Microsoft Arc Keyboard

MORE: click here to watch our video review of the Microsoft Arc Keyboard

Not every computer sits on a desk in a study. Some will be put where they can be seen by visitors, which is why Microsoft has designed the Arc Keyboard.

It's wireless and small with a stylish curved shape and glossy black finish that looks great when it's clean. It picked up fingermarks with ease, though.

The wireless adapter is one of the smallest we have seen and cleverly snaps into a small recess beneath the keyboard using magnets. Power is provided by 2 AAA batteries, included in the box.

Installation was as simple as plugging in the adapter. The keys are no less wide than other keyboards on our desk, but they do not press down very far.

To keep the size down, there are several keys missing: there is no numeric keypad, context menu key or cursor keys (which have been replaced with a four-way pad). None of these are a great loss and it still has volume controls. It’s fairly good when used on the lap - in fact it was slightly more comfortable there than on a desk.

The Arc keyboard is not cheap but if you need to equip a home entertainment PC it will fit right in on the coffee table.

MORE: click here to watch our video review of the Microsoft Arc Keyboard