External Keyboard & mouse for Sony Z?

Love, love, love... my SONY Z. It was worth putting up with their horrendous customer service.

I currently have it hooked up to a 27" flat screen while I work on an article I am writing. I find the SONY's keyboard difficult to use under these circumstances (though not at any other time.) I think it's because everything is blown up so large on the flat screen and switching mentally to the (relatively) tiny keyboard is distracting from my thoughts..

So I was wondering if people had recommendations to make for an external keyboard & mouse to use?

I wouldn't mind a keyboard that had a track pad on it so I didn't have to fool with a separate mouse. I don't know if such a thing is available.

 

Glad your customer service ordeal didn't completely detract you from the Z! Currently I'm using a Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Keyboard 7000 and wireless laser mouse 8000, both are bluetooth. They work great and very stylish. I have my Z closed on my shelf in my office, attached to a 24" monitor so I don't even use the Z's LCD unless I'm mobile. There is a keyboard made by Logitech, the DiNovo Edge, that has a built in trackpad and it's bluetooth as well. However, I personally like the separate mouse much better. Good luck

 

There are plenty of options. If you want a cheap option, then Target is doing their semi-annual Logitech Wireless Keyboard/Mouse deal again starting this weekend. It's $15 for the set. This is not a clearance but a sale so you should find the same price at all Targets.

 

I use an apple keyboard because it's similiar to the keyboard in the Z...so I'm automatically used to typing on it.

Missing a few keys like "prt-sc" but I can always revert to the laptop keboard when I need those.

 

ya got me looking now, as I like the idea of a wireless keyboard, and being able to lay in bed and use view this via HDMI on my 30 bedroom LCD.
I like the look of the DiNovo Edge.

 

The Logitech MX Air, as it can be used in the air.....and a dinovo edge or dinovo

 

I'm thinking of a large TV (e.g. 60+ inches), and it's a touchscreen, with one of them onscreen keyboards. And now I have to type something: I have to sit real close to the screen, then appear to flail my arms all over the place while typing something. Haha!

Actually that was way funnier in my head I blame this joke misfire on Family Guy

Well anyway, here's an IBM thinkpad-like keyboard with Ultranav touchpad:


Amazon.com: IBM Kbd with Integrated Point Device 3M Cable Black USB Rohs: Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more

It's not wireless though.

 

I had a DiNovo Bluetooth keyboard, and liked it because I could move the keypad over to the left hand side. This makes sense for typical computer use, as you can keep the mouse closer, and most people use the mouse far more often than the keypad.
What I didn't like about it was the long wake-up time -- after pausing, it could easily take a second or more from you started typing until the first character appeared.
The charger for the bundled mouse also sucks big time -- it's a fire hazard (mine melted the plastic).

Because I liked the numeric pad on the left, but not the horrible latency, I replaced it with a wired Microsoft "gaming" keyboard which also allows moving the numeric pad over to the left. I don't use the gaming functions at all.

I also like the longer key travel of the keys on the MS keyboard.
It's still a rubber dome keyboard, and doesn't match the $150 Cherry mechanical scissors-switch keyboard I use for work.

 

picturing it , it is pretty funny.

Is that keyboard available in bluetooth?
I like the idea of a wireless keyboard with a pointing stick.

 

I prefer logitech because their product have worked out well for me plus their product support team is superb.

 

I've not seen a version with bluetooth, I don't seem to be able to find a USB-to-Bluetooth adapter either...

I have one of these now, it's got a trackball:


The keys are kind of stiff but otherwise it works okay.


Pointing stick as in you point at the screen and it reads where the laser etc. lands? That would be cool, probably needs a transparent sensor over the screen as well...

Then you can mount the pointer on a dummy rifle, and play FPS But there's no way to move so in the game you'll just be standing still and shooting. Haha!

 

Checked out the DiNovo Edge. Too many reviews saying its quality control is shot and the key board dies too soon.

The others suggested here don't quite appeal.

So I am still open for suggestions.

 

I am in the same spot... I am leaning towards this one
Amazon.com: Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 (Silver): Electronics

and it can be bought for less on ebay. There is an 8000 model too, but its over $300. I like the idea of a backlit keyboard.

best,

 

I use a Microsoft Entertainment Keyboard 8000 (includes a mouse as well).
It looks great, it is backlit, it is Bluetooth, generally it's a great keyboard. No numeric keypad however. It also includes a small touchpad-like mouse on the keyboard, which I don't personally find too useful. You may check this product at Microsoft Mice & Keyboards - Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000. Check for availability though...
EDIT: Found it at http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wireless-Entertainment-Desktop-Silver/dp/B000MAFPVW.

 

I'm currently using the 7000 and no complaints so far. I thought I was going to be the keyboard being tilted but it works fine as is. The mouse also has good weight to it which I like. And overall they look very stylish/professional. I found a used set for less than $50 so not too bad.

 

How about this one? $24AR. It's even a chiclet to match the Z. It sure is purdy.

Buy.com - Verbatim Keyboard & Pointing Device Kit

 

Just get an apple keyboard already. $30 it's solid, and just like typing on the Z.

