The Rii i8 has been a popular wireless mini keyboard and now there is a updated version. The update is a huge improvement over the old i8 version with the new i8+ that brings better battery life and minor but noticeable improvements to the layout and touch pad.
You can find it on Amazon here:
If you are like me you have some kind of media center connected to your TV. It could be a XMBC box, Windows or Mac Computer, or one of a host of other options. The main issue with them is the need for a keyboard and a mouse. Keyboards like the i8 combines the keyboard and mouse into a slim sharp looking keyboard.
Design: The i8 comes in five colors black, blue, green, yellow, and white. There is a very nice rubber back to the keyboard right where your fingers sit for a nice comfortable feel. They multifunction keys are placed perfectly for your thumbs for easy of use with out having to look at the keyboard. The i8+ also came in easy to open packaging a huge improvement over the older versions plastic retail packaging.
The keys have a great feel to them with a nice clicking sound. Often keyboards in this price range and size often have no sound or clicking feel when you press the button. With the i8+ you can type with out having to look at and see if you actually hit the button.
Technical Specifications:
Receiver(dongle): Nano style
Connect port: With USB2.0 above
Processor(MCU): BK24xx Serials
Transmit Power: Less than +4db
Power supply: Rechargeable 450mAh Lithium-ion battery
Charging voltage: 4.4V ~ 5.25V
Charging current: 300mA
Sleeping Current class1: 0.8mA
Operation Voltage: 3.7V
Operating Current: <14mA Product Size: 146.8mm*97.5mm*19mm
Our experience using the i8+:
I tested the i8+ as my primary keyboard for a windows PC. I was surprised at the range of the wireless keyboard. The keyboard was reliably from a range of about 30 feet. Standing in my kitchen about 30 feet away from the TV the keyboard was able to communicate with the receiver in located behind the TV stand reliably.
They multifunction keys worked with out any special setup. Even the pause/play button worked inside of websites like YouTube and CBS provided that we had the browser selected. The i8 responded quickly with no noticeable lag between a button pressed and the action happening on screen.
There is a built in auto turn off to save battery power. This auto off feature greatly improves the battery life without having to remember to turn off the keyboard during the movie.
Over all I was very pleased and even surprised at the quality of the i8+. For about $19.98 it is a very nice mini wireless keyboard with good quality of construction and very easy to use.
5 Out Of 5 Stars
You can find the i8+ on Amazon here: