Is This a New Wireless Keyboard & Mouse?

See part 0A34032. Is this new? I haven't seen it before on Lenovo.com, but maybe I've missed it. Whether it's new or not, does anyone know if it's good or not?

 

this is new, it follows the chiclet keyboard design of the Thinkpad edge series laptop.

 

I read a few reviews of chiclet vs traditional keyboards. Some love 'em, some hate 'em, some are ambivalent. What do you think? I'm thinking about ordering this combo and trying it out. The price isn't bad, and I can return it if I don't like it.

 

I usually hate them because the keys are typically very flat. The chiclets of the low end Thinkpads have a very nice contour, and I rather like them. I still prefer the traditional Thinkpad keyboard, but it beats the hell out of a Macbook or Elitebook for me.

 

They leave out one major feature, the trackpoint. Even if they leave that out, I might still buy this or enduropoint.

 

i personally dont like the chiclet style, it seems to me that its more about looks than functionality. i use a logitech wave when docked, and i wouldnt trade it for anything. in fact, i have another one new in the box here just in case anything were to happen with this one.

 

I know, they are the best keyboard you can get (being sarcastic), I would not trade them for anything other keyboards either.

 

well the best keyboard is the one based on the IBM Model M keyboard. But if the user likes the keyboard style of the Thinkpad Edge then they could easily like this keyboard, since they are based on the same design.

Also, some people uses the Apple desktop keyboard, so Lenovo by having this style of keyboard will ensure that people have an alternative brand to use on their windows based PC that isn't silver or white in colour.

 

After posting, I ordered the Lenovo OA34032 Wireless Edge Keyboard & Mouse, aka Ultraslim Plus Keyboard & Mouse. I received it last night (more about that later), and here is my two word review: "It blows." The keyboard itself has a couple of redeeming qualities, being compact size and decent key layout. However, I didn't like the key action, it just didn't feel natural or easy. Perhaps I could have gotten used to it. The software is practically useless, i.e., it doesn't allow for programming of any of the F keys like some other manufacturers provide. Given time, I probably could have lived with the keyboard.

The deal killer was the mouse. The reason I bought it was that it was a combo keyboard and mouse, so I could use the same nano receiver for both devices. The mouse is so small that only a person with very small hands could feel comfortable with it. It is not ergonomically designed, and the pointer action and button action didn't feel right. I know this is a very subjective topic, but I really can't imagine a lot of people liking this mouse.

Sorry, but I don't have any pictures or dimensions of the keyboard and mouse. It's already back in the box, and I'm going to return it asap.

This morning I ran over to Staples and purchased the Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard, which I'm using with a Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX. Here is my two word review of the keyboard: "It rocks." The size is good, 17"W x 6"D x 1/3" H. I like the layout (full size arrow keys, numeric keypad), key action (again, subjective, but it works for me, much better than the Lenovo OA34032), programability (but only on 6 of the F keys), and lack of batteries. I guess the only slight negative is the flipout stands on the back-they seem kind of flimsy-but I don't intend to use them anyway. Because the keyboard and the mouse both work on unifying receiver, I only have a single nano receiver, which I'll leave attached to the T520 at all times.

Concerning the UPS delivery, tracking said it was out for delivery at 6:00 am yesterday, but signature was required per Lenovo. My wife or I were around much of the day, but no delivery had been attempted. I called at 5:15 pm, and then at 8:00 pm. Both times I was told that it would be delivered that day. I had planned on going out last night, but I knew they wouldn't just leave it, and I didn't want to hang around the house all day today waiting for it. It finally arrived at 8:32 pm. Thanks Lenovo for requiring signature on a crappy $50 keyboard/mouse. I understand requiring signature on computers and the like, but a $50 keyboard/mouse? Enough on that, I'm moving on.

My recommendation for a compact, well-designed keyboard and mouse: Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard and Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX. Is it a replacement for a full size keyboard and mouse? No. Is it the least expensive option available? No. And no, I don't work for Logitech.

 

Did you try any of the new chicklet keyboards that are on the new Thinkpad Edge series or any of the other Thinkpad notebooks? Does this compare to them or is it lacking compared to what is on the laptop. I bought the ultraslim keyboard mouse combo and didn't like the action on the keyboard. It felt dull and lifeless compared to the keyboards on Lenovo's laptops. I was hoping the action on the ultraslim plus might be closer to the action I have on my Thinkpad Edge 520 that I love. I actually like small mouses so this setup might work if the keyboard types close to the E520.

Thanks!

 

IMO the only Lenovo external keyboard worth getting is the travel keyboard with trackpoint, but these are pricey and apparently not as good quality as they once were (I have an old external thinkpad keyboard with trackpoint and ultranav and numpad that uses the same keys as the T-series and it's 8+ years old now and still going strong on my SO's desk).

When docked, I tend to use more expensive mechanical-switch keyboards (I have a few including Filco, IBM Model M, and Realforce Topre), which are far and away the best things to type on. When I travel I have either an iOne Scorpius v6 or a Siig slim wireless keyboard, both of which are tiny, super-slim, super cheap and have scissor switches that make them pleasant to type on.

Over the years, though trial and (mostly) error, I have sworn off all other keyboards and would rather eat my underwear than ever have to type on a rubber-dome keyboard again!