I didn't think Windows would count an integrated latop keyboard as a separate device, as it does the keyboard and mouse on a desktop pc. I'm hoping this works, because I just gave in and ordered the SMK-Link. I'll post results when it arrives.
Well, I'm thrilled to confirm that everyone who said it would be no problem was correct. The little SMK-Link Wireless Ultra Mini Keyboard does exactly what I needed. I was a little thrown by how small it is (I know, with "ultra Mini" in the name...) - it looked larger in the photos where it's being held by adult hands, yet when I hold it, it does look the same as the photos. I guess I wish it was about 25-30% larger, but I have no complaints. It has a complete keyboard, the touchpad works, the mouse click buttons work, it just takes getting used to. Thank you to all for the input.
Now that is one cute little keyboard. It looks like it would be ideal for when I'm reading e-books using my TV. I like that it uses AAs instead of having to recharge an internal battery (it only takes a few seconds to swap out AAs and charge the depleted ones at my convenience). I found it on Newegg but it's hard to tell some things from the picture and description. Are the keys backlit? Can one control audio volume with it (it looks like it can with the left round button thingy)? If so, I'll probably be all over it like stink on skunk.
It does. I have attached the best-resolution pic I could find. Directly below the round control to the right of the touchpad are three buttons. The one on the left is the mute button (a tiny speaker in a circle with a diagonal line through it), the center one is volume- and the one on the right is volume+. IN addition to the batteries, what I find particularly helpful is that it works on radio frequency instead of infra-red, so line of sight from the keyboard to the transmitter (a little USB stick the size of a small flash drive that works when plugged into ANY available USB port) is not necessary. On the mfg website, it retails for $69.99. I bought it on amazon from a high-rated seller for $53.99 with free super-saver shipping because it was over $50. The most amazing thing was the free shipping. I purchased it on May 29th, and delivery was expected to be between June 4-8. It was on my doorstep the next morning.
I just noticed something about the photo I should have seen before... the pic shows the volume buttons as speaker pictures, but I'm guessing that was an older model. The buttons on mine actually say Vol- and Vol+ so it couldn't be clearer. It comes with a little User's Manual booklet that identifies the picture on each button, much like an automobile owner's manual identifies all the little graphics that light up on the dashboard. For instance, on the control wheel to the right of the touchpad, the icon at the bottom of the ring is a little envelope. Its function is Email, and it launches the/your default email program. It appears to have all the functions of a full-sized digital media keyboard. You can see the booklet/guide at Wireless keyboard | Ultra-Mini Touchpad Keyboard | PC & Mac | SMK-Link - click on the Users Guide link under Support on the lower right side, and it will open the guide in PDF format. You can save it and study it if you like, to help in deciding if it's what you want.
Thanks for the detailed info! The only thing I don't like about this keyboard is the keys aren't backlit (mutter, mutter, mumble, mumble) but the only other mini keyboards I could find that were backlit didn't get as good of reviews as this one and they used lithium-ion batteries that had to be charged in the keyboard with a USB cable. The LI batteries were also prone to failure and I couldn't find any replacement batteries listed. That's why I prefer devices using AAs (or AAAs). I use Sanyo Eneloops and just swap them out when they go dead, then recharge them at my convenience. The Eneloops hold most of their charge for a year, unlike the earlier NiMHs which would self discharge in a month. I've been using Eneloops for several years and have yet to have one go bad on me.
I'm going to sleep on this a bit but it looks like this little guy should pretty much meet my needs.
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