Johannesburg, 25 May 2010
It's the umpteenth time you've spilled coffee or soda on your keyboard, and you probably wish you could just pop it in the dishwasher. A new keyboard from Hewlett-Packard (HP) makes that a very real possibility, says IT distributor Axiz.
Keyboards are homes for harmful bacteria, which can pose a risk to your health. As a result, there are gadgets aplenty out there to help keep your keyboard keys sparkling.
But HP has launched the easiest solution by far - a washable keyboard, the HP PS2, which can be thrown in the sink at the first sign of grubbiness. This makes it ideal for environments that require keyboards to be immersed in water and cleaned, says Chris Barnes, HP PSG product manager at Axiz.
“Not only would the keyboard be suitable for environments with medical staff, at hospitals, for example, but - health and hygiene issues aside - it is ideal for any dirty workplace, such as a mine,” he adds.
The HP USB PS2 washable keyboard is well-suited for environments that require keyboards to be immersed and cleaned not only with water, but soap, washing-up liquid, non-abrasive cleaners, general purpose cleaners, bleach, disinfectant, antibacterial cleaners and surgical spirits. However, its waterproof exterior also protects it from windblown dust, rain, splashing water and hose-directed water, making the rugged keyboard suitable for many a dusty work environment.
The HP USB PS2 washable keyboard's SpillSeal keyboard technology protection provides protection from liquids and dust as defined in IEC standard 60529-1, code IP66, and NEMA standard 250, code 4X.
The code IP66 defined in the IEC standard 60529 means the keyboard is protected against the ingress of dust, and that high-pressure water jets from any direction will not have any harmful effects. A NEMA 4X enclosure as defined in NEMA standard 250 will provide protection against windblown dust, rain, splashing water and hose directed water.
Now all you need is a keyboard compartment in your dish rack.
HP USB PS2 Washable Keyboard at a glance
Weight: 0.77 kg
Product dimension: 168 mm x 449 mm x 35 mm
Compatible operating systems: Windows Vista, Windows XP Professional, Windows 7
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