New ThinkPad Wireless Keyboard

Lenovo showed on CES the new external ThinkPad-keyboard, the so called " ThinkPad Wireless Keyboard". As the name says, it will be wireless, and as the new ThinkPad keyboard it will incorporate the "new" Chiclet-style keys (and 6-row layout) and, of course, the TrackPoint (with standard TrackPoint Buttons). No info if Backlight or not yet. See this picture:

It appears to be a lot smaller than the old ThinkPad USB keyboard.

Apparently, Lenovo only showed it on CES, but they didn´t announce this new accessory officially, because there are no infos yet on Lenovos website. The keyboard got an award on CES, so it is listed here: 2014 International CES, January 7 - 10 - 2013

Have a nice weekend! :hi2:

 

That keyboard is expressly designed for the FlexView farmer ajkula66.

 

I like the fact that it has a Trackpoint.

 

Ok this makes me happy

One of the main issues with the new keyboard layout was that my existing Thinkpad USB Keyboard would have a completely different layout and I'd have to switch between the two which is annoying.

Hopefully this is released soon so I can settle myself on the new layout both at desk and when traveling with the laptop

 

Well, at least the F1-F12 keys aren't relegated to Fn key combos on this one.

 

I'm so buying two of these for my HTPCs as soon as they're released. I never jonesed for the backlight on ThinkPads because I had the ThinkLight for illuminating the keyboard, but I'd be nice to have it on these. Maybe an on/off switch too.

 

I just ordered two of the previous generation ThinkPad external keyboards from Amazon. I need them urgently so I guess I won't cancel my order! But can't wait for this to be released. They look great!!

 

Are they USB-wired? Those keyboards are great to type on.

 

I have the USB version from Amazon and hate it. No matter what I do, the 3rd mouse button/scroll feature does not work. You only get a little circle with arrows on your screen when scrolling...even with updated drivers, etc. Doesn't work on my work X230t, personal T520/X230 and it just sits in my closet. I wanted to replace my mouse with it, but can't deal with the broken scrolling.

Not to hijack this thread, but anyone know why scrolling is broken with the USB version? How to fix?

 

Have you installed the software that comes with it, not just the drivers? I use the 55Y9053 both R01 and R00 versions, scrolling works fine in applications where it is supported. It does have issues with specific applications, like Remote Desktop, but the built-in Trackpoint has the same problem.

As to the new keyboard, it's good news. Hopefully Lenovo's keyboard layout degradation journey is coming to an end, and it will be finally possible, again, to use the same layout when docked and when mobile.

 

Very interesting...

Depending on the price at release, I might just pick one of these bad boys up. Though only if I build/buy another desktop, since I'm still pretty happy with the Logitech K120.

 

Yes, USB wired. But you know, I prefer the new keyboard on my T430s to the classic one on my T410. Not the layout, just the type feel. This new external keyboard seems to be built in the same way.

 

Hmm, no. I usually just toss the DVDs that are included with stuff somewhere, as they are almost always old drivers.

I had no idea I would need seperate drivers for something as simple as the trackpoint scrolling. I'll try to install on my personal machines (if I can find the drivers online...don't know where the DVD is) but since my work X230t is locked down, I can't install them on it.

And the work computer is the one I really need scrolling to work with.

 

You don't have to use old ones, ThinkPad USB Keyboard with TrackPoint - Files

But scrolling support requires an application installed on the system, which hooks processes and emulates scrolling wheel, not just drivers. Which is the reason why it does not work in all applications and needs things like http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/392489-trackpoint-scrolling-remote-desktop.html (this trick does not work with the external keyboard, software is different)

 

I found a better quality picture of this new keyboard:

 

Hmm, I like it but do think some will instantly complain about the short palm rest.

I'll pick one up, assuming it's backlit and not $100.

 

These can be immediately ignored. Unless, of course, they are trying to practically test a carpal tunnel syndrome real soon

 

Short palmrest? Nah. Look at the X230 and its brothers. Certain users say that they are "touch typists" and don't need no stinkin' palmrest.

 

Well... that is true, as with my Das Keyboard

 

I'm glad there are choices...

 

Haha. Looking at the X230 because it's what I'm typing on now. Just saying, people like their palm rests...even though it's not good to use them. They will complain, just wait.

 

Looks like it's bluetooth from the picture. That'll make things a bit more complicated because you'll have to have bluetooth or get a dongle. It's for my HTPCs, so I don't mind and can plug it in the back, but it'll add to the cost. From the pic, I'd have to say the backlight looks unlikely, which is a letdown.

 

Any news on this by chance?

