Wireless ThinkPad Keyboard. The People’s Choice?
The ongoing saga of the ThinkPad external keyboard design has been very entertaining to follow. Blog statistics and media reaction would suggest that I am far from being the only one interested in this hot topic. SInce I last blogged about our newly introduced keyboard, and the “crowd sourced” methodology we used to design it, I’ve seen over 250 comments posted with thousands of visits by readers like you. It’s very rewarding as a designer to see this kind of a reaction to what we tried to do. I think Lenovo is pioneering the use of blogs to guide design directions. Having the views of the people who buy and use the things we design is a gift.
In reading the many blog comments it’s obvious to me that there continues to be interest in a wireless version. The data from our original study didn’t indicate enormous interest in this feature, but maybe things have changed. Is the time is right for us reconsider a wireless version? I asked my team to put together a new survey specifically on this topic so that we can learn more. Where do you want to use it? Why is wireless important to you? What wireless technology is preferable? How much extra would you pay for wireless? Cutting the cord does have a price tag. These are just some of the questions we have.
If you are truly interested in Lenovo bringing such a innovative wireless keyboard to market, help us build the business case and refine the design requirements. Thanks again for your ongoing interest and valued input, we’re listening. You can take the wireless keyboard survey here.
David Hill
Lenovo Meet the Modder Dean Liou
Lenovo Meet the modder- Chris Blarsky Dairy 2
Lenovo Meet the modder- Chris Blarsky Dairy 1
Lenovo H320 desktop
October 9th, 2009 10:38 am
I’ll buy a wireless keyboard next time. My reasons are as follows?
1.Portable Without Lines.
I have a notebook(Macbook Pro),its keyboard isn’t good enough for me,so I wanna use a extral keyboard for it. If it is a wireless one,I can take it everywhere without line’s problem.
2.For TV.
I often use a keyboard in front of the TV set.
3.Bluetooth Is My Fav.
October 9th, 2009 10:56 am
From an integration point of view, Lenovo should release a bluetooth version, since many of the current Thinkpads have a built in bluetooth module. Using bluetooth wireless, most users can do without a dedicated usb wireless receiver that one has to use with other wireless versions.
Lenovo should also think about, including a snap on of some sort for the number pad, since there are some people whom do use these number pad. This would also decrease redundancy in production, for manufacturing two different types of keyboard molding.
October 9th, 2009 11:07 am
What lead_org said, almost all new ThinkPads ship with Bluetooth so just make a Bluetooth version already
Another awesome business case would be hooking it up to a smartphone.
October 9th, 2009 12:07 pm
I would like a Bluetooth Thinkpad keyboard, so that it does not need a dedicated adapter. I can accept up to US20 markup to the USB version.
October 9th, 2009 12:23 pm
A wired keyboard is more reliable, lower maintenance (no batteries) and cheaper. My wireless devices (e.g., Thinkpad bluetooth mouse) disconnect from time to time. That is acceptable in a mouse because you move it around and the cord would get in the way, but would be annoying in a keyboard.
October 9th, 2009 12:34 pm
I can’t agree more with George.
I prefer a wired keyboard for its reliability and low maintenance.
October 9th, 2009 12:37 pm
do it! will buy it! thx
October 9th, 2009 12:52 pm
4 butting at top of keyboard to switch between 3 keyfobs and bluetooth would be very helpful. Make sure it works with Wii, PS3 and XBOX360. If you add those features We will get 4 for office and I will be putting 10 – 15 in home theaters I support.
October 9th, 2009 1:12 pm
Bluetooth all the way for me. Thinkpad’s have limited USB ports anyway, so why use one up for a USB receiver when Bluetooth can do it for you?
I would buy one in a heartbeat if one was released. Would be very cool if it worked with my PS3 too so I can browse the web on it when not using my ThinkPad.
October 9th, 2009 1:23 pm
[...] [Design Matters] SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Here is your chance: Lenovo wireless keyboard survey", url: [...]
October 9th, 2009 1:40 pm
I use a wired keyboard for almost all my work. The wireless keyboards cannot be trusted to be sufficiently secure. See previous articles about Microsoft wireless keyboards having a maximum of 256 different encryption codes. I also had prior experience of a Logitech wireless keyboard requiring special software to configure encryption which when used on a Mac said I didn’t have a Logitech keyboard!
Bluetooth does solve these problems, but I use a KVM most of the time and Bluetooth is no help with that.
October 9th, 2009 1:42 pm
My wife uses a track pad and I use the trackpoint. Wireless (Bluetooth) with the trackpoint and trackpad would be my choice.
October 9th, 2009 3:08 pm
I currently use two of the older Thinkpad USB keyboards. One is for my home entertainment PC and it is here I would prefer a wireless version. It’s the ideal keyboard to have on your lap. WiFi would be nice, but ultimately I’d prefer a wireless solution that gives a decent battery life. Would prefer Bluetooth or WiFi over any proprietary solution. Other than that, I imagine such a keyboard would be useful for anyone using a projector, whether in a home entertainment or business setting.
October 9th, 2009 3:20 pm
Why make it an either/or decision? Why not allow both connection types? You could use a detachable USB A to USB Mini-B cable when you want, and wireless (bluetooth) othertimes.
October 9th, 2009 3:26 pm
Give us two keyboards: wired with fingerprint reader for office use (with dock and external monitor) and wireless without fingerprint for those who don’t need it.
October 9th, 2009 3:50 pm
I would buy a wireless keyboard version. My reasons:
1. Less clutter
2. Easy for travel since the original design was for that reason.
I would recommend a simple USB wireless dongle. However, Bluetooth is acceptable as well.
October 9th, 2009 4:01 pm
Why not provide a bluetooth dongle that snaps neatly under the keyboard for storage?
The Microsoft Notebook Presenter 8000 mouse provides the dongle for those folks that don’t have bluetooth (e.g., like most desktops).
Also, if you provide a USB wired option, that could be used to charge the batteries, when they run down unexpectedly.
October 9th, 2009 4:28 pm
I would really like to see a wireless ThinkPad keyboard, but I really *HATE* the new design. I think it is a good idea to have larger esc and delete keys, but I hate the fact that it changed the key arrangement. I am used to the esc key being located above the F1 key and now that’s not the case. Also I’m really old schoold when it comes to cut (shift-del), copy (ctrl-insert), and paste (shift-insert) and the large del key destroys this. I don’t really use the del key that often anyways. For those of us who use the fn key a lot (hibernate, turn on/off external displays, wireless, etc.) the shifting of the f keys is a disaster.
October 9th, 2009 4:55 pm
Chris, I really like your idea. I would love to have it connected using USB when sitting at my desk (ThinkPad with an external monitor) and then disconnect and use the Bluetooth mode from my sofa to browse my audio/video library.
Off to the poll, I hope there’s an option for that combo.
October 9th, 2009 4:57 pm
When I’m using my ThinkPad i don’t need an external keyboard, However when i Dock it i like using the normal IBM wired keyboard better, i don’t think i will buy the wireless keyboard.
October 9th, 2009 5:13 pm
If a bluetooth wireless keyboard with TrackPoint was available, I’d be buying at least two immediately!!
October 9th, 2009 5:13 pm
Thankyou David!
I’m just so very happy about someone listening to us, that I almost missed that you maybe didn’t read the comments… 250 comments, aha. Did you notice that 50 of them were plain spam and maybe 100 about the Fn Ctrl issue?
I hate that Ctrl and Alt have shrinked and moved apart, but I would still buy the keyboard if it were wireless. With a small hope to adapt.
The ultimate use of it would be too hook it up to a ThinkPhone. That way I wouldn’t need my ThinkPad full-time, so I could get a larger and more capable one. That would be a dream… but considering my economy, it will probably remain a dream…
October 9th, 2009 5:32 pm
Why is this modeled after a laptop keyboard? It doesn’t fit in my keyboard tray at work. There is no room for a useful number pad, but there is so much area devoted to a palm rest? I would model the physical aspects after the keyboard that came standard with my office’s Dell desktops. Add TrackPoint, wireless, Fn key. Then maybe volume, blue key, and USB hub.
Rechargeable battery would be awesome, but it ought to be user-replaceable. If the keyboard had a miniUSB port like a phone/camera, then it could charge that way and optionally be a wired keyboard while charging. But make sure it can be used wirelessly if charging through a wall wart USB thingy.
I love the TrackPoint, but I share my keyboard and laptop a lot (students, colleagues, family), so if the keyboard is going to have palm rests, I would pay for a touchpad as well even though I wouldn’t use it much myself. By the way, the TrackPoint on this newest keyboard does NOT work as well as my built-in laptop’s (an X60). It feels different and screws up inconsistently while dragging and scrolling. I hope that’s not what I should expect when I eventually replace my ThinkPad.
Regardless, ThinkPad keyboards with TrackPoint are the only keyboards I’ve ever bought as an accessory. I’ve got your latest, and I’ll buy the upgrade.
October 9th, 2009 5:35 pm
Oops, can a moderator remove my last name from my previous posting. My bad. Thanks for providing the blog.
October 9th, 2009 6:18 pm
I bought the new keyboard despite the fact it was not wireless for the simple reason that it has a trackpoint and it lacks a trackpad (I despise trackpads.) My disappointment was that 1) the upper row keys (Fncs, Esc, Del, etc) uses really cheap switches and 2) the palm rest is unnecessarily large. ( I guess it was just too easy not to pass opening up the old CAD drawings for the Ultranav and make only slight changes, huh?)
I will buy a wireless version, which is what I wanted in the first place, provided it has a trackpoint, doesn’t have a trackpad and the palm rest is significantly smaller.
There is no reason for a palm rest when there is no trackpad !!!! Make it smaller and you can achieve a footprint close to what Apple has for their current bluetooth keyboard. Footprint is important !!!
Palm rests exist on laptops because of trackpads. Regular keyboards don’t have palm rests (although some have trackpads on the side.) Piano keyboards don’t have them. (And note that the latter have evolved over three hundred years and never needed them.)
I do agree that some people like palm rests, perhaps because they’ve been sold on the fallacy that it is more ergonomic. ( Some people have also been sold on the fallacy that the keyboard needs to be inclined, a throwback from the days of typewriters needing it for mechanical reasons.) Again, on the piano analogy, concert pianists practice for many hours on end (easily four or more hours) a day and they don’t have a palm rest. It’s been so for hundreds of years and it is not there because it is not needed. So why must every one pay in desk real estate (and perhaps in extra cost too) for those who think it it should be there?
October 9th, 2009 6:22 pm
Please, we beg. Can it have the ability to work as ctrl-fn? Maybe two versions? I don’t really mind how you implement it (hardware switch, selection at checkout, whatever). I’d be interested, but not unless it has that.
