Once the batteries are put in, and the keyboard is powered on, you simply press and hold the Bluetooth button on the end of the battery compartment. Set-Up and Performance Pairing the Wedge keyboard to your Windows 8 tablet is simple, and takes only a few moments. Even without a centimeter of space wasted, this keyboard is very small, but the result is also too cramped for anyone typing for long stretches. Aside from a narrow band of silvery trim running around the edge, the face of the keyboard is all keys. The dimensions alone don't quite indicated how tightly packed the Wedge's 79 keys are. That 0.9 inch thickness is a bit deceptive, as nearly all of that thickness is found in the battery compartment-the majority of the keyboard is only 0.4-inch thick. The small, slim keyboard is easy to carry and hold, weighing only 0.55 pound (1.01 with cover/stand) and measuring 0.9 by 10.1 by 4.0 inches (HWD). Windows covers the Wedge Mobile Keyboard with a three-year warranty. It should be noted, however, that when used with these other operating systems, you will lose advanced functionality-Windows 8 controls only work in Windows 8 and Windows RT.
Additionally, keys F1-F4 offer Media controls (Play/Pause, Volume up/down/mute).ĭespite being made with Windows 8 (and its lighter relative, Windows RT) in mind, the Wedge is also compatible with other operating systems, including Windows 7, Macintosh OS X v10.6-10.7, and even Android and iOS. These four keys are found on keys F5-8, after which are regular keyboard functions, like PrintScreen, Home, End, Page Up and Page Down. The keyboard puts Windows 8 controls at your fingertips, including Search, Share, Devices, and Settings, the four Charms found alongside the Windows Start logo found on the Charms Bar. And, perhaps most importantly, Windows 8 (and Windows RT) functionality is baked right in. The Wedge Mobile Keyboard uses wireless Bluetooth connectivity so as not to occupy any of the one or two USB ports on your tablet, leaving them free for other peripherals. Powering off of two AAA batteries, the Wedge is about as mobile as it gets. The cover also turns the laptop on when removed, and off when secured to maximize battery life. Pull off the cover, and you'll find that it bends in the middle to also serve as a stand for your tablet. The compact design is made to be carried with your tablet-the rubberized cover and contoured battery compartment are actually made to provide a comfortable grip in-hand and against the tablet itself. Plus, the removable cover doubles as a tablet stand, so you can approximate the desktop experience nearly anywhere.ĭesign and Features The Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard is made for use with Windows 8 tablets, and it shows in every detail. The Wedge Mobile Keyboard offers a much better typing experience than the onscreen keyboard, with Bluetooth connectivity and Windows 8 functionality baked right in.
The Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard isn't just a portable keyboard, it's an essential element in making the most of your Windows 8 tablet.