Wireless Computing targets the RF-220 Compact Keyboard at presenters who need to stand well away from their computers. To that end, the keyboard is very small and light, at 6.25 x 12.25 x 1 inches (HxWxD) and weighing a single pound. The RF-220 communicates wirelessly with your computer via a USB receiver at 916.5MHz and encrypts the wireless data transfers so malicious users can't pick up your keystrokes.

It lacks a number pad, but includes the standard number keys above the QWERTY layout and turns some of the character keys into a number pad via the NUMLK key. The character keys are large and have comfortable resistance, but Wireless Computing squeezed in some other thin keys (including directional arrow keys and PAGE UP/DOWN keys). Presenters will like the joystick and mouse buttons at the top of the keyboard, which lets them move the mouse cursor and click items.

You can use the keyboard without enabling encryption. I didn't notice reduced performance when I enabled encryption. To turn on the encryption feature, you simply press a button on the bottom of the receiver and then press the keyboard's FN and A keys simultaneously.

The receiver draws power from your computer via the USB cable and lets users stand up to 100 feet away. The receiver's USB cord is 6.6-feet long, which is probably long enough for most presenters, but if you need to extend it, you can buy a $99 RF-020 Receiver Extender that uses an Ethernet cord (not included) to move the receiver up to 1,000 feet from the computer.

If you regularly use your computer during presentations, you'll love the RF-220. I typed comfortably while balancing it on my lap and found that I could use the mouse joystick and keys without any strain in my wrists, even when I held the keyboard in front of me.

The RF-220 includes two AA batteries. It supports Linux, Mac OS 9X/10X, and Windows 98SE/NT/Me/2000/XP. WinNT users must download a USB driver from the Web site. If you own a Mac, you'll need to remove several Windows-specific key caps and replace them with the included Mac-friendly key caps. Wireless Computing backs up the RF-220 with a one-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.

by Joshua Gulick