Shuttle's SV24: Our smallest desktop PC

The Keyboard

As mentioned before, we chose a GlobLink wireless keyboard for this machine. Since the computer will be sitting a good deal away from the user on average, we were looking for something with a decent range and integrated mouse. The GlobLink keyboard now advertises 15' range and contains an integrated trackball for the mouse.

Once installed, the keyboard refused to work. Although the drivers had been installed, Windows had recognized it and the base station appeared to work (a light came on when the "Lock" button was pressed), the keyboard didn't work. The trick was to reset the keyboard, which involves resetting the communication channel between the keyboard and base station. Remember, this is RF communication, it works like a cordless phone. To reset the keyboard, one holds down the Channel, Id and 'r' keys at the same time. At this point, the base station blinked a few times and things started to work.

The first thing we did was test the range. With the base station sitting in front of the computer, we were able to still use the machine from a distance of about 20 feet. Not bad. Interference greatly cut into this range, however, so keep the base station away from the monitor.

Neither the keyboard, nor the trackball are best in class, but the package is perfect. Sitting in bed, the keyboard fits perfectly in your lap and it should have just enough range to reach the base across the room.