Microsoft releases all-in-one keyboard

MICROSOFT HAS ANNOUNCED a new wireless keyboard which will combine a standard keyboard with a remote control and a mouse pointer. The "all in one" keyboard's main aim is to reduce clutter on the desk, leaving more space for ashtrays and empty packets of doritos.

Matt Barlow, the director of marketing at Microsoft Hardware, reckons: "what remotes did for TVs, Microsoft's three-in-one control center does for Media Center Edition PCs."

There are apparently raised panels on the left and right sides of the product for the mouse functions, while the main keyboard keys take up the most space in the middle. With the help of Google image search and a little imagination, we at the INQ reckon the product will look a little like this.

As well as being part remote and part mouse, the keyboard features backlit keys so you can type in the dark. It also has a Key-Lock button which will lock the keyboard from opening up applications from accidental key presses.

Microsoft believes it's features like this which are going to make the keyboard "easier and more enjoyable to access and control their entertainment - both in the living room and the desktop." When you think about it, $105 is a small price to pay for the extra time you'll gain not having to fumble around with archaic remotes and computer mice. µ

* READER SOREN C sent this picture of what looks like a really fab keyboard. The page is here. And in English, the Optimis keyboard, now available.