October 9th, 2009 6:58 pm
my perfect wireless keyboard would be a set of three devices:
- a smaller footprint keyboard based on X200
- 2 detachable pads (left/right side) – just like in MS Sidewinder X6:
– a numpad – also as an independent device (e.g. for use on the go)
– a large vertical multitouch touchpad, also independent (e.g. as a home theatre system remote controlled with gestures)
October 9th, 2009 7:06 pm
Would LOVE a wireless keyboard with ThinkPad quality! The same functionality as the keyboard on my T61p would be great! I’d buy two!
October 9th, 2009 10:13 pm
My wirless keyboard:
- T400s keyboard
- numpad
- trackpoint
- maybe detachable USB cable
- ~ 40 €
P.S.
Thanks a lot for the wonderful T400s.
(At the beginning it makes a lot of high frequency noises but after 2 weeks of use it´s silent.)
October 9th, 2009 10:16 pm
this is going nowhere.
@MarceloR
Also palmrest exists not because of the trackpad, they were palm rest long before trackpad came out. Palm rest means just that, a palm rest (ergonomic). Desktop keyboard do have palmrest, it is obviously removable. Also many OHS requires keyboard to have palmrests…..
pianist can’t have a palmrest because your hand doesn’t stay in one place when you play the piano.
I don’t think anyone has a hand that large to reach for every keys on a piano with the palm in one place. With laptop keyboard your palm can stay in one place and while your finger can reach for 90 % to 100% of the available keys. This is where the problem occurs.
This keyboard was designed as an extension of laptop keyboard, for people whom like to use this laptop format.
Apple keyboard are not the best typing keyboard in the world, they are more for looks then usage.
October 9th, 2009 10:59 pm
David, I think maybe you can use bluetooth, and also a USB cable can be used when bluetooth is not available from the ThinkPad.
The USB cable can also charge the battery within the keyboard as well.
If the bluetooth is available, and the USB cable is connected, then USB cable is used. If USB cable is disconnected, then it switch to bluetooth automatically.
Or, just second thought, can it utilize the WIFI that comes with ThinkPad? I never feel so confident about BT.
October 9th, 2009 11:06 pm
Thanks again for accepting customer input. Lenovo rocks!
October 10th, 2009 2:19 am
I think your survey results will be greatly skewed towards people who want wireless:
1) Not much incentive to participate for people who don’t want it
2) The “if you want a wireless keyboard…” fields are mandatory.
October 10th, 2009 2:32 am
All I can say is that if you did actually read all of the previous 250 posts, 1/6 of which were mine, then surely you understand that it must be two things:
1) Physical CTRL FN with a BIOS option for FN CTRL
2) Wireless
Now, I find it impossible to believe that you are just now coming around to the awareness that the keyboard ought to be wireless. I’ve wanted this for years. When I searched around, *years* ago, MANY other people were ALREADY asking for the same thing. Do they have you in a dungeon with a B&W TV? The War is over.
I’ve been using a Logitech Edge wireless keyboard with my media PC. It’s bluetooth and works great at 10′. Personally I could use two versions, both wireless. A more limited (no number pad) keyboard in the living room, and a full blown UltraNav type keyboard for my desktop.
Now in fact I don’t care whether it’s Bluetooth. What I find more relevant is how devices are recharged. I would suggest one of the following:
1) Charging stand, the way Logitech does it. No wonky batteries to worry about, and it’s easy-in easy-out.
2) As Leon #30 notes above, have a USB cable for those non-dongle moments, but here’s the key: regharge the keyboard over USB at the same time.
October 10th, 2009 3:03 am
Like somebody said in a previous post, it would be an awesome feature for it to be compatible with all smartphones.
It wouldn’t be the primary purpose, but I would love to use a Thinkpad wireless keyboard to the answer e-mails, browse the internet, etc. on my smartphone instead of using the phone’s small qwerty keyboard.
October 10th, 2009 3:35 am
My dream keyboard would support.
- bluetooth (for computers that have built inside bluetooth)
- 2,4Ghz (for computers that dont support bluetooth but I still want to be wireless)
- wired USB cable (for those computers that cant support BT and 2,4Ghz, for example some rack servers etc I think)
This would be 3in1 keyboard for me
When Im on the road Id use built in my thinkpad keyboard. But at home or work I would use the wireless one.
Keyboard could be rechargeable, It could recharge when you connect it with a USB cable to the PC or Ultrabase … I dont like those recharge stations that some brands offer. They are ugly and seem easy to break.
For the layout Id use old trusted one aka before T400s. Im used to this and I dont fancy giant esc and del keys. X61s or X200 layout is perfect for me.
I know all that spec may cost. Id pay for this dream keyboard up to 150USD.
That would be my keyboard for all use day.
And by the way, dont try to make from this multimedia keyboard with thousand buttons. This is business use, not home and entertaiment … Thinkpad is Thinkpad right
?
Let me know what you think about this
Cheers
October 10th, 2009 4:52 am
Keyboards shouldn’t use much juice (only needed when key pressed), so I vote wireless, esp Bluetooth.
Would be cool if each keypress made enough electricity to power the signal! And stored enough for the trackpoint/apd. At least use enough batteries so you hardly have to worry about it, eg 4-8 AAs.
I confess my liking for trackpads – nice, fast, accurate. Would be nice to include, allow pad/stick to be turned on/off by a dedicated switch.
tOM
October 10th, 2009 6:28 am
I can understand that people want Ctrl-Fn but please, physically it HAS to stay as Fn-Ctrl. This is a ThinkPad keyboard, ThinkPads have always used Fn-Ctrl. Many people are used to that and IMHO ergonomically it is a better choice.
October 10th, 2009 8:40 am
A bit off topic, but I would just like to register my agreement with madcow regarding the function key placement. I have not used a T400s-style keyboard layout yet, but I do use programs that utilise the function keys a fair bit which I recently ran under vmware on a Macbook. The Macbook also has the function keys shifted and scrunched up to make room for the Esc key on the left. This was a disaster for me. Always hitting the wrong Fn key as a result. Blind typing became impossible. I suppose with the introduction of the T400s and the keyboard in the picture there is no going back?
October 10th, 2009 8:43 am
Furthermore, my Thinkpad T30 is still very much alive, so you only have your engineering prowess to blame
for people becoming so very attached and conservative about these machines.
October 10th, 2009 10:23 am
Regarding the multiple wireless band selection and wired mode, i think Microsoft holds the patent to that with their Mobile Memory Mouse 8000.
Regarding self powered keyboard with power generating keys, this is possible, but a very expensive exercise. Since you would have use to use a solenoid under each key mechanism, in addition it must be large enough to power the entire circuit and wireless transmission with each key stroke.
Lenovo is obviously trying to design a basic keyboard that everyone can afford and rather than a niche product only a few people would buy.
October 10th, 2009 10:25 am
But a removable recharging AA batteries using mini usb plug like you see in the Sony PS3 controller pad can be good idea. Also it would mean that you can charge the battery while you plug it into the usb ports. Or recharge it using the blackberry chargers.
October 10th, 2009 11:05 am
I would love a wireless version of the thinkpad keyboard. I really like this latest version, it really hits all my requirements except mobility. I have a couple of computers on my desk and multiple keyboards. A wireless version of this would be great, providing me a keyboard and trackpoint, but would be very easy to put away when not used (and not requite unplugging). Just don’t price it too high. Bluetooth or wireless isn’t that much of an issue, but I do agree that making it bluetooth would make it easy to connect to my ThinkPad as well
October 10th, 2009 11:44 am
i picked up two of the new keyboards. there is no question that the feel of the keys is fantastic, just like the keyboard on my ThinkPad. And removal of the TrackPad was a good decision.
i always buy wired keyboards for reliability and security reasons, so i wouldn’t vote for a wireless version (but it sounds like are a lot of folks who would).
what is important to me is a fingerprint reader. my old Lenovo desktop keyboard with integrated fingerprint reader worked perfectly in that respect but it doesn’t come close to matching the keyboard feel of the new keyboard.
add a fingerprint reader to the new keyboard (and keep it wired), and i’ll buy 4 more…
October 10th, 2009 11:58 am
I have a Windows 7 Media Center PC connected to a 50″ 1080p plasma in the living room.
When sitting on the couch in front of the TV, it’s very uncomfortable to use a mouse because there is no flat surface unless you lean forward on the table. Trackball solutions are terrible. The TrackPoint would be a PERFECT solution.
Please bring a wireless version of this keyboard to market!
October 10th, 2009 12:01 pm
I’ve so been waiting for a wireless version of this keyboard, which would be the absolute perfect keyboard if it had a numeric keypad included. Don’t change the navigation keys, just add the numeric keypad, which would keep it very compact, but include the vital keypad functions for anyone who uses numbers for anything in their daily personal or business lives.
Please make this wireless keyboard with a numeric keypad.
October 10th, 2009 12:15 pm
Please make the keyboard wider add numbers keys if you needs. Or just push a tad the arrow keys and insert / home / pageup block.
I have big hands and I always have ½ of one hand off the keyboard of my T400
A keyboard used at your desk *must* be confortable.
I would also like to have different length for the legs on the back of the keyboard. I hate the length used on the mac keyboard – way to short!
A fingerprint reader will be nice too.
October 10th, 2009 2:24 pm
I’ll buy several, but they must 84-88 keys only. MUST HAVE Trackpoint. No numeric pad, no touchpad, and please, no palm rest.
Have it run on ordinary batteries AA or AAA, not some odd cell.
And please let us choose where we want to place the Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Fn, Caps Lock keys.
October 10th, 2009 5:29 pm
My recommendation is for a bluetooth keyboard with a trackpoint and number pad.
Most laptops are designed in such a way that you cannot insert two USB dongles into side by side USB ports or when the USB ports are stacked.
Having a bluetooth keyboard would help reduce the problem of not having enough “usable” USB ports on a laptop.
October 10th, 2009 6:29 pm
This is great news, as I have been watching the external keyboard with great interest. Like a few others on this comment thread, I am planning on building a home theater system in my bedroom, and will be hooking up a computer to my TV. Being able to use a wireless keyboard from anywhere in my room would be a major plus, but you just don’t see many wireless keyboards with an alternative pointing device built in. Considering that I use a ThinkPad several hours a day, it would be a blessing to have an external keyboard with the same build quality and attention to design that has been a hallmark of the ThinkPad line… not to mention having a Trackpoint!
Personally, Bluetooth would be the best method of wireless communication, as most current PCs have the capability… and it is quite easy to add a USB adapter to a machine just in case it doesn’t. This would mean that all my notebooks could use it, at the very least.
