Review: Genius Slimstar 820 Solargizer keyboard

Wireless keyboards have become so commonplace it is easy to forget that they have a big weakness, how to power the keyboard.

Most keyboards use batteries and even though they might last several months on a fresh set, it is still annoying, not to mention a problem for the environment.

The Genius SlimStar 820 Solargizer is a keyboard with a solar panel paired to a built-in rechargeable battery. Ordinary batteries can also be fitted to ensure the keyboard keeps working if there is not enough light and the fixed battery runs out.

There are plenty of shortcut keys on the keyboard, including the all-The important volume and media player controls. There shortcut buttons for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Messenger, Internet Explorer and email. Copy, Paste, Save and Print shortcuts are very useful.

As much as a good selection of shortcut keys is important, other descisions have not benefited the keyboard. The Function keys are much smaller then ordinary keys, which we did not like. Sadly the keyboard was not as comfortable to type at as we would like.

The mouse is not rechargeable and so has no environmental benefit. It has a laser sensor and a sideways scrolling wheel so is likely to be an upgrade from the basic batteries supplied with computer. The only other extra is a button for locking the computer. A useful tool but not much faster than just pressing the Windows key and L. The USB adapter clips into the mouse

If you take away the solar charger there is not that much point buying this keyboard rather than, say, a Logitech keyboard set with a solar-powered battery charger. This would have the advantage of using rechargeable batteries for the mouse as well.