If you are constantly traveling or feel like your desk is cluttered with papers, your computer and computer accessories, then you may want to look into getting a portable Bluetooth keyboard. As the Bluetooth portion of the name suggests, a portable Bluetooth keyboard is wireless and works with any Bluetooth compatible computer. If you are not sure if your computer is Bluetooth compatible, here are some easy ways to check.
If you have a Mac, then you can check your “System Preferences” by clicking on the apple icon in the top left corner. If you see Bluetooth as an option, then your computer is Bluetooth enabled.
If you are a PC owner, go to your “Control Panel” by clicking on the windows tab and if you see a Bluetooth icon or Bluetooth option, then your PC is Bluetooth compatible.
So where do you find a great portable Bluetooth keyboard? If you are looking for one for a PC, then you can start by breaking it down by brand. Some of the best brands to look at for a portable Bluetooth keyboard include, but are not limited to, Logitech, Microsoft and Solidtek. Of the aforementioned brands, Logitech often has the most innovative products. The Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless Keyboard currently costs about $149 and while ultra slim, also includes a built in scroll pad, eliminating the need for a mouse. If you are looking for a cheaper option, you should take a look at the Microsoft Bluetooth Model Keyboard 6000, which costs approximately $50.
Some of the best places to find a portable Bluetooth keyboard are online retailers like Tiger Direct, Best Buy, Radio Shack and J&R Computer and Music World.
If you are a Mac owner, then you will probably want to stick to a Mac formatted keyboard. When it comes to a portable Bluetooth keyboard, Apple has two great models: The Apple Wireless Keyboard and the Apple Wireless Keyboard with Numeric Keypad. Both models are incredibly thin with a sleek modern silver design. Both models are thin enough to slide into any briefcase or backpack and weigh practically nothing. The Apple Wireless Keyboard is currently selling for $69 and also happens to be free with the purchase of a new Apple computer. The other Apple portable Bluetooth keyboard is cheaper at $49. This may be due to the fact that it has a numeric keyboard include, therefore making it a few inches longer and slightly less portable. Like any other portable Bluetooth keyboard, the only additional purchase that has to be made with the Apple wireless keyboards are batteries. The current Apple wireless keyboards both take 2 AA batteries. A nice added feature of these keyboards is that they turn off after they have not been typed on for several days.
When it comes to the ultimate lines in keyboard portability, however, Freedom and Matias currently offer the best models. The Freedom 037KEY-006 Portable Bluetooth Keyboard is slightly pricier at $81, but the fact that it folds in half makes it extremely easy to store and travel with. If you are looking for a folding keyboard for a Mac, the Matias FK304 costs roughly $70 and offers the same portability luxury as the Freedom model.