Once again, I would definitely buy a keyboard like this if it went to market.
October 10th, 2009 8:44 pm
I’d buy it.
Lenovo are still steadfastly ignoring the Fn-Ctrl issue I see. It’s Quite the elephant in the room.
October 10th, 2009 9:20 pm
How many times have you wanted to do some quick calculations, but don’t need to start-up MS Excel?
A combination wireless numbers pad and calculator would be awesome!
This would primarily be a numeric keypad first, and a calculator second.
There limited space in a road warrior’s case. The current numeric keypad is a bit on the large size for carrying around, good for a docking station, but I miss not having a numeric pad on the road. For serious calculations, I’d use a spreadsheet, but there are times when I just need to do some quick calculations.
There’s also times when I need to do a bunch of accounting entry & cross-footing. A cordless numeric keypad would come in quite handy.
The traditional out-of-numlock navigation functions would also be convenient (also holding down the shift key for toggling between modes).
I kinda liked the idea form “lead_org” of being attachable/detachable from the wireless keyboard, but would want to be able to operate it independently with & without the other keyboard.
HP took a run at this approach with their CalcPad 200, but missed the boat on a few design points:
1. Made it too wide (by adding a 5th column of keys)
2. Not wireless (bluetooth or otherwise)
3. Changed the keyboard layout too far from traditional PC numeric keypads
4. Wasted space adding MS Word, MS Excel, Desktop quick launch keys.
5. An “Esc” key would have been useful for spreadsheet functions.
6. Split the fat 0 key into 2 keys: a 0 and a (useless) 00 key.
7. Putting the “+” key on the other side of the “Enter/=” key (not ergonomically designed, “+” & “-“ keys would be the most commonly used)
8. Putting the thousands separators on the top of the LCD display
They did however have some nice features:
1. A large number LCD display
2. A “Send” function that ‘types’ the current display numbers into the current PC application in focus
3. A complementary PC application that works a bit like the old TSR programs.
4. Solar powered when operating disconnected (although charging batteries through an optional USB connection could take care of that also)
5. Thin enough to put in a pocket (but too wide)
6. Making the keys smaller than standard keyboard keys
7. Sacrificing user ergonomic design, and shoe-horning requirements-list functionality into a product.
I bought the HP Calc200, but was disappointed. However, it did seem to be a big seller for them, because they went out of stock quickly.
If the layout could mimic the current USB UltraNav Full-sized Keyboard numbers pad (with a row for additional keys locate above the current cluster) that would be great for PC & Laptop users.
I’ve got a lot of ideas on how to make corresponding software valuable for business users, contact me if you’d be interested in collaborating.
For the laptop road warrior, this could be even more valuable than a wireless keyboard. It would even be valuable to a messy desktop user too.
October 10th, 2009 10:14 pm
@ Rob Martin #48 – To those who want abritrary control over where CTRL/FN/ALT/CAPSLOCK/WIN are placed: get a clue. It can’t and won’t happen. Why would Lenovo go through a serious engineering effort to make those keys movable? First off, they are all in standard places*, and so they have custom sizes (if you believe they actually design these keyboards to what people want**). Secondly, you can just remap them*** to suit your needs.
That is, you’re not helping make Lenovo “aware” of anything, because the interest you express is a TOTAL non-starter and completely uninformative. If you want key signals to follow keycap replacements, consider a Kinesis keyboard.
* The obvious and horrible exception to a standard layout is Lenovo’s inherited FN CTRL.
** Highly questionable, as the showcase keyboard looks like the designers had form-over-function blinders on. Form here apparently includes an inability to evolve. What is up with those FN-arrow keys affecting media controls? They should be text-paging controls. And why are those DANGEROUS bad bad bad Web Nav keys still there?
*** Again, the WORST thing about the FN key is that it is not sent to the OS. This means you CAN’T remap it. Because you can’t remap it, it should NOT be in such an important corner spot – aside from the fact that it is CTRL that should be in the corner spot.
@ Adante #49 – yes, the elephant is preventing me from getting to my wallet on the other side of the room. If Lenovo would be SMART and do this instead:
– Physical CTRL FN
– BIOS switch to FN CTRL
then they would keep existing users happy, and allow NEW money to come in. Actually it would probably make existing FN CTRL lovers mad, but it would NOT cause them to stop buying Thinkpads, *no matter what they say here* Basically, if they have a way to stay on their IBM induced FN CTRL addiction, they’ll just keep coming back. The new recruits will get the BETTER arrangement of CTRL FN. Better because it is STANDARD. Do you hear that Lenovo: STANDARD! Have your cake and eat it, too. CTRL FN on the keyboard, FN CTRL in BIOS. Do it, save lives, sell new computers.
@ Chris #50 – don’t be such an exhibitionist. If you’re looking for kudos, or maybe a job, have some manners and contact them in a non-public way.
October 10th, 2009 10:44 pm
@ Joseph #51 – My appologies. I called Lenovo directly on Friday, and they suggested that I go to forum.lenovo.com to provide my input, which got me here. If you know of another non-public comm channel, let me know. I’m a big fan of the TrackPoint & Lenovo keyboards, and just hope that my comments might get considered in future products.
October 10th, 2009 11:25 pm
@ Chris #52 – be a little more creative and you’ll find the right person’s email address to send your inquiries to.
October 11th, 2009 12:27 am
Wireless:
– Bluetooth, secure, including profiles to use with mobile devices. Mini mobile platforms are here now. HTC HD2 (Leo), for example, is Windows Mobile 6.5, 800×480, 1GHz, 0.5GB RAM. That’s a computer with a phone function. By the time you get a wireless keyboard out, that will be the model of yesterday, or maybe yesteryear.
Charging:
– If you can guarantee MONTHS of operation, then AA/AAA batteries are OK. Otherwise…
– Embedded no-memory rechargeable battery with both:
* An easy dock that requires NO cables into the keyboard. Expose some contact points.
* A USB cable tether that does both “wired” and recharging duty.
FN CTRL concession:
– Reduce the size of the FN key and you can keep it there in the corner. Being in the corner already makes it easy to hit, it is BAD taking so much heft off of CTRL. If CTRL must, for whatever awful reason, remain to the right of FN, then honor the actual 100x greater usefulness of CTRL and make the FN smaller, SIGNIFICANTLY smaller. You’re subsidizing the lameness of FN with the reduction of the truly useful CTRL key.
October 11th, 2009 8:36 am
joseph – please be more considerate when posting. you have interjected many of your own ideas in the last two keyboard-related blogs spread across no less than three dozen posts. the blogs are here to share ideas. chris is welcome to share his just as much as you’re welcome to share yours.
chris – even though your posts may not be publicly acknowledged, they’ve been read.
October 11th, 2009 8:50 am
I forgot to add – which genius placed the Fn key modifier actions where they were?
One of the greatest things about the hotkeys is the ability to press them one-handed. The Fn key is placed in the OPTIMAL corner if you want to MINIMIZE the Fn actions you can press one handed. Nice work! It now requires two hands to do the most commonly used actions like play/pause music, adjust brightness, enable led. But one hand for adjusting resolution, locking and suspending the computer, which are substantially less frequently used.
In addition making Fn-F4 the suspend action, because of course with the genius Ctrl-Fn issue Fn-F4 is of course what you press when you mean to press Ctrl-F4.
And two more gripes about the trackpoint/touchpad.
Firstly, it sucks a LOT that the trackpoint middle button can only be set to scroll mode or middle click mode and not both (i.e. a press without movement is generates a middle click, a press-and-drag activates scroll mode).
Secondly, the ’scroll mode’ of the synaptics touchpad does not seem to generate the same scroll events as a mouse wheel scroll. This majorly sucks for applications which only honour mouse wheel scroll events (e.g. itunes). It would be great if there was at least an option to more closely emulate the mouse.
October 11th, 2009 9:53 am
While David Hill is providing a post about wireless mode, many people here are going way off and start to complain about other problems.
If people are serious about wireless keyboard, we should try to at least focus our discussions on this matter, and leave other matters to the other posts.
This keyboard is designed to replicate the thinkpad laptop’s keyboard and not a desktop keyboard.
October 11th, 2009 10:46 am
Bluetooth, so I could pair it with multiple devices, just like an advanced BT headset. A laptop and a smartphone or just two PCs with a simple ‘one action to take’ way of switching between 2 or maybe more devices.
USB connection for when you don’t have any mobile power left. And maybe even with a charging function.
Also I tend not to like the position the tray table in a plane forces my wrists in for typing. So I bring my ThinkPad Travel UltraNav USB Keyboard and this works brilliantly for me.
70% of the time I use the on keyboard pointing functionality it’s with the Trackpad 30% of the time I use the Trackpoint.
Obviously the new keyboard that just came out is beautiful, desirable and has the right price point. But if this wireless keyboard will be positioned higher. Could more features of the T400s be used. Like that super trackpad?
So I will use it to work with multiple devices. Two Thinkpads and if supported also with a Android and WebOS based smartphone. It would travel with me all the time. And if selectable back lighting for the keys would be possible it would amazing.
But just a few of those features would be enough to buy it for me.
October 11th, 2009 10:46 am
lead_org is correct to point out that the keyboard should be replicating the thinkpad’s laptop keyboard.
And it would be nice if the thinkpad keyboard is back to its full sized CTRL+ALT keys or alteast provide an option to by such a keyboard.
October 11th, 2009 3:11 pm
Glad to see a wireless trackpoint board is being seriously considered. I’ve submitted a survey already but the thought occurred to me after submission that strong multi-platform support is a good idea.
For battery, the MS Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 handles it pretty nicely. Rechargeable and user-replaceable batteries, with the charging/docking station handling any USB plugs so the board can save wireless power. The current trackpoint keyboard already has the cord management scoop in the middle-back underside, and that seems like a good spot to put batteries with regard to weight purposes.
Personally, I wouldn’t be opposed to a trackpad return sometime in the future, as long as it includes (optional?) multi-touch and the ability to toggle the pad on/off. I mostly keep the pad off with my current Ultranav but use the lower buttons (good to have two bonus buttons for the thumbs to make up for lack of Win-key etc).
October 11th, 2009 5:33 pm
-focus on extreme portability which can only be done with only the trackpoint integrated- ultra slim, thin side walls (like the x200) and virtually no palmrest.
-mini USB connector for charging and low battery use
-bluetooth for compatibility with wide range of devices/smartphones/etc
-optional numeric bluetooth (ultra small footprint as well) for number crunching time and so lefties are not left out
October 11th, 2009 6:32 pm
@ erik – you don’t have to like my style, and you should follow your own rules and read more carefully: I’m not down on #52’s opinions. I’m down on using topics to prop up unrelated matters, such as job hunting. And yes, it was at least 3 dozen posts, all rational and, if you read them, open to reasonable thinking, but closed to poorly considered pot shots.
