Gadget of the Week: Phantom Lapboard Keyboard and Mouse

The idea is so simple and useful that I am perplexed as to why there are not more of them around: a compact wireless keyboard and mouse combo designed to work on your lap for couch typing/gaming/music listening/film viewing sessions. Phantom’s $130 Lapboard is literally an all-in-one KBM device whose full-size keyboard can swivel 360 degrees and be pulled up by 20 degrees, leaving the board underneath to act as a mousepad for the small laser mouse. In theory, the product is an HTPC dream, but does it work?


W H A T ‘ S - H O T :
+ There are no other viable substitutes. Nothing else on the market works quite as well and does the same thing as the Lapboard. Typing at a slight angle is strange at first, but it took me fewer than 15 minutes to acclimatize. Also, since I did not use the mouse for gaming, the approximate 7 x 7 inches of lateral and 4 inches of vertical space for the mouse is serviceable –but I would demand more for hardcore gaming (being fragged because you ran out of mousepad real estate might be frustrating to endure.

+ No driver CD is inside the box. Why? Because the Phantom is perfectly compatible with all Windows operating systems dating back to ME and 2000 and even the Playstation 3. I tested it on Mac OS X 10.6.3 and Windows 7, neither of which required any additional drivers. This is truly plug-and-play.

+ The wireless receiver is tiny and transmits at long ranges (obstruction can be problematic, so ensure a relatively clear path between KBM and adapter).

+ At 1200dpi, the laser mouse is very accurate and smooth, allowing minute, incremental movement, but I did not test gaming performance because it is at least two buttons shy of being practical enough for serious gaming. However, I have no doubt that sharp-shooting snipers will precisely nail every head-shot. The mouse is extremely light (even with both batteries), ergonomic, feels right, and can be a pleasure for southpaws.

+ Left-handed users will appreciate the mouse and the Lapboard’s ability to swivel uni-directionally.

+ A bit heavy and much thicker than conventional, the Lapboard is solidly built and feels good to hold. The “Midnight black” glossy finish is attractive and surprisingly fights off fingerprints better than most high gloss surfaces, such as those on smartphone/laptop screens. The alternative “Ivory white” model should be superior at hiding scratches and smudges too.

+ Although minor, the inclusion of 4 AA batteries is thoughtful.

W H A T ‘ S - N O T :
- If you need well over 7 square inches of space for the mouse, then the Lapboard is not for you. Additionally, if typing at a 20 degree angle is too challenging for you, then you can skip the Lapboard.

- As a lover of multi-button mice, I wish that the Phantom mouse had more than just two buttons. I especially require dedicated forward and backward buttons for web surfing. When a mouse lacks these, I find that my MacBook Pro’s multi-touch trackpad is friendlier for casual internet sessions.

- There is no number-pad, but since I am not an accountant, I am glad for the omission.

- For a multi-media keyboard, the Lapboard includes just three special short-cuts, all of which are for controlling volume. The usual play/pause/etc. keys are combined with F1 to F10.

V E R D I C T :
I spent hours typing on the Phantom, and the springy bounce from the solid keys (no flexing) feels comfortable. After a few thousand words writing at the Lapboard’s off angle, I made no more errors than normal. I can easily imagine the Phantom as a keyboard that is suitable for prolonged Word usage. Also, the rather tight confines of the mousepad suffices for navigation and basic Photoshop. At $129.99 and $9 shipping, the Lapboard is not chump change, but Phantom delivers on its promises.

For more information and to order Phantom’s Lapboard, visit the company’s website.