 

I think it may be here, but now I need a coupon code. $80 is a little steep for me.

 

Wow I was interested in this but 80 dollars is really steep. Hopefully the price will fall in a couple of months

 

Not backlit. Such a shame. Tiny LED diods use hardly any power.

Also, it appears to have an internal re-chargeable battery. No thanks. Just let me put two AAA's in it, thanks. Hate proprietary batteries with limited life spans. Oh well, sounded good at first, now it's a solid no. And $79? Lol.

 

This is pretty interesting, especially for the chiclet keyboard haters out there (me). It could provide a low cost way to "test drive" the new thinkpad keyboards.

For those who have owned/used the previous version of the external keyboards, is it essentially the same keyboard that comes on the actual thinkpad laptops? If it is different, that makes my test drive idea rather pointless.

 

Well, I ponied up and bought one. I forgot about the Barnes and Noble discount, which knocks it down to $68 or a little over $70 with the tax. Plus, I had to spend a couple bucks for a Bluetooth dongle on eBay. I agree a backlight would have been nice, but I got it for one of my HTPCs. I have a wireless RF keyboard on it now and loses the connection often. It's usually only for a few seconds, but it's still annoying. I'm hoping the Bluetooth will prove to be a bit more solid. The screen is also 768 and the stick will be useful for scrolling. If I like it I can get more or pay the restocking fee if I don't.

 

Hmm ZaZ, now that I remembered the B&N link (thanks) I am actually considering it. I want to use it with my X230t, Macbook Pro and iPad. Let me guess, the trackpoint will only work with the Lenovo (needs drivers)? If this is the case, it wouldn't be worth it to me since I use a mixed environment (Win7/OSX/iOS).

Anyone know?

 

You'll get basic function with Windows, but need the drivers for enhancements like scrolling. I'm not sure about OS X. I suppose you could ask on TPF. There's lot so people running OS X on ThinkPads over thee.

 

I'm hoping it's the same keyboard. The last wireless keyboard lenovo had was no way the same keyboard as the thinkpad keyboard. It was a really crappy chicelt rubber dome keyboard

 

I've ordered two (one for home and one for work)

Will try to give impressions when I receive it. Ship date is projected to be April 11

 

My ancient thinkpad ultranav keyboard (one without a windows key) with a trackpoint works on OSX, so I assume this will work. I haven't found a way to manage the scroll speed or trackpoint speed though.

 

I have full functionality in OSX. Only difference from using it in Windows or Linux is that the scrolling is inverted, just like a MBP touchpad.

 

the new ThinkPad Wireless Keyboard is out for around 100 USD.

It will have NFC feature, that allows quick connection to mobile devices, and it will have inbuilt rechargeable batteries.

 

I wish it still worked as as wired if connected with microUSB. Would be usable with Windows Server and locked down laptops too, where BlueTooth is not an option.

 

You could just get the older thinkpad keyboard

 

You must have missed post #24. It's been out in the US since last week and costs around $80USD or $68 via the Barnes and Noble site.

 

Yes, but layout is different. One of the most annoying issues when switching between the two: the new one has PgUp/PgDn where the old one had Forward/Back. Want to go one screen up, oops, back to the previous page.

 

I noticed the ship date on my order was pushed back to the 15th, but they were nice enough to take my money.

 

anyone checking on 0B47190 ? it seems to be the same kind of keyboard but USB type instead of bluetooth.

 

Woohoo! ThinkPad Compact USB Keyboard with TrackPoint - Overview and Service Parts

Time to buy some 55Y9003 , before they are out of production too.

 

u going to get it ? the new one or the 55YY9003?

 

I just picked up a 55Y9003, it is not exactly the same as the keyboard on my T420s. It is very light and thin, and seems to be lacking the metal back plate that exists on the laptops. So if you really jam down on the G key, the entire keyboard sags a bit while this would be essentially impossible on a ThinkPad. Other than that, the layout and key feel (if you aren't jamming down on keys) is the same.

 

Article in the Lenovo Blogs about the new Wireless ThinkPad-Keyboard: Lose the Wires, Not the Experience: ThinkPad Compact Bluetooth Keyboard - Products - Lenovo Blogs

 

i'd buy one

 

Is the wired 0B47190 model on sale anywhere? A quick google search doesn't come up with much.

 

Lenovo THINKPAD COMPACT USB KEYBOARD WITH TRACKPOINT (0B47190) - Keyboards

 

According to Lenovo: "Planned availability date: 9 May 2013 (Worldwide)"

 

Yeah, I did see quite a few sketchy-looking retailers selling it.