Brendan’s Blog

I spend lots of time behind my keyboard. The last time I went looking for a new one, I found some really good reviews of the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. It is a USB keyboard — with a wire. My last two keyboards were wireless, but I found that I didn’t move the keyboard around much, and the hassle of batteries was not worth removing that one little cord.

I have used ergonomically shaped keyboards for a long time, and find this one to be very comfortable. I appreciate the standard layout for Ins/Del & PgUp/PgDwn. I also really like the sliding key in the middle of the keyboard, which lets me scroll* through web pages quickly and easily.

* Note that the sliding key was intended to be used for zoom — not scroll. I used the instructions here to change that functionality.

I have two computers at my desk. A standard desktop PC, and my work laptop. Over the years I have tried and used several keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switches. Up until this one they have all been based on the older PS/2 style connector for keyboards and mice. Today’s keyboards and mice are USB only and caused me to search for a new KVM switch.

The Belkin Flip is simple to use, inexpensive, and accomplishes what I need. I chose the wireless version with audio switching support. The KVM is completely hidden behind my desk, and all of the non-standard keys/features of my Microsoft Keyboard 4000 and Logitech MX Revolution mouse work perfectly.

One laptop. One desktop. One big monitor.

Laptops offer a great way to work – and play – almost anywhere. But sometimes you just don’t feel like sitting in front of a tiny display and cramped keyboard.

Thanks to Flip, you can now use your big monitor and full-sized keyboard for both your laptop and desktop computer.

Click. Flip.

It’s simple. Just place the remote anywhere on your desk and press to flip your monitor from one computer to the next.

Benefits:

• Shares one monitor, keyboard, and mouse between computers
• Shares one set of speakers between computers*
• Connects instantly to notebook computers
• Supports PC and Mac® notebook and desktop computers**
• Features a 2-color LED that indicates which computer Flip is accessing
• Includes 2 cables to connect computers
• Installs in 3 easy steps with no software required
• Also available with wireless remote
• Comes with a Belkin 3-Year Warranty