By Shane McGlaun

I have been traveling with my notebook many times and wished I had an external keyboard with me. This happens even more frequently now that I use a netbook with an even smaller keyboard and a tiny track pad.

Econo-Keys has announced a new portable keyboard called the EK-76-TP that offers 76 keys including 12 function keys in a small keyboard measuring in at 8.91-inches x 3.54-inches x 0.38-inch. The keyboard is also rugged and is sealed to IP67 standards making it resistant to dirt, dust, and water.

The keyboard also lacks any crevices around the keys so it can be cleaned with strong disinfectants to prevent illnesses from spreading. Flip the keyboard over and the bottom has a full-size track pad with dual buttons. That will be a bit of a pain if you need to flip the keyboard over frequently to use the keys or the track pad. The keyboard is available now for $146.

[ Econo-keys ]