VisionTek CandyBoard 900335 Bluetooth Keyboard Review

Wireless Bluetooth mini-keyboard delivers big performance in a small package

My entertainment room doesn't have a lot of table space, so I try to limit the number of remote controls and media center keyboards used to managed the home theater. My Sony PlayStation 3 has a remote for when I play Blu-ray discs, and the HTPC uses a media center keyboard. While each of these peripherals serves its own purpose, I've always thought it would be nice to have something that combined them into one small device. As if someone knew exactly what I wanted, the VisionTek CandyBoard 900335 Bluetooth mini keyboard materialized into what might possibly be the perfect solution. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests this Bluetooth mini-keyboard for range and performance on both PC and PS3 systems.

My initial interest in the VisionTek CandyBoard came from its petite size, and its ability to transmit wirelessly over the Bluetooth network. Knowing that my Sony PlayStation 3 had its own built-in BT receiver, I wasn't expecting to use the included USB button receiver. Then it occurred to me that I could replace the large wireless media center keyboard on my nearby Home Theater PC (HTPC), and use the Bluetooth receiver there. It turned out to be the perfect solution for my needs: one device to control two (or more) platforms.

VisionTek CandyBoard 900335 (Actual Size)

The VisionTek CANDYBOARD 900335 is a mini keyboard with an embedded USB Bluetooth dongle that looks just slightly bigger than a candy bar. Bluetooth connectivity makes the CANDYBOARD an ideal external keyboard for Apple Mac's and PC's as well as iPhones, iPads, and most other smart phones and tablet devices. It features 69 keys in QWERTY layout, offers a "capacitive-sensing" touch pad that's comparable to a real notebook touch pad, and has gaming-oriented navigation keys designed to be used as joystick controls. There are 26 LED's to use in low-light environments and Windows Media compatibility.

EDITOR'S NOTE: VisionTek also offers a non-Bluetooth version of the CandyBoard, which operates over RF (radio frequency). The RF version suffers from shorter range, but it is very similar to this Bluetooth version.

VT2012 Specifications

System Requirements:

• Bluetooth-enabled PC running Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, or XP
• Bluetooth-enabled Apple Macintosh computer running Mac OS 10.2.8 or later

Mobile Requirements:

• Google Android System
• Apple iOS
• Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 or newer
• Nokia Symbian S60 System

Dimensions:

• 5.8" x 2.25" x .25" (151mm x 59mm x 12.5mm)

Manufacturer: VisionTek, Inc.
Product Name: CandyBoard Bluetooth Mini Keyboard
Model Number: 900335 VT2012
Price As Tested: $64.50 (Amazon) or $69.99 (Newegg)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by VisionTek.

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