For example, your statement from the previous blog, “if you have any industrial design experience…” is fallacious. You position Industrial Design generically as a perfect cloud from which all decision making begins in universal harmony, or is a walled garden from which we should buy pre-cut flowers. Wrong. You are saying that David Hill, Jonathan Ive, and Pinin Farina would raise their glasses like the Three Musketeers to all design decisions. Of course “no.” Do you know any artists? I have a Masters in Painting, and know respected artists who I would not have over to dinner together because they would FIGHT like beta fish over differences in thinking.
If you live in a city, then surely you’ve encountered an “activist” rally. What happens is that half have a consistent message, but then the rest are opportunistic and some not even tangentially related except that they are gripes hoping to get some air time. What does this do? Fractures, dilutes, and weakens the primary message, making it less “believable” and therefore slower to take. 90% of my posts have been about focusing on the actually fixable issues.
Why do I feel it incumbent upon myself? Because I have been waiting for YEARS for IBM and now Lenovo to steer this Titanic of a keyboard to shore. My gripes *and* solutions are COMMON, so I have no problem reiterating and, as per my last message, adjusting to what is reasonable.
October 11th, 2009 7:37 pm
I think this blog has become more of a flaming posts, rather than constructive suggestions for keyboards and such.
More than half of the comments have been criticism of other posters and how Lenovo have not lived to their name… and so forth….
October 11th, 2009 8:20 pm
read more carefully, most are constructive, including mine and erik’s
October 11th, 2009 11:26 pm
I agree that the keyboard layout should resemble the ThinkPad layout, to the extent practical.
I recently upgraded from a T42 to a T500, and I’m still getting used to the smaller Ctrl & Alt key positions. (IMHO: I’m not convinced that the new oversized “Esc” & “Delete” keys, and re-positioning of the F1-F12 keys would be a plus for me.)
I would think that the primary market for these keyboards would probably be the ThinkPad user base. However, I wouldn’t necessarily limit it to just the ThinkPad user base.
I’ve purchased many TrackPoint keyboards over the years, and put them on desktops & other brand laptops. I’d like a TrackPoint keyboard that I could bring with me, and use anywhere with almost any PC. I would probably buy a few of the keyboards for our home computers & at least one for business travel, just to have the peace of mind of using a keyboard I’m familiar & comfortable with.
In my career, I’ve had to use client’s desktop and laptop assets due to their network & corporate security policies. Often they were not IBM or Lenovo devices. However, I was allowed to connect my wireless mouse to them, I just didn’t install the associated driver software so they just appeared as a generic Human Interface Device (HID). In those situations, it would be great if I could bring one of these new USB/Wireless keyboards with me so that I wouldn’t be forced back to ‘mousing’ around just to point & click.
It would sure be nice to be able to use them right out of the box without needing to install drivers (since some clients/customers won’t allow any non-standard software installations on their assets). Albeit, not all of the features would be available since they’d be operating as a generic HID device, but at least I’d still have the use of a TrackPoint. So please don’t force us to install drivers just to use basic functionality.
As far as the inclusion of the UltraNav, I’d suggest that you might want to reconsider including it,… primarily for those people who use a Touch Pad today. (Note: It would also be nice to have a hardware switch to turn off the Touch Pad, so that you wouldn’t have to disable it using driver software options.)
In the past, a few laptop vendors (like Dell & HP) included TrackPoint-like features. Unfortunately, they’ve discontinued those TrackPoint-like devices. There’s a much larger laptop market now, since many people are opting for mobile notebooks over stationary desktop units. Most of them are using touchpad technology, and might not consider a wireless keyboard without it. Who knows, there may be a whole new market segment unlocked when they buy it for the wireless feature & grow to appreciate the TrackPoint.
I don’t think that including the UtraNav and Palm rest would make it that much less portable, as long as it doesn’t exceed the dimensions of today’s popular laptops (which many people would likely be carrying along anyway).
October 12th, 2009 2:24 am
Why would anyone buy an external keyboard to use it with a thinkpad on the road? I do not understand why the keyboard should be portable. If you would like to use it with your smartphone, when you left your thinkpad at home, OK. But in all other cases: use the inbuilt one, if you want less luggage.
Does anyone put a laptop not on his lap or desk, if not at home or in the office?
So, in my view, there are two purposes for the keyboard: 1) as a desktop keyboard in the office. Then size should not really matter. Only ergonomics and functionality. 2) For your home theater. OK, wireless may be convenient, i agree. But minimal size? Typing on your lap without palmrests? Not me.
Maybe you can build a serious version with numpad, without trackpad, but with cable for office use and a fun-keyboard without numbers, without cable, but with a trackpad for the not trackpoint addicted family members.
cheers
Hecke
October 12th, 2009 7:57 am
@ Hecke #68
From my perspective, there are a number of reasons folks might want a travel keyboard, including:
1. Reduced Neck Strain, when using your own laptop.
2. Ergonomic Comfort, when using them on a ‘foreign’ PC, or the ability to angle the keyboard.
3. Quicker Mobility, when moving around the home or office.
I’ve seen a number of people putting a few reams of paper under their laptop to raise the screen level to a comfortable viewing height, to reduce neck strain. Unfortunately, the keyboard is then in a awkward spot, so they hook up an external keyboard. When they need to go to meetings or work sessions, they have to detach the keyboard and close up the laptop.
Many mobile employees, consultants and contractors perform project work, which has a predictable travel pattern, but not always at their home office location. Sometimes it’s out on Monday, back on Thursday or Friday. They often get assigned a workspace (and possibly PC) when they’re onsite.
A docking station would be nice for these situations, but not always available or practical. For convenience, I’ve left a full size UtlraNav keyboard and spare power supply at the onsite location, and only transported my laptop back & forth. I’ve also seen folks pack up their smaller Travel Ultranav keyboard on a daily basis.
When I needed to go to a meeting, I’d have to unplug all the wires, and close up the laptop. Wireless would make this quicker & easier.
Also some employers have gone to “office hoteling”, where you get a different workspace assigned each time you visit one of the offices. At your ‘home’ office, you might have some cabinet storage space assigned, but not a permanent desk area. Finding something to prop up your laptop (like a couple of reams of paper) is usually pretty easy.
You probably wouldn’t need to transport the keyboard everywhere, every time. But you would still need to be able transport them periodically based on your work schedules.
October 12th, 2009 10:00 am
Add the functionality of a numberic keypad/touchpad combo similar to this product,
http://usb.brando.com/usb-2-4g.....34d15.html
or,
http://tinyurl.com/yzmonqm
..and *then* count me in!
October 12th, 2009 2:38 pm
I would not buy a wireless version since I would only ever use it with my docking station. Wireless mice are a must, wireless keyboard is a waste of batteries for me.
October 12th, 2009 7:51 pm
I think Lenovo should be daring enough to actually make a product that does it all, and not one that does allow for incremental updates. Meaning include:
-complete – bluetooth and a miniusb slot which can not only charge but run the keyboard for non bluetooth equipped keyboards. Batteries lithium included and replaceable.
- daring – offer it really small with just the trackpoint.
offer an optional numpad. and use the new design.
I would buy that in a heartbeat.
cheers pio
October 12th, 2009 10:13 pm
Bluetooth
detachable number pad
trackpont and touchpad both from T400s
Also
Bluetooth version of the W700 keyboard but with keys from T400s but keep all the other features pen and WACOM tablet
Thank you,
MTWIZARD
October 13th, 2009 1:29 am
The laptop type keyboard setup is useful when people use the laptop as a desktop setup and prop it up on a stand.
Logitech also make a similar product, so it is not just a niche market. More and more people use laptops both at home and work, and the screen position of laptops are not the best.
From an ergonomic point of view. When your back is straightened and your head is in upright position, the top of the LCD screen should be just visible in your line of sight.
October 13th, 2009 3:13 am
Hi! If you’re still collecting input: Create a wireless version of SuperSaver II and people will buy millions of them
It’s perfect for laptop, htpc, ps3 (if you make a BT version).
Price could be something like 50-75$
no armrest, don’t include a touchpad, just the trackpoint. If possible, take the layout of Supersaver II but move the ins, del, etc. buttons one row up.
http://davidbau.com/images/photo/mykeyboard.jpg
Feel free to send me pilot versions for testing!
Oh, and don’t forget Scandinavian layout
October 13th, 2009 4:00 am
I’d suggest getting your wired design right first. I’m keeping mine but not happy with amount of flex, feels like you went cheap on the plastics used. There’s no way I’d consider paying even more for a wireless one. And quite frankly I don’t think a big enough market exists for wireless battery-dependent keyboards for your target market, it’s more of a consumer nicety.
October 13th, 2009 4:53 am
i took the survey.
i LOVE IBM (and now lenovo) keyboards and would love a thinkpad inspired keyboard. with 3 thinkpads, a custom desktop and an h/p all in one with a wireless keyboard, i would love to toss the h/p wireless keyboard and replace it with a real useable ibm/lenovo keyboard..
why?, because that h/p kbd is pretty but the keys are placed in all the wrong places and its just tough to use. for $20 more i would get the wireless IF i were replacing the wired ibm keyboard on my custom desktop and i would get 2 if i could replace that h/p kbd.. it would have to be compatible with whatever technology h/p is using.. BTW, wireless on that h/p is much nicer thanif it were wired..
FWIW, i never use an external keyboard with any of my thinkpads..
its just more stuff to carry if travelling..
October 13th, 2009 6:42 am
I worked long time at business with a wireless bluetooth “Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser” setup, which was quite comfortable to use. Though I personally didn’t had much use for it’s included separate MediaPad, but other users at the company, with the same wireless setup, used that a lot too. What sometimes made trouble for me in this setup was, if some of the three devices (keyboard, mouse, mediapad) of the set went out of battery (mostly the mediapad in my cases) and afterwards had to be newly connected to the bluetooth stack. You often had to reassign all three devices from ground up in order to get it managed.
Related to a wireless external Thinkpad keyboard, yes I would like to use a bluetooth one, as far as it works flawlessly and foolproof. Ideally such an external wireless Thinkpad keyboard would have the following characteristics:
- bluetooth
- a reconnect button with connectivity LED indicator
- long time lasting battery technology
- just a trackpoint is fine
- an ergonomic palm-rest
- tilt feets at the front instead of the rear for a more ergonomic keyboard alignment and usage when typing
- it should work generally with other brand computers too
October 13th, 2009 10:26 am
is there a wireless battery ‘independent’ type of keyboards?
