractive prospect in rural or undeveloped regions, which would otherwise require expensive and lengthy construction of physical network infrastructures to accommodate broadband Internet connectivity.

Best Music Keyboard

Some keyboard models feature a full 88 keys, while others are smaller, and some keyboards have a variety of features to modify the sound output of the instrument, while others are basic keyboards with synthesized piano sounds only.

If you will be playing professionally or are an advanced player, a full-sized 88 key music keyboard will be necessary.

Full-sized keyboards also often feature weighted keys, which means the keys will feel more like those of an actual full-sized piano.

Most full sized keyboards will also be touch-sensitive, which means the harder you press the keys, the louder the sound will be. This feature, again, mimics the sound and playability of a full-sized acoustic piano in an attempt to make the playing experience as similar as possible.

Some models will feature basic accessories such as a metronome, while others may feature more advanced accessories such as recording capabilities, pitch control, multiple playing sounds, and so on.

The best music keyboard models will feature a bright, easy-to-read display with controls that are easy to use and menus that are simple to navigate. This will make using the added features much easier and more accessible for practical use during songs.

So many keyboard players use their instrument in conjunction with external synthesizers and accessories that keyboards now feature a variety of inputs and outputs.

About Caps Lock Key

On most computer keyboard layouts, this key is located on the left side of the keyboard, below the tab key and above the shift key, though it appears in other locations on some keyboards.

The function of the caps lock key is to toggle an option on or off that makes every typed letter appear by default as a capital letter instead of a lowercase letter.

In daily work, the caps lock key is utilized often when the user needs to type a long string of capital letters, for instance, an acronym that contains several letters.

Typically, it is easier to use this key only when there needs to be a large number of capital letters. Otherwise, it is simpler to hold down the shift key to achieve one or two capital letters in a row.

When the caps lock toggle is turned on and the default typing mode uses all capital letters, the shift key can also be held down to temporarily switch back to lowercase. This function is similar to how shift is used to create capital letters when caps lock mode is turned off. This may be a useful option when typing mostly long strings of capital letters with the occasional lowercase letter.

The caps lock key is not generally considered a vital key on the keyboard.

Some computer users choose to use a program to disable the caps lock function, often to avoid frustration from accidentally hitting the key while typing and discovering that all of the text is suddenly in capital letters.

About Chiclet Keyboard

A chiclet keyboard — also known as an island-style keyboard — uses thin, clean-cut keys that are slightly spread out from one another.

The overall effect of a chiclet keyboard is flatter and more space-efficient than a traditional keyboard.

Technophiles often debate the merits of a chiclet keyboard, the name of which stems from Cadbury Adams' flat, square Chiclets® chewing gum.

Chiclet keyboards are also much easier to clean than traditional keyboards because, without the empty spaces between the keys, no dust or crumbs can get stuck underneath.

While a displaced cup of coffee can mean the end of a traditional keyboard, a chiclet keyboard is highly resistant to such mishaps.

Some are also of the opinion that chiclet keyboards are less responsive, because the keys have less of a kick-back than the more robust keys of a traditional keyboard.

It is much more likely that a new laptop will have a chiclet keyboard instead of a traditional keyboard.


Laptop manufacturers, understanding some people's resistance to the chiclet keyboard, are working to make their chiclet keyboards stand out from the rest.

The increasing popularity of chiclet keyboards has driven the creation of wireless chiclets, which can be used with desktop computers.

It seems like a very efficient design for people who travel a lot and might be using their computers in an airport or hotel. @jcraig - I checked out some keyboard pictures, and it looks like chiclet keyboards are defined by the space between the keys.

I have a chiclet keyboard on my laptop and a normal keyboard for my desktop.

I didn't think that computer keyboards were usually considered to have the chiclet design. Besides that, I was also always under the impression that the chiclet keyboards were supposed to be made out of the same rubbery material that TV remote control buttons are made from.

I absolutely agree that chiclet keyboards are the best type of keyboard.

Introduction to Wireless Keyboard

Regardless of which scenario you find yourself in more often, a wireless keyboard can help.

A wireless keyboard is exactly the same as a normal computer keyboard except for one major difference: Wireless keyboards transfer typing data to the computer via infrared beams.

A beam of information is sent from the keyboard, as you type, to a receiver, which is plugged into the computer. This allows for a cordless experience, which eliminates the potential for another tangled cord behind your computer.

It is also common for many consumers to purchase a wireless mouse to compliment a wireless keyboard. This being the case, two wires are now eliminated from the clutter behind your desk.

Wireless technology also allows you to place your wireless keyboard or mouse in a position that the corded-version may not reach. However, the infrared keyboard receiver must be placed in a location that is easily reachable by the infrared beam. This distance may vary from model to model, so check specifications before purchasing a wireless keyboard.

If the keyboard is not pointed in the general direction of the receiver, or if the line-of-sight between the wireless keyboard and receiver is blocked, then the signal will not be transmitted to the computer. This can create a problem for the user if someone is walking between the keyboard and receiver or if the keyboard is not angled correctly.

If you are sure that the space between your wireless keyboard and receiver will be relatively clutter free, a wireless keyboard can make a great addition to your home computer, freeing you up by providing more flexibility in the way you operate your computer system.