About.com Rating
Microsoft’s Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 aims to fulfill two user groups: those seeking a travel keyboard and those seeking an external number pad. If you’re a laptop user who sorely misses the right-hand number pad -- but still doesn’t want a full-sized keyboard -- the Mobile Keyboard 6000 is a great choice for you.
At a Glance
The Good: Lightweight, slim, attractive
The Bad: A bit pricey
Bluetooth Users Only
The most important thing to note is right in the keyboard's name: Bluetooth.
The 6000 will only work if you have integrated Bluetooth in your computer or if you purchase a Bluetooth receiver. I was required to enter a connectivity passkey for both the keyboard and the number pad, but thankfully only needed to do it once.
The Good
The Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 tested well with key response time and accuracy. It's extremely slim and lightweight -- it measures just 14 inches at its longest point and 6 inches wide, while the number pad is 5.5 inches long by 4 inches wide. Both would fit easily into most laptop cases. Microsoft uses its Comfort Curve shape design, which lends itself to comfortable typing despite its lack of a wrist rest.
The design is both attractive and durable, with rubberized edges coating three sides of each device and glossy black edges on the tops. A carrying case is included for the number pad.
For those with integrated Bluetooth, this is the ultimate travel keyboard because you will never need to worry about losing that receiver again.
The Bad
Although I only needed to pair the keyboard to the receiver once, I found that it occasionally stalled after I woke the computer from its sleep mode. This is likely due to the Bluetooth technology and not the keyboard itself.
The Home, End, Print Screen and Insert keys are only accessible while using the Function key. While this won't be a problem for some, it could prove to be annoying if you frequently use them.
The Bottom Line
At $89.99, the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 is a bit pricey and would work best for road warriors who require true portability.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.