October 13th, 2009 12:46 pm
I Am Currently using the wired “Thinkpad” Keyboard from My couch to access a computer tied to My Television.. I Would LOVE a wireless version!!!
October 14th, 2009 2:12 am
@75 Ville Kummu
I have to agree that the Space Saver II design would be ideal for me as well. I have three of these at the moment (two PS/2 models for use with my desktop, and one USB for use with my x200/PS3). I think these are perfect for this use as they are extremely cut down (substantially shorter bthan the new T400s style). They also have full desktop style key spacing and key travel. If only they were wireless (Bluetooth).
That being said, I would also likely buy a wireless version of the T400s style keyboard as I just desperately want a decent wireless TrackPoint keyboard for use from the couch. I have an old Logitech cordless remote desktop keyboard but it is completely unusable (keyboard is too large for use on a lap, requires a seperate mouse, range is only about 6 feet). A decent Bluetooth keyboard with TrackPoint and WITHOUT numpad would be great.
October 14th, 2009 10:48 am
I would love to have a bluetooth keyboard in the exact size it is right now, with 2-3 shortcut buttons, a power button and a usb port, so that you can relax on the couch, surf the web and grab files from your thumb-drive without having to get up.
October 14th, 2009 1:39 pm
@81 jonLumpkin
Yes, the Space Saver II keyboard design was very classic in it’s own rights and for sure among one of the bests.
http://www.kyrsoft.com/hardware/hardware.html#keyb
However I believe most Thinkpad users nowadays might prefer an external keyboard, which follows their Thinkpad style. Thus Thinkpad T400s users should feel somehow more at home with an external wireless T400s style keyboard.
@82 klucon2
Do you mean with a sort of additional build in wireless USB (WUSB) port? In that case the related computers must also support WUSB and therefore have some sort of Wireless-USB-Dongle.
October 15th, 2009 10:39 am
I implore you to make a wireless ThinkPad Keyboard. If marketed correctly I believe it could be a real game changer in the home theatre PC market.
October 15th, 2009 10:47 am
I would use it in my living-room with my PS3 and my PC from my couch – they are both connected to my TV.
So a button would be nice, to switch between multiple receivers.
October 15th, 2009 12:13 pm
Only a game changer if the big box stores like Best Buy and Future Shop would carry it. It would be a miracle if it can be found on Tiger Direct’s store shelves.
I don’t understand why nobody would make a keyboard with swappable Fn and Ctrl keys (not software only but also display on the actual piece of hardware). With inexpensive technology such as eletronic ink displays (i.e. Motorola Motofone F3), I’m sure the two keys can be made with electronic ink display on the key top, and swappable by software control.
Anyways I vote for Bluetooth wireless. Go Ericsson!
October 15th, 2009 1:28 pm
I’m late to the party here, but a bluetooth keyboard/trackpoint combo would be greatly appreciated. Bonus points for a full-sized with numeric keypad. Including a fingerprint reader would guarantee dozens of purchases by our travelling staff for use with their docking station setups.
I currently use a Logitech mx5500 combo, but would immediately shelf it for a Thinkpad bluetooth keyboard.
October 16th, 2009 4:28 am
Yeah, I’d buy one in a heartbeat if it were wireless and the connection was *reliable*, had an easy way to charge it (preferably over the USB-port it’d ideally have), and had great battery life.
Most wireless keyboards suck because of the frequent fiddling required to get ‘em working. Make one that Just Works (and has the ability to also work over USB) and I’d be all over it.
October 16th, 2009 10:16 am
Wow, 6 weeks of responses it took to get a wireless trackpoint keyboard poll. Some keyboards are designed and brought to market in that time. In fact it seems some whole machines are done in that timeframe. Nevertheless, it looks like someone is listening. The poll was quite elementary but should get them thinking. I suggest licensing trackpoint around the industry. Most people who try trackpoint love it if they are willing to incorporate it into their workflow. Off-keyboard mousing is so counterproductive and reflects a user stuck in training-wheel stage of computing. Would I hire someone who mouses over key shortcutting…NO. Just add up the mousing and pointing time over tabbing to links and ENTER. Taking ones hand off of the keyboard is time consuming. Try right click copy, switch windows and right-click pasting using mouse…then try CTRL+C, ALT+TAB, CTRL+V…No comparison. I am amazed at the lack of awareness of this important sequence of commands.
A MOUSE SHOULD BE YOUR LAST RESORT TO INPUT NOT THE DEFAULT. Except in the case of graphic design where mousing clearly has it place in cursor control.
October 16th, 2009 10:23 am
In the poll it asked if we would prefer AA or AAA batteries. Are they serious! A flat cellphone-like battery, hopefully a more standard one, is ideal. Logitech did not need a poll to figure out these features. Their design progression was obvious taking a look at the other products out there.
October 16th, 2009 10:48 am
Pls make this keyboard real.. I am looking for keyboard connectivity wireless with trackpoint for 2 months without any success… When I can expect this one starting sell? Thank you
October 17th, 2009 6:54 pm
I’d use the wireless version for occasional remote control of various computers (regular usage in case of HTPC, when I finally build one) and perhaps a console or two. I’d expect it to be of either the standard Thinkpad layout or the T400S one, although I dislike the large Esc key, ans I don’t care much for large Del, so I’d prefer it to be more conservative. Standard Bluetooth is strongly preferred, I dislike all the devices with extra dongles. No touchpad.
And, once again and in vain, I would pay premium for a keyboard with no Win keys.
October 19th, 2009 4:25 pm
Been in the woods hunting for elks the last week, haven’t read all the comments… so I’m sorry if I’m doubling someone. Don’t think anyone caes here anyway.
But I’d like to add another vote for a fingerprint reader. And that is just as needed on the wired version…
And larger Ctrl and Alt keys, as I always write. The solution is to skip Fn and make use of a few buttons. But all of hose wont be needed on the external keyboard.
I mean, why should I use the external keyboard with my ThinkPad when the keyboard is the reason I bought a ThinkPad in first place?
No, I’d use it with phones and stationary computers. Well, if I could use it with a phone/PDA I would probably have a larger ThinkPad and replace the stationary with a docking solution.
One could say we’re back to where we started, ultimate compatibility with the ThinkPad keyboard, but think of it: I don’t use those mobility functions in the dock!
Turning on/off WiFi is not needed, nor is display switching or screen brightness. ThinkLight – nope.
These functions are coupled to the hardware should therefore be operated by buttons. Fn key for these functions on an external keyboard is just plain crazy.
I maybe haven’t said that before, so for the record: Large Esc and Delete keys is right up my alley, as is Trackpoint and palmrest but no touchpad.
Another of my long comments, and still I have no blog of my own to post the crap…
October 20th, 2009 9:23 am
Having read all comments I have to say there’s no way Lenovo builds a keyboard which satisfies all demands. So don’t hold your breath people and prepare for your opinion to be ignored. If Lenovo make wireless version it will be just the same keyboard, except… well, wireless. Bluetooth or 2.4GHz is the only question.
Thanks for reading comments and making surveys anyway, David.
As for me I consider this new wired keyboard good enough so I will buy wireless version.
My biggest complain is enlarged Esc and Del key. It looks for me like “a solution looking for a problem”. Did anyone complain about failing to hit Esc? Really? By changing proven design you only managed to anger some conservative folks (like me). No gain at all.
October 20th, 2009 5:01 pm
My input:
Make it bluetooth, have it use standard batteries that are easy to replace (such keyboard should last 5 years or so).
Consider a full numpad version. Some applications require a numeric pad for their functions.
October 21st, 2009 11:05 am
Bogdan – yes, I wasn’t a fan of the old esc. It should be to the left of F1, not above. But this way satifies those who think it should be all the way on the left, and those who think it should be up a little. Not a huge fan of the extra-large delete, or moving insert, but that’s not a huge deal to me. But Fn-Ctrl…. that one has to go.
October 23rd, 2009 4:11 am
I was looking for the wireless version of the thinkpad keyboard. No palm rest please. Number pad be very good for long hours working with numbers entry.
Compact design similar to what logitech classic new touch keyboard 200 USB. Love that keyboard for a its compact design.
October 24th, 2009 1:00 am
I took the survey but wish to include more feedback.
Wireless Keyboard Radio: Bluetooth
Drivers to support Win/Mac/Linux:
A) laptop
B) desktop
AND
C) **smartphone** (as others have suggested)
Suggested Wireless Keyboard Editions:
A) Wireless edition of current Thinkpad keyboard (includes TrackPoint)
B) As above (A) + Numeric Keypad
C) FRESH Thinking (checkmate, SJ)
Option (A) + Large TOUCHPAD for Multitouch/Gesture Control.
**Large Touchpad located where numeric keypad traditionally sits.**
* Touchpad responds to a wide variety of touch controls, like Lenovo IdeaPads and Apple laptop touchpads (tap, flick, pinch, zoom, rotate).
* Touchpad mapping serves as a Numeric Keypad.
* Keyboard + touch-strokes = user authentication?
* Keyboard + user-mapped touchpad = insert custom characters; or, application-specific commands: a unique gesture/stroke to open a specific Word Template, insert specific boiler-plate text, insert an Excel formula, etc.; the possibilities seem endless.
D) CRAZY(?) Thinking
Option (B) + (C)’s touchpad located on left hand side of the keyboard. Indeed, it’s a full-stretch keyboard, by Limo-vo. (i couldn’t resist)
Cheers.
October 26th, 2009 12:04 pm
I have a problem related to USB UltraNav keyboard with numeric keyboard (need for AutoCAD)the new driver for Windows 7 and Vista. When the driver is installed on Windows Vista 64 the keys of the USB UltraNav keyboard still function but the trackpoint and touchpad no longer work. Luckily I keep copies of old driver and when I reinstall the old driver the keyboard is fully functional again. I hope Lenovo fixes this problem soon because I own several of this keyboard and I can’t upgrade to Windows 7 until I am sure I can use my UltraNav keyboard or maybe it Lenovo makes a new UltraNav keybaord wired or wireless with numerica keypad (copy of W700 keyboard please with WACOM)
Thank you,
MTWIZARD
October 26th, 2009 9:07 pm
I love sitting back in my chair and use my Microsoft wireless desktop elite keyboard on my lap. Wired keyboard just don’t have long enough cables, and if they do I will hate the long dangling wire, which may trip over my glass of soda, my feet (yes on the table) or something else when I pull my keyboard all the way out from the desk.
Power is not an issue. I use rechargeable batteries and always have some ready for use.
October 26th, 2009 10:02 pm
This would be the perfect controller for a HTPC. I’ve used ThinkPads for years and love the Trackpoint as opposed to a touch pad or track ball. It would need RF and a range of about 25 feet. I would buy one in an instant.
