External USB UltraNav Installation

[DavidNZ]

Hi everyone,

This is more for those interested in purchasing this product. I just got the one without the numeric keypad and had a bit of a chore installing it. That first, then my general impressions.

It comes with a CD, but the user guide on the CD is bascially a hodgepodge of info about the ultranav, what it can do, and how to use it.

There is an 'install' button (or link, more properly) that i thought would install the software. The keyboard itself worked, but the function key assignments (e.g., F5 for wireless) didn't. I had to go manually install using the device manager (to be fair, that process is outlined in a read me, but it's not apparently obvious). Anyway, function key assignments didn't work, even after a reboot, so I installed (manually, by clicking on the setup icon) the ultranav software. After a reboot, they still didn't work. So, I unplugged the keyboard, restarted, and plugged it back in. Still didnt' work. But, after waiting about 5 min, i found that, lo and behold, they did work. Not sure how it worked, or even if it was something that I did, but everything does now. Mind you, i haven't rebooted to make sure, but one can hope.

Anyway, a review. Overall, it's a great keyboard, only because it is really a Thinkpad keyboard. That you knew. What is interesting, however, is that, as I type this review, I find myself 'underreaching' for some keys. I'm used to the X40 keyboard, which is a touch smaller than this one. I guess it's a matter of getting used to it, but what's even more interesting is that I had been using a Dell USB external for months without any problems of over- or under-reaching.

Anyway, highly worth the NZ$180 I paid for it, although I'm not sure my wife is convinced!

David