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If you're into gaming, you would be familiar with the name Razer, which produces keyboards and mouse that gamers often choose as their weapons of choice. The firm fit and feel of these precision peripherals that has scooped up many awards for its users as well as designers is now also available to those serious about their work and fun so both can be seriously enjoyed, at the same time.
Mark the calendar for May, as that's when non-gamers can get their hands on the Razer ProType keyboard, the first to feature an integrated iPod docking station. What that means is people can now launch their favourite playlist from their iPod, charge their device and also work efficiently - no kidding!
The all-white Razer ProSolutions line which are a contrast to the all-black gaming line, was designed for professionals in the creative fields that require heightened speed, efficiency and control.
That has translated into a slim, streamlined keyboard that comes with 10 customizable keys (five each side) which users can easily configure according to the programs and tasks they often use.
In addition there are hot keys to launch and control your music (pause, rewind, shuffle, volume, etc) on the right of the keyboard, as well as keys on the left of the keyboard that will allow you to rotate, zoom in or out of pictures and undo changes, as well as hop on quickly to the web.
Those who work with graphics and photos or in web design will find the keyboard appealling. Perhaps that's reason why the keyboard comes dressed in white, to blend suitably into a Mac environment.
Although the bright white keyboard with blue light accents on the hotkeys and Razer logo, clash badly with the general black or silver-toned Windows based PCs, you can brave the fashion faux pas and safely run the keyboard on the Windows platform (including Vista) with no problems at all.
Office administrators who frown on cookie-crumbed keyboards may also take a liking to the Razer since the colour does make one think twice about snack-attack typing.
It was a no-brainer installing the keyboard which comes with two USB connectors - one for the keyboard and the other for the iPod. All you have to do is plug in the pair of USB connectors and you are good to go.
Dropping the iPod into the cradle built into the keyboard was also without drama - the device began charging and when the playlist was called up, inspiration flowed through the earphones from the line-out port on the keyboard itself.
The keyboard can take the iPod Video, Nano, as well as the 4th generation iPods(20-40GB, U2 special) with click wheels which require adapters that are shipped with the keyboard.
Test-driving the keyboard proved its versatility as you can sync your iPod and download songs without having to install any software.
While you will have easy access to music thanks to the controls on the keyboard, the downside is the iPod shuffles are not compatible with this keyboard.
When it comes to work, you'll find the keys sensitive and responsive. In addition, the design has also taken ergonomics into account, with keys that lie a little more flat so you don't have to curl your fingers or wrists too much.
The keyboard sits broader on the desk, whether it's a trick of the eye since the keyboard is white, or real since there are two extra rows on the right and left of the keyboard, you won't mind it too much. That's because it is easy to use and gets you around your tasks with little stress or strain, much like the different gaming mouse from Razer that have stamped its name in the computing world.
The 1999 success of the Razer Boomslang, and later the Diamondback and Copperhead, led the company into producing audio gear which have become quite a hit among gamers, as well as a foray into keyboards with the Tarantula, launched in 2006.
The all-black Tarantula billed as a creation for Gamers by Gamers clearly offered the Razer ProType some design cues, such as the 10 programmable hot keys,layout and blue light glow.
The Razer ProType will retail in Singapore IT stores at S$199 and if you want to build on your ProSolutions kit, there's also the ProPad mousepad, ProClick mouse and ProTone m250 and m100 earphones which can be bought online at the Razer ProSolutions website www.razerpro.com. The keyboard can also bought online with special offers but be prepared to pay in US$.
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