October 27th, 2009 12:00 am
Keypad is needed to work more efficiently with numbers.
I want to wireless with ten key.
October 27th, 2009 6:50 am
I have one travel with ultranav.
This is best keyboard for me.
bluetooth will give new power to ultranav.
will get good util for TV(this case need wireless)
will get good util for clean table.
(there are no wire on desk.)
will get good util for pda.
I think that add 2 wheel to left side of ultranav
How about add physical 2 wheel to left side.
October 27th, 2009 9:23 pm
I like the idea of wireless version. I am currently shopping for a wireless solution when I came across your blog. I use to have the old ibm trackball keyboard i liked. I would entertain a wireless trackball version – a must for media and htpc.
October 27th, 2009 10:57 pm
Wonderful idea!! Can I order one first?
And… Is there a version with numpads?
October 28th, 2009 1:02 am
Thank you for asking. I work in an ‘industrial’ environment where each additional cable is an additional liability & possible ‘accident waiting to happen’. Pls get a wireless keyboard out using Bluetooth connectivity so I can use with the X61 tablet currently in the shop.
October 29th, 2009 10:01 am
Not sure if my comment appeared, so I’m writing again, just in case.
The idea is excellent. It would benefit from an interior rechargeable battery through USB and the cord should be detachable/retractable as well. Bluetooth makes sure that it is very connectable. Can’t wait for it.
October 30th, 2009 4:47 am
I’d say make this a bluetooth keyboard, and make sure it feels as solid as the diNovo Edge and it’d be the perfect keyboard for anything you need. I am into HTPC’s and this would be the perfect solution. You need something solid so you can hold it with one hand and type with the other without flex. This would be a perfect mate for the IdeaCentre Q700.
An idea for a receiver would be a bluetooth 2.0 +edr enabled ‘dock’ that could charge the keyboard by allowing the user to ’slide’ it in far enough were the connection was stable enough to use as a wired keyboard (uni-taskers are a no-no). The dock could even have feet to change the angle as needed.
October 31st, 2009 7:04 pm
I want one for office use as I often like a Trackpoint more than a real mouse, therefore:
a) numpad needed, I use it for a lot of things
b) non-bluetooth preferred over bluetooth
c) def. need a Trackpoint, no touchpad
November 3rd, 2009 6:46 pm
Make it Mac friendly. Thanks
November 4th, 2009 7:04 pm
My preferred wireless keyboard/mouse is my x200s running Synergy or x2vnc, so yes – I would definitively buy a bluetooth version.
November 4th, 2009 10:02 pm
yes yes yes a thousand times yes. i am about to buy a wired trackpoint for my regular pc, having gone through a few old ones, now that they’re available new; but the big media center has/needs a wireless keyboard since i’m sitting on the couch staring at the tube. and a wireless trackpoint would eliminate the wireless keyboard and wireless mouse. yes yes i’ll buy it in advance.
November 6th, 2009 9:00 am
and wireless monitor …
November 9th, 2009 10:52 am
I was looking around the ‘Net for a wireless keyboard with trackpoint when I stumbled on this blog. I hope I am not too late to add my “yes, please”.
I am a big fan of ThinkPad keyboards, one just like on the X200 laptop but wireless would be perfect for me.
Requirements:
1) Solid, must be easy to use on one’s lap, when sitting on a couch, without a desk.
2) Wireless – I don’t care if I need to plug something into a USB port, but BlueTooth seems a nice idea at least from usability point of view. The most important considerations in choosing the wireless technology are: a) range (a few meters at least); b) interference (think of a living room with equipment, speakers, etc.); c) battery life.
3) Small, but with full size keys – like the X200. Forget the keypad, find a way to make it optional for those who need it. Forget the “multimedia” buttons that so many wireless keyboard boast of. Don’t waste space – it must be compact.
4) Trackpoint – not touchpad or trackball!
5) 3 mouse buttons – the middle one is the most useful, don’t skip it!
6) I said “just like X200″, but do swap the left Ctrl and Fn buttons so that Ctrl is in the left corner. That’s my only beef with X200.
November 10th, 2009 10:09 am
Any chance of combining the following into a single keyboard? It’d be fantastic for programmers that need to use a keyboard and mouse / pointing device all day long:
1) Wireless to put on lap
2) Trackpoint in centre, as is currently.
3) Touchpad, but not on the bottom – bottom position forces too much unnatural wrist bending and flexing that’s bad for long term use. Perhaps position it on the left as that space is unused?
4) Some sort of slight curve on the key arrangement (like the MS Comfort 5000) to allow wrist to stay straight during typing.
5) Wrist rest to position wrist slightly higher to avoid vertical (upward) flexing of wrist during typing. (and during touch pad use, if touch pad is added as well)
6) Individual Page up/dwn, home/end, insert/dlt and arrow key cluster as on normal keyboard: very important for programmers and anyone who needs cursor control in an editor.
Personally, I think Microsoft is going the right direction – ergonomic wise – introducing curved key arrangements on their new keyboards: ergonomic, yet not drastic like split-key arrangements. The only problem is they don’t have in-built pointing device, so it’s very clumsy to use with a mouse, especially if you use the keyboard on your lap all day long.
I think Lenovo has a great advantage here with the inbuilt trackpoint, and improving the ergonomics of the actual key arrangements will make it a killer keyboard.
Oh, and if well made, I’m more than happy to spend ~ US $120 on such a keyboard – efficiency and ergonomics is just so important for someone who needs to type and mouse all day.
November 13th, 2009 10:00 am
I have been looking for one of these for ages. Can I please pre order some…
November 13th, 2009 10:02 am
Ohh…while I’m making wishes…twiddler style with bluetooth/wireless would be nice for Xmas.
November 17th, 2009 3:02 am
I love the keyboard, and think a wireless/ Bluetooth option would be very freeing. However, I would love it even more, if it was available with a number pad! Anyone whom works with numbers often almost needs a num pad. I know that there is the issue of duplicity, but another commenter mentioned a separate module that attaches to the keyboard, which would be fine. I love the prospect of this keyboard in a wireless form, but please add a number pad!
November 19th, 2009 4:30 pm
Just come across this site when I was searching for wireless trackpoint keyboard! Having read through most of the response and since the survey is closed already, I will just echo some of the most desirable features I would like to see:
1) bluetooth connectivity, no RF, design for the current/future technologies.
2) user replaceable/rechargable batteries
3) mini-usb port for recharging and/or for people who would like to use it like a wired keyboard
4) out-of-box support for PS3/Xbox360/wii, many would use it in a living room enviroment. I would venture to say it might be the future of home computing for the masses. TV already provide high enough resolution and all these devices are already powerful enough to perform everyday tasks you would otherwise had to rely on a home computer, a robust wireless keyboard is a must-have device!
5) smaller footprint, but not too small to make it unstable to use sitting/lying in a couch.
6) keep touchpad away! there are plenty of alternatives out there if that is what people want. Do what you do best.
7) make keypad attachment optional, connect to the keyboard when needed.
I am looking forward to it becoming available soon! Keep up with the good work! Thanks.
November 19th, 2009 6:38 pm
Excellent keyboard. I’m looking forward to a Bluetooth version. Most of the time wired is OK, but it is nice to be able to occasionally bump up the font size and sit back from the computer. Bluetooth is currently the best option. I think the ideal keyboard would be dual USB/Bluetooth. When I’m directly in front of my computer, it can be plugged in and charging, but I’d have the option to unplug and move back a few feet without messing with a cable.
November 21st, 2009 5:42 pm
I’ve been searching for a wireless keyboard similar to my X200 and I’ve yet to find one. I’m looking forward to whatever comes out of this.
November 22nd, 2009 11:48 pm
Ah ha! Just as I have been asking for in previous comments, but of course none of the FN-CTRL brain-washed zombies would admit would be a positive outcome, Lenovo *is* getting smarter with their FN in the corner-office use:
http://www.wirelessgoodness.co.....mage72.png
What did I previously say?
1) The awful FN-CTRL (vs CTRL-FN) configuration would be good ONLY ONLY ONLY if Lenovo actually made it into a proper REGULAR use modifier, not just a wacky modifier for odd jobs such as volume or brightness
2) One of those good uses would be to put the navigation keys (pgup/dn/home/end) on the *cursor* keys
3) The Web nav keys must be BANISHED!
Well, Lenovo has done it correctly with that upcoming netbook! Now, you guys with the Thinkpad keyboards need to talk with those designers, because they have it right.
November 23rd, 2009 10:36 pm
I love your products Lenovo,
but seriously?
Do you really need to ask if you should make a wireless version?
Isn’t it obvious that this is not the 1990s anymore. Having a cord attached to ANYTHING is almost embarrassing. You could learn a lesson from Mac, and make everything you can wireless, and offer a USB alternative for some things.
Start thinking two years ahead in terms of design lenovo..
November 23rd, 2009 10:38 pm
And get rid of the WINDOWS key! The first thing any techy does when they get a new computer is install linux..
All the windows keys do is make it harder to hit the keys you really want (ctrl/alt) and thus give you massive carpel tunnel!
November 24th, 2009 12:47 pm
People, stop asking to remove the Windows key. Seriously, you’re myopic beyond blind.
November 24th, 2009 4:11 pm
Yet another vote for a wireless version. Just cut the cord and I’ll buy one immediately. And leave the keyboard layout alone.
The whiners who want the windows key removed are a tiny, but vocal minority. Let them remap it to something else if it bothers them.
November 24th, 2009 7:10 pm
Definitely go with bluetooth. Built in lithium batteries would be great for size and weight. It’d also be nice to have USB in addition for charging the batteries. USB could also be a good addition when traveling where bluetooth may not be the most secure thing to use. Shrinking the palm rest (maybe make it detachable?) would also be nice for portability.
November 27th, 2009 8:08 pm
The windows key is the most useless piece of crud ever.
Lenovo, You should engineer the keyboard such that you can rip off the two small ctrl/windows keys and replace them both with one big fat ctrl key.. (Or maybe allow one big alt key)
November 29th, 2009 4:41 am
Windows Key haters are like flies who never learn that there is a window there – they just keep flying into it and just don’t understand why. It’s cuz their minds aren’t large enough to consider that the beings that actually USE windows can, well, to return to the reality of the topic, make use of the Windows key. And, of course, 90% of computer users ARE using Windows. So, John, to get a clue: evolve a brain, and then a mind, and then some abstract thinking, and then observe other people and their actions, then drop being a victim, and then perhaps you will see that there is a balance NOT in your favor.
Of course, since you are a fly, you can’t actually read this. Is there a scientist in the house? We need some gene splicing for John.