 

Can you suggest one? a link perhaps?

Edit: Here is a link to it -- it does look gorgeous and does "match" the SONY Z in appearance. It says you need a Mac to use it -- but I presume not. will it be heard for me to figure out how to use it with the SONY? And of course I would get the wireless mouse with it. The web page makes no mention that I could find of whether the keys were back lit or not. Are they?

http://www.apple.com/keyboard/

Second edit: Ooooh there is an Apple track pad designed to sit right next to the wireless keyboard.

http://www.apple.com/magictrackpad/

I think I am sold on these two products.

Just please please please -- tell me how to use it with the SONY Z since it is clear Apple will not provide such instructions.

 

I love this idea, but how can you right-click with an apple track pad or mouse? if you can, this would be a great solution for our Z's

 

Actually, the perfect match to the Z is the Sony external keyboard. It looks exactly like the keyboad off of a Sony chiclet keyboard in an external housing. I have it and the matching mouse.

I don't know if money matters to you, but that Apple BT keyboard sells for $39 on Onsale whenever they have it.

 

Apple bt keyboard has no 10 key so I need the wired.

It was just plug and play. The option and apple keys map to the windows key and ALT key. The clear button on the 10 key maps to numlock.

I can't help you with the trackpad.

 

I currently use a wired Apple keyboard and Apple might mouse with my Z. No real issues.

 

Can you give me link? The one I found on SONY's site looked nothing like you describe.

I need wireless.

 

Ditto that.

The Sony ones I've seen are rather out of date (there is the fold-able bluetooth one which looks rather cheap, and just a few years earlier a silver wireless board with separate non-bluetooth 2.4GHz receiver, which was worth a good US$150)

 

I'm also looking at getting an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and Apple Magic Trackpad for my Z13 that's coming soon. I would love to know how well or not well those devices work on their Z and if there were any problems setting it up.

 

Apple keyboard + Mouse = Beautiful ergonomics disaster

 

Do you care to explain?

 

He thinks they're not ergonomic to use (i.e. causes your hands to hurt after prolonged use), but they do look beautiful.

 

I have no idea where a link would be. I'll post a photo of it when I get home. It's wired though.

 

Oh yeah I totally see that now. When I woke up this morning I read it as "nightmare to set up" type of issue, but now the word ergonomics registers in my brain after I'm actually awake. haha

But is it easy to set those two things up or do drivers need to be found?

 

Logitech anywhere mouse MX + Logitech Wireless Keyboard K340
both has "unifying" feature in which a single nano receiver connects both devices to your pc !

check the info videos at the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-...TF8&s=electronics&qid=1288218654&sr=1-1-spell

 

I was just looking at this one... Logitech Wireless Wave Combo Mk550

But I think the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 (Silver) looks better. I was about the pull the trigger and buy one off ebay today, but the vendor said only the keyboard is bluetooth.. the mouse is wireless, so i guess you would also need to plug in a usb receiver? that is why I am thinking of going with the Logitech, as at least their receiver is tiny and doesnt stick out.

 

Better late than never. Here's the Sony USB keyboard I have.

 

It looks beautiful but
1. I definitely need wireless &
2. I really want a mouse pad either built in or adjacent as with Apple.

I am too clutsy with my hands for using a regular mouse and I haven't used one in years, except when I am in my office which is only a couple of hours a week and only during the academic season. And I *hate* using the mouse.

 

Is anyone able to answer my query above?

 

@travfar
That is one intense, Apple-like keyboard. So you just bought it from a store? Cause I've never seen a Sony keyboard that looks like it. Maybe it comes with a VAIO desktop in a bundle...

Anyways, can you tell me the model code? Should be at the bottom (..duh..), and start with VGP-___

Cheers.

PS, do those short-cut keys (ie, S1), and the Fn function keys all work on the laptop?

 

It's UKB3US.

 

Here you go. Wireless, tiny and built in trackball. $24.99. Use coupon ACY58341 for another $3.75 off. Better yet, buy 3 for $50 with coupon LOGICBUY25.

HP Wireless Entertainment Keyboard | HP® Official Store

Get 5% CB to make it even cheaper.

Cashback Watch - Cashback Comparison

 

Hi,

The Apple keyboard is not backlit, but it will work with any PC or Mac that has Bluetooth. And having one on my demo floor at work, I can attest that prolonged typing hurts...and I type a lot.

I heard good and bad with the MagicPad, but I admit it looks pretty stylish along with the keyboard. I use a MagicMouse on the Mac.

With my Z, I use a Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, Bluetooth® Mobile Keyboard 6000. It is SUPER thin, comes with num pad, has natural curve for proper typing, however it is not backlit either. As for a mouse, I use the Logitech M555b, FRYS.com|Logitech. The mouse is small, yet fits well in your hands. Both match a black Z very nicely.

 

Oh, and to add and connect any bluetooth device in Windows 7, simply go to Control Panel -> Devices and Printers -> Add Device. Make sure your bluetooth devices are in pairing mode when you go to add them. You will probably have to type in a 4 digit pin code and 99% of the time it is 0000.

 

Thank you Antec87!