XGene Trackball Keyboard Review :: Overview

Out of the box we find the same basic setup as the previous wireless keyboard. A small USB receiver as well as 2 AA batteries, there is a small basic Manual which looks remarkable like the manual from the first keyboard.

On the left side we have a full featured media control with all the features of a standard MCE remote control with an integrated scroll wheel thrown in for good measure . The scroll wheel functions just like your standard mouse wheel. Above that is a basic set of left and right click buttons.

Moving to the other side we have a full size number pad. This is something the previous keyboard lacked. But it is understandable as the previous Xgene Keyboard we looked at was a smaller more compact design. The number pad comes in handy more when you are using the keyboard for regular computer tasks. Other than keying in TV channels I have not found much need for a number pad in Media Center.

Above the number pad we have a track ball; this basically takes the place of a physical mouse.

Over all the keyboard has a good solid feel, it’s a bit larger than our other Xgene keyboard though this one is thinner.