November 30th, 2009 3:30 pm
Look.. For people that are actual professional computer users/engineers/programmers, the ctrl/alt keys are how you get things DONE. Yes, the trackpoint is nice to have when you just have to use a gui (which is why i want this keyboard) but the majority of the time, you’re using keyboard shortcuts.. The windows key severely gets in the way.. MS has no useful functions mapped to the windows key except for “Windows+D” and “Windows+L”. The rest of the time, it just makes it harder to hit ctrl and alt.. You have to cramp your pinky finger tediously. Lenovo, can you guys do some research on how different keyboard layouts stress different muscle groups?
People that are not computer experts, don’t need a keyboard like this anyways.. They’re fine with the stock (crap) dell keyboard with huge action on the keys.
This keyboard is supposed to be there for us people who are on the computer as much as 16 hours a day. A good keyboard is a Godsend, that can prevent serious health risks.. The windows key does the opposite.
If you want your super keyboard with tons of virus spyware/malware that comes with the drivers (and of course your crapware button (windows)) then go get one of those windows fanboy gaming keyboards..
This keyboard is intended for serious professionals.
November 30th, 2009 9:35 pm
…and MS would have done much better service to users if it had built the key mapping interface into its OS. But it cannot manage even consistent behaviour among its products, so…
November 30th, 2009 10:58 pm
Well, in fact I am a programmer, and well paid, and burn through several keyboards a year. If you read further back, you will note that my big beef is actually not the Windows Key. However, anyone who gets all crazy about the Windows Key probably doesn’t work with “not computer experts,” which by the way is MOST people. The Windows Key doesn’t “interfere”, and probably helps, with mormal people’s use, so there it is.
No matter how much you hate it, it isn’t going anywhere. Give it up. Put a Penguin sticker on it or something. Glue it to the ALT key and remap it as such. If you’re a computer expert, then you have remapped it already anyhow.
That aside, my real beef is with the FN-CTRL arrangement. That is a real dysfunction. It should be CTRL-FN-(WIN)-ALT-SPACE, if FN is to be there at all. I totally agree that CTRL should be BIG, and I think it should have the corner spot, being the useful key that it is. There has been talk about allowing a BIOS switch to have a physical FN-CTRL and virtual CTRL-FN. Well, the *real* answer is to go “standard” and change it physically to CTRL-FN and allow brainwashed Thinkpad users to switch it to their distorted FN-CTRL. This way, FN-CTRL will eventually die.
November 30th, 2009 11:05 pm
Oh, and why the heck isn’t this thing wireless yet? It’s TOTALLY crazy.
December 2nd, 2009 9:18 pm
Here are some usable clusters. Note CTRL in the *corner*, and also the absence of ‘tarded Web nav keys, and also the SMART (or shall I say UN-Lenovo) placement of Home/End/PgUp/PgDn on the cursor keys via FN.
1) http://www.slashgear.com/wp-co.....ype_19.jpg
2) http://www.nokiabooklet.co.uk/.....15;166.jpg
3) http://www.netbooksguides.com/.....yboard.jpg
4) http://www.krisandro.com/wp-co.....yboard.jpg
And this one has *bad* CTRL, but *does* have a good cursor cluster. Now, where did the Web nav keys go? Right, Lenovo got a CLUE and removed them:
5) http://www.thinkpads.com/wp-co.....yboard.jpg
December 3rd, 2009 7:46 pm
I use the web nav keys all the time………..
December 4th, 2009 12:15 am
Well, relearn your ALT-arrows.
December 4th, 2009 10:59 am
Dear Lenovo please make the ultranav keyboard (with the famous track point) wireless I am sure you will sell many to everyone using a Home media center and PS3. THANKS A LOT!!!!!!!!!
December 10th, 2009 1:12 am
I don’t care if keyboard is wired/usb/bluetooth, any are fine. Slight preference for wired.
I do care that that the form factor resemble a normal keyboard, I’m not fond of the palm rest and the size it adds.
I REALLY care about getting an external keyboard that gets me access to all Fn keys and speaker volume.
Form factor preventing me from buying.
p.s. When is the Ignore Poster button on this forum? Not much oxygen left…
December 10th, 2009 4:31 pm
@138 Ignore poster? These are not serious forums. We are more like endless waves of sandcrabs, burrowing, as the “moderators” watch, impassively. From their shady spot on the sand they contemplate without specific attention, and draw “grand” notions of design against a droning backdrop of our bubbling posts.
December 10th, 2009 6:59 pm
A wireless version of the current USB model would be perfect. I love the idea of having the ability to switch between several bluetooth adapters for a simple KVM type solution. It seems to me that very little should change between the current USB model and a wireless model. I suppose it would nice if you could charge the wireless through a working USB connection, though having the ability to just use a standard battery is kind of nice since there are so many rechargeable options available for that situation.
December 16th, 2009 9:26 pm
Bought a Lenovo x200 touchscreen convertable tablet a couple months back, and have been looking at laptop stands, to raise up the display when sitting at my desk. I’ll be raising it too much to utilize the keyboard, and so have been looking for a wireless keyboard. I love the touchpoint mouse, and that is a exceedingly rare feature in wireless keyboards–particularly if also looking for a keyboard with 50%+ positive user reviews. Rare enough that I’ve begun searching for an old IBM M keyboard with built in trackball or an old Travel UltraNav, both wired, just to keep a decent mouse control on the keypad. And the possibility of going wireless and having to start reaching to the right to reach for a mouse (a prospect I dread), have started looking for a trackball– which sorta defeats one of the purposes of having a single keyboard/ mousecontrol on a single formfactor, to make clearing my desk all the easier.
Yeah, I’ve got the latest wired lenovo keyboard w/ touchpoint on my list of ‘boards to consider, and if i get it, I supposed lenovo would have managed to get my $ without having to spend any more time & $ in designing a wireless version. But Lenovo, if you really care about my happiness… …PLEASE! I coulda saved myself about 8 hours of searching for my perfect keyboard if you, Lenovo, had already come out with a wireless keyboard with touchpoint! As it is, I probably have many more hours to go in my search, and I don’t think I can wait for you… I think I need to start dating other keyboard makers
Call me when you go wireless and if my relationship with whatever keyboard I’m with then isnt going well, maybe we can get together again
December 17th, 2009 9:42 am
@David – I need one of these, and I need it now!
December 21st, 2009 6:09 pm
What I would LOVE is an ergo keyboard with a trackpoint. It wouldn’t have to be a split keyboard either, just something with a gentle curve like the Logitech wave. Anything to keep your forearms and hands aligned, rather than having to bend at the wrist to type.
i.e:
/ \ Hands
/ \ forearms
rather than
| | Hands
/ \ Forearms
That plus a Trackpoint would be a killer keyboard – relaxed hand position plus no reaching for a mouse.
Wireless or wired is second order.
It’s kind of odd that there are no ergo keyboards with a trackpoint (AFAIK).
December 21st, 2009 6:11 pm
Oops, those little stick figures didn’t format so well. Let’s try again.
/ \
/ \
| |
/ \
anyway, the point is not to have to put strain on your wrist by turning your hand towards the outside.
December 25th, 2009 8:22 am
Back in June or July EU mandated micro-USB as a standard charging connector for cell phones. Maybe this would be good choice for your keyboard? I, for one, already got micro-USB charger and USB-to-micro-USB cable for my Nokia E52
December 28th, 2009 3:26 pm
I came across this while looking for a WIRELESS keyboard with trackpoint. Such a thing does not, to my great disappointment, exist.
I see some posts denigrating a wireless version. I believe these posts are from people who use their computer in a traditional way – sitting at a desk in front of the monitor. With the availability of affordable large screen LCD TVs these days, many people are moving towards a home theater type of setup in which a wired keyboard makes absolutely no sense.
Every single wireless keyboard on the market is currently a disappointment (at least for me) because I can’t control the mouse without taking my hands off the home key row. Touchpads and trackballs just don’t work that well. I can’t efficiently operate a computer without having mouse control literally at my fingertips.
So, Lenovo, please. A wireless version. I will not buy a wired version.
January 4th, 2010 8:54 pm
I am crazy about a wireless one… I already own two wired ones…
January 22nd, 2010 11:29 pm
I missed out on the survey David but I would definitely buy a wireless Thinkpad Keyboard.
I purchased the new 55Y9003 but miss the trackpad and numberpad. I used the Trackpad more than the point and the numberpad a lot.
If Lenovo do build a wireless version, IMHO, the following are the important points:
- Preserve the current form factor (thin, big palmrest, etc)
- Bring back the trackpad and the numberpad or at least introduce two models, just like 31P8950
- No preference for wireless connection method
- ****Price is no object****. These keyboards are awesome, I’ve spent $hundreds on Microsoft/Logitech keyboards that I stop using after a few days
I’ve been using Thinkpads for about 15 years now, since the IBM 768, right up to my current model (a T500). Since the advent of affordable separate keyboards, I’ve purchased 15 different keyboards from IBM/Lenovo, Microsoft, Logitech, etc. I only use Thinkpad keyboards now. When I get nostalgic, I’ll occasionally bring out my old IBM Model M’s for the clicky feel
Of course, if we’re really talking whizbang, go-all-out, blue-sky stuff, backlighting and mechanical keyswitches would be good but somehow I don’t think that’ll make it
Disclosure: I am a former IBM employee
January 27th, 2010 6:58 am
I would be interested in a wireless version using Bluetooth, but probably wouldn’t purchase one if it required a USB dongle. The combination of a good keyboard and pointing device in a small, wireless package would make it a useful interface to a media center.
I currently own the wired version and am fairly pleased with it. Adding $20 to the price to cover the wireless components sounds reasonable (for small values of reasonable).
January 31st, 2010 7:59 pm
I too would be interested in a Wireless version. I just purchased a Mac Mini and have it connected to my large TV in the living room. I am in search of the best keyboard, mouse combo and I just love the Trackpoint on your keyboards. The wireless option would be the only one for me and if it would work on the Mac, that would be so excellent. Please consider a wireless option (bluetooth would be great) that works with the Mac as well.
February 15th, 2010 9:38 am
There is almost no wireless keyboard with trackpoint on market. I m very used to use trackpoint from my T61 and I want it to use at home, but wireless!!! Cmon, it is hole on market big like Texas;)
March 6th, 2010 6:47 am
There is no “wireless + trackpoint + 60%” keyboard on market.
I’ll buy one the second I see it.
March 14th, 2010 3:17 pm
Looks like this post was made back in October.
Any updates!? How did the survey go?
I would buy one in a heartbeat. I would give my wife’s cats away to be a beta tester.
Bluetooth preferred mostly for the range, since I’d be using it for an HTPC.
