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Ideazon's ZBoard
Manufacturer: Ideazon
Product Type: Gaming/Application Keyboard
Connection Type: through USB-port
System Requirements: PC with USB port
Extra: /
Retail Price: 31.34 euro
Date posted: 20 January 2005
Written By: Bjorn
Introduction
You may have seen a lot of customized human-interface products in a few years. Different control pads with a dozen buttons or specialized joysticks rised like mushrooms in the market to help the (average) gamer in a better gaming experience. Now regarding keyboards ... it stayed pretty silent. There were here and there some products that did caught our eye but none of them were really "it".
Now manufacturer Ideazon has released the so-called "ZBoard" on the market. Filling that keyboard segment and helping out for a better gaming experience.
But what is it really ? Will it help you or better, will it give you that "boost" of a better game experience ?
We recieved the UK version of ZBoard from Ideazon and we'll investigate wether this 'keyboard' is up to your needs.
ZBoard, the ultimate gaming keyboard ?
Well first of all here is some of the ZBoard's main key specifications:
- Revolutionary two-piece interchangeable keyboard
- Quickly and easily exchange keyboard interfaces
- Allows novices to quickly learn both games and applications
- Ergonomic shapes and positioning of keys for enhanced game play
- Easy to read icons
- Coloured and indexed keys
- Intuitive command grouping
- Get the most out of your games and applications
The Zboard from Ideazon is packaged in a retail cardboard box. It comes pre-packaged with a Microsoft Windows and IE interface so most consumers will already be happy that it will be easier for them to navigate through Windows and Internet Explorer. And gamers will already experience the benefits of the Zboard because Ideazon also included a default gaming keyset.
The retail box also includes a wrist rest (which need to be hooked on the Zboard base), an installation CD and an user guide for the Windows/IE interface. When it was first launched the Zboard would come with a PS2 plug but I'm happy to tell you that USB versions are already circulating (our test version is in fact such an USB Zboard).
So what is the Zboard really?
It isn't a normal keyboard like most of you would think it is though. The main purpose of the keyboard is that you are allowed to interchange every key on the board. That means you can configure every button for every game or application. It also offers you to buy keysets that are made for one specific game (ie Doom3 keyset, Medal of Honor, ...) Those keysets have all the buttons necessary for a perfect gaming experience READY and all placed on the keyboard in the best way. So every game-keyset is not identical. An RTS keyset has a lot of different keys then a FPS game. Of course you can still play with its configurations and customize it the way you want.
And Ideazon also creates application interfaces for programs like Windows/IE, Adobe Photoshop, Excel, Office, Flash MX and many others (check their website for more information regarding compatible games and applications).
You connect the Zboard through to your PC by USB (2 integrated ports), launch it driver-cd and let all the necessary files install.
It's a breeze really. No problems occured during install.
The Keysets
One of the most usefull functions of the Zboard is like I already adressed is that you can easily change the keyset. The keyset (default or a specific game keyset) can be changed by just lifting up the end tab up and folding it over. You can then simply remove the interface and reverse for installing. If you have installed it correctly, the tab on the right side snaps into place and a small LED will light up just above the keyset.
Easy after a few times.
More then just a normal keyboard
Exactly it does has more to offer then just a plain normal keyboard. First of all, the Zboard has in total 17 clear buttons. Each are labeled with associated icons. First seven are media controls (play, stop, ...) while the other 10 are quick launch keys. So these can be customized to your own needs. Launching a game, a program, or anything that is on your pc is easy to do so with the Zboard configuration utility.
Besides that, every button reacts differently according to the keyset that you have placed on the Zboard's base. If you use the gaming or the Windows/IE keyset, it will be all different. When I was using the last set, I found it very useful that you can switch between applications by pressing just one button.
Conclusion
Ideazon's "Zboard" is one of the most innovative keyboards up te date. Yes wireless and other pro keyboards are nice as well but we have to admit Ideazon did a pretty damn good job in creating the (ultimate) gaming and application keyboard that let you change the entire layout in a breeze.
Every keyset (except the default and gaming set that is included in the retail box) offers you more functions for games that you might not find and it gives you a quicker access to weaponry or other useful commands.
It does cost a little bit more then a natural normal keyboard but it is really worth it.
I do believe that you won't buy a whole bunch of keysets but nevertheless only the ones that you play most will get that special attention.
If you are looking for a new decent strong keyboard with MORE functions and different layouts then Ideazon's keyboard is definitely one to look out for!
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