IBM Introduces New Keyboards Designed for Easy Internet Access
Rapid Access and TrackPoint Keyboards Enhance Internet Experience
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (June 29, 1998) – IBM today announced two new innovative keyboards that provide quick and easy access to the Internet and other applications. The Rapid Access Keyboard offers a customizable keyboard with one-touch access to the Internet, favorite applications, audio CD controls, power management and help screens. The TrackPoint Keyboard provides the latest IBM cursor control TrackPoint technology with enhanced functionality for easy pointing, selecting and Internet scrolling without a mouse.
IBM’s leadership in keyboard technology and design continues with the introduction of these new products. Its 104-key keyboards have continued to advance in functionality and popularity. IBM’s TrackPoint technology, made popular first in its ThinkPad notebook computers, is now in demand for desktop computer users as well.
”IBM continues its leadership by providing consumers with state-of-the-art options that make using their computers easier and more convenient,” said Kevin Barry, general manager, PC Options and Peripherals, Personal Systems Group. ”The Rapid Access Keyboard makes using a PC faster and simpler by enhancing functionality at an affordable price, and the TrackPoint Keyboard, designed for those who enjoy the ease and convenience of a high quality pointing device as an alternative to a mouse, provides enhanced scrolling capabilities.”
Rapid Access Keyboard, Fast and Convenient
The Rapid Access Keyboard combines the comfort and familiarity of a standard 104-key keyboard layout with 14 convenient Rapid Access Buttons that control the following:
Four easy-to-customize ”hot keys” provide easy access to your favorite applications, including instant access to your Internet browser(a)
Five CD control buttons — Play, Stop, Pause, and Track Forward or Back(b)
Three volume control buttons — up, down and mute
Instant one-button suspend key for super-efficient power management(c)
Dedicated Help button for instant access to Windows Help screens(d)
TrackPoint Keyboard, Power Navigation at Your Fingertips
The TrackPoint Keyboard incorporates the TrackPoint IV pointing device, latest TrackPoint technology developed by IBM Research, into a full-size, feature-rich keyboard with a comfortable, quiet rubber-dome, 104-key layout that eliminates the need for a mouse while saving desktop space.
Great for browsing the Internet(a) or large documents, users will appreciate the fingertip navigational features for easy scrolling in any direction, all without removing their hands from the keyboard. Additional features include two mouse buttons below the space bar, a PS/2 port for connecting an additional pointing device, and mouse drivers that support using the TrackPoint IV for scrolling, press-to-select, and magnification functions in a variety of popular operating systems(1).
System Requirements/Compatibility
The Rapid Access Keyboard requires Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98 and a CD-ROM drive. The TrackPoint Keyboard requires Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98 and an IBM or IBM-compatible desktop computer with PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports.
Pricing(2) and Availability
With a suggested reseller price of $49.95, the IBM Rapid Access Keyboard is available today through IBM Consumer Direct by calling (800) 426-7235 ext. 4340 or at retail outlets where IBM products are sold. The IBM TrackPoint Keyboard will be available in late July with estimated reseller prices starting at $109. All products are backed by IBM’s service and support available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week(3).
The IBM Commitment
IBM Personal Systems Group is committed to providing tested, quality and affordable PC solutions that enhance and protect its customers’ computing investment. The IBM PC Options and Peripherals portfolio includes storage, communications/networking, memory, multimedia, and accessory products for desktop, workstation, server and mobile IBM and non-IBM systems. IBM distributes its products to channel customers including resellers, value-added resellers and retail superstores.
Source: IBM