Max Price: $110
March 15th, 2010 12:29 pm
I’m almost certain that I posted a comment about this when you first started this blog several years ago. I’ve been wanting a wireless keyboard with the trackpoint for years. It is the ultimate keyboard for a home theater PC, since all the other keyboards give you a horrible means for moving the house. Seriously, I think you could have some success in the home theater keyboard market. Additionally I always opt for a wireless keyboard & mouse for my desktop because I like to keep the desktop computer off to the side of the desk rather than directly under it. This usually means the cables aren’t long enough, or I have to go through a USB hub on the desk which just makes more of a mess.
PLEASE create a bluetooth wireless keyboard with the trackpoint.
March 24th, 2010 7:26 am
I think we are all nervously waiting for the official announcement of the bluetooth version. If Lenovo does not do it, please persuade Apple to release a proper small bluetooth keyboard with integrated TrackPoint
March 26th, 2010 4:46 pm
I know this is an old post, but maybe you will still read it. I have the old ultra nav thinkpad usb keyboard (love this) for my main work machine. I also have a new Thinkpad USB keyboard (sans ultranav and 10key) i use this as my bench keyboard for testing machines etc. My only qualm is the lack of Numlock light in absense of the 10 key. Most machines default (after the user gets ahold of it) to numlock on nowadays. Having no indication of numlock being on is frustrating. I conceded that if you used this on your primary machine then it would be a non-issue as you would leave the numlock off all the time.
And Oh yes, bring the Wireless, the cords are 1 foot too short for me to completely bum mode while fixing things.
March 27th, 2010 11:02 pm
Seriously why survey on such obvious topic – bluetooth version is no brainer.
Also ESC/DELETE key is not rather annoying not innovative – there should be choice, ability to switch keyboard in laptops, and you see from _real_ data how many people want that …
April 19th, 2010 11:18 am
Wireless – please! I am an ardent fan of all things ThinkPad, and I currently own eight of these travel keyboards. The only way to improve it would be to make it wireless.
April 19th, 2010 11:17 pm
I would definitely buy at least 2 or 3 of these. 2.4Ghz or BT, rechargable or not, this would be the awesome for thinkpad users who have a PC hooked up to an HDTV. I hate moving between my Thinkpad’s keyboard and regular office keyboards. The Trackpoint blows every alternative pointing device out of the water, especially if you are sitting on a couch using your PC on a TV. I would be willing to pay up to $100-120 for a wireless version.
I’d put a deposit down on this today if they are looking for a certain number of commitments to buy. I’m surprised that Lenovo hasn’t made this product already. I figured that after I saw the wired version, it would just be a matter of time before we saw a wireless version. I’m glad that this blog exists to voice our desire for this product and I hope it becomes a reality soon. Although I have to say that rather than buying an inferior product, I would rather use a 20′ USB extention on the wired version.
April 21st, 2010 10:06 pm
I would buy one for sure!
I work for IBM and know at least 20 people who would also buy one immediately if one becomes available. The trackpoint is the only way to go!
Lenovo should definitely make one
April 24th, 2010 1:15 am
People have been asking for this keyboard to be wireless FOREVER, me included. Well forget it, these guys weren’t listening *years* ago and they still aren’t. It is much easier for them, I’m sure, to just noodle with existing layout and recline on the laurels of the legendary feel. They’d also probably be stepping on some other division’s turf if they went wireless. Hasn’t happened in this long, so it just won’t. Lame beyond words.
April 27th, 2010 5:52 pm
Please just make the damn keyboard. Any laptop user that enjoy the trackpoint and also owns a HTPC is potential customers.
Unless they are priced ridiculousy high, you will sell more than you can make.
If your marketing people don’t understand this, they should look for jobs in other departments.
-oep
April 28th, 2010 6:34 pm
I would buy one for sure. (new T410 owner, former T41p and T23 owner)
Will buy regardless of any of this and regardless of price but prefer 2.4GHz over bluetooth, 2 AAA or 2 AA batteries, on/off switch, 3 months+ battery life if left on, trackpoint only(no touchpad).
May 11th, 2010 1:30 pm
better market research would have to uncover pent up demand for an elegant wireless keyboard solution for the living room. the trackpoint is the answer. make this already! decent battery life, under $100.
May 12th, 2010 8:00 pm
Wireless keyboard with Lenovo trackpoint is my dream. Around 100$ is OK. Radio better than BT. Num keypad would be definately advantage.
May 16th, 2010 8:08 am
I would immediately buy it for my HTPC setup! I will continue to use the wired version for all other setups. Regarding choice of wireless technology:
Max range 6-7 m +
There is usually a clear line of sight +
Want to minimize interference with other equipment +
Should be safe to use in hospitals and airplanes +
Need good battery life
Would not IR be the best choice?
But I guess people want BlueTooth.
May 17th, 2010 11:11 am
My vote is for a wireless version of P/N 41A5161 with a few modifications (e.g., add a windows key and illuminated keys). I definitely like using both the trackpad (scrolling) and trackpoint. Price point of USB version seems to be about $50-60 USD which means the wireless would probably sell very well in the $80-95 USD range. While you at it, make charging holster that you can drop this into that sits next to the sofa. BT range and power consumption seem to be issues, but perhaps a newer versions have improved upon these areas.
May 25th, 2010 9:38 pm
I have no use for a wireless keyboard, but for sure Bluetooth is the way to go.
I am another one of the users who *hates* the new layout with the large ESC + DEL keys. Give me the old standard keyboard layout.
I prefer having a numeric keypad, but that is because I use my “ThinkPad” keyboard with a desktop system. (Why would I use an external keyboard for a ThinkPad? The keyboard that comes with it is good as it is!)
While I don’t use the touchpad, I do like having the extra mouse buttons. The TrackPoint is great, but the flaw is that the mouse buttons are not as robust as regular mouse buttons or touchpad buttons.
May 27th, 2010 7:54 am
Il’l buy it in an second…. searching for that type of keyboard, especially since my wife browses on tv, and in that case the trackpoint is superior, if only it was wireless, tried several keyboards with trackball, just not the same.
June 13th, 2010 12:08 pm
please, make a wireless one, i’ll buy immediately 2 of them….
what i’d also love to see, is that lenovo makes the german/hungarian keyboard layout, but if not, the english is still okay..
and i wouldn’t mind if you’d make it completely out of aluminium and all the keys were illuminated.
June 16th, 2010 4:58 pm
yes, please, i want my thinkpad keyboard wireless, too!!!!!
June 19th, 2010 3:10 pm
I have purchased 2 of the wired versions already (home desktop and work PC). Now I have a ‘Thinkpad’ wherever I go.
I’m not sure I would purchase a wireless version for desktop usage. However, for my media center/HTPC, I would love to be able to use a wireless Thinkpad keyboard. My current keyboard/mouse setup for my media center does not allow for easy couch viewing as its very difficult to use a mouse. Having a trackpad/trackpoint really makes this use-case. I would purchase a wireless version of the Lenovo keyboard IMMEDIATELY, and would definitely recommend it to my friends.
June 20th, 2010 4:52 pm
yes yes yes yes yess!! want wireless. please.
June 20th, 2010 10:03 pm
Any update on this??
I just got an HTPC setup and was looking for a wireless trackpoint keyboard. My friend’s HTPC setup uses a logitech dinovo edge and I think it has some great features to take note of if you are indeed going to do a wireless keyboard.
1) Bluetooth
2) Re-chargeable Li battery WITH recharging stand
The logitech is priced obscenely high and there is a competitor with the exact same features (plus gestures) called “rapoo”. I was hoping to hold off until lenovo confirms if this keyboard is a reality or not…
June 25th, 2010 4:58 pm
Dead issue. These ultranav guys are apparently NOT part of the precambrium of product growth, or maybe this keyboard is more pomp than anything.
Have you seen the sheer m(a/e)ss of keyboard layouts Lenovo is producing? Each laptop/keyboard has a VERY different layout. It’s RIDICULOUS! I actually wouldn’t care except that Lenovo seems to be pretty innovative in the *computer* format space (U160/X201/U1/Skylight), so I think they should get their *interface* act together and find a core keyboard layout.
June 28th, 2010 6:23 pm
A wireless keyboard with a semi-ergonomic design similar to the Logitech Wireless Keyboard K350 and the trackpoint in the center would be awesome! It’s the lack of a wireless version that has held me back from buying the latest Thinkpad USB keyboard.
July 4th, 2010 2:50 pm
So, again: Any updates? Believe me, Id buy such a wireless keyboard immediately, even if it costs double that of the wired variant, so plssssss david, hurry up and get the factories to pump out shiny new wireless thinkpad keyboards!
July 13th, 2010 7:00 pm
I know this is way past the date in question but I would buy one of these in a nano second. I’m building a new HTPC and looking for this exact keyboard (how I stumbled on the site). I’ve been using ThinkPads for years and even have this keyboard (wired) on all of my server racks. Taking the wired keyboard and adding Bluetooth can’t be that difficult.
August 1st, 2010 1:19 am
Used Thinkpads (models Ts and Xs) with mini Thinkpad wired (USB) keyboard for a decade. Having the same sturdy keyboard feel at the desk (docked) and on the road made switching from road to the office seamless. Two years ago changed from X41 to MacBook Pro. No dock for the MacBook but used wireless mini keyboard (Bluetooth) for common keyboard feel and also bluetooth mouse. The wireless makes a big difference in desktop “clean” look. Have switched to X200 tablet and plan move to X201 tablet and like may here would buy a bluetooth version at twice the price. Actually my office would purchase at least 4.
August 3rd, 2010 10:07 pm
I’m shocked that a wireless keyboard with trackpoint doesn’t exist yet. Ideally I’d prefer a model with bluetooth and no numpad but I’d buy one regardless of the specifics. Lenovo has to realize that putting out more trackpoint devices creates more dedicated trackpoint users and will pay huge dividends in future sales. Hell, even if they take a loss on the keyboards, you can bet that anyone who gets used to the trackpoint at home will buy a thinkpad the next time they upgrade their personal or business laptop. Its a no-brainer.
August 12th, 2010 12:54 am
I have a x201 and would be awesome if Lenove rolled out the trackpoint model with bluetooth. I’d pay for that premium.
August 26th, 2010 6:51 am
pls release a wireless keyboard – perhaps with bluetooth?
August 26th, 2010 9:14 am
A wireless version of this keyboard would be great, just like it looks like, maybe with a fingerprintreader (if this is possible over bluethooth from the point of saefty), charging-funktion over a usb-cable would be a great feature but its not neccesary, pls without trackpad or so that you could turn it of.
If you add some mulitimedia-keys like Fn+1 – 8 it would be the perfekt keyboard for HTPC´s and many people are searching for something like this