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The burgeoning Internet telephony technology
opened up a new market and introduced a slew of new products.
Geared up to take advantage of this technology, the A4tech
KIPS-800 keyboard has an integrated IP phone function to go
along with a mix of multimedia features.
The a4tech KIPS-800 is one big keyboard with its 497.84mm
x 208.28mm dimensions and weight of 864.54g, yet slim at 15.24mm.
It’s touted to be designed to reduce anti-repetitive
strain, but you’ll still need ample space on the desk
to save yourself from hurting your wrists while happily pounding
the flat and shallow keys.
Perhaps the KIPS-800’s most notable
feature is the built-in telephone receiver found at the right
side. Resting on a shiny black cradle, the receiver has a
magnet inside the earpiece to prevent the handset from falling
off. Located below the receiver is a light emitting diode
that changes color to indicate speaker and IP phone functions.
One does not need to install proprietary software in order
to savor the IP phone functions of the A4Tech KIPS-800 as
it automatically latches on to available IP telephone providers
like Yahoo, MSN, and Skype. The sound quality is good enough,
however, the wee telephone receiver looks like a child’s
toy.
Garbed in pewter alongside with the main
frame of the keyboard are the multimedia and Internet hotkeys.
Found at the upper left side are the multimedia keys that
include mute, play/pause, rewind, fast forward, and stop function
with a volume wheel on the side. Meanwhile, upper right side
placed Internet keys with back, forward, stop refresh, and
home tabs. Search, favorite, and e-mail buttons complete set.
Unlike the previous keyboards it followed, the A4Tech KIPS-800
does not feature a USB 2.0 slot. Yet it is still fitted with
microphone and earphone jacks. A USB plug connects the keyboard
to the PC. Save for the would-be price, the A4Tech KIPS-800
could do with a more compact footprint and wireless variant.
Unlike the previous keyboards it followed,
the A4Tech KIPS-800 does not feature a USB 2.0 slot. Yet it
is still fitted with microphone and earphone jacks. A USB
plug connects the keyboard to the PC. Save for the would-be
price, the A4Tech KIPS-800 could do with a more compact footprint
and wireless variant.
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