Sure, keyboard costs $190, but has heft, tool for switching key caps

First, let me go ahead and say it: $190 is a lot to pay for a keyboard, especially one that isn't split in the middle, shaped to reduce wrist strain, or otherwise configured to help you avoid filing for workman's compensation. The Avant Stellar is not the keyboard for everyone -- but it is the keyboard for the typing enthusiast.

The Avant Stellar uses the same basic design as the Northgate Omnikey, a popular workhorse from the pre-mouse PC era. It has mechanical switches instead of the now-standard membrane switches on today's cheap keyboards.

I knew that this was a different kind of keyboard as soon as I opened the box. For one thing, it's heavy (about 5 pounds). The top is made of extremely sturdy plastic, the bottom of rigid metal. This is industrial-strength hardware that's a joy to type on.

The other thing that sets the Avant Stellar apart is that it comes with a tool for removing keycaps, something you don't see every day. With bundled software, you can reprogram any key and use the keycap tool to rearrange the board.

The downside is that the Avant Stellar costs a lot -- the generic Acer board that came with my home PC cost 8 bucks. To me, the cost is completely justifiable. For someone who types a lot, $190 is not much to pay for a keyboard that makes me happier to sit at a computer all day. If you take your typing seriously, I encourage you to try the Avant Stellar.

Information: 888-770-0500 or www.cvtinc.com

-- Rafe Colburn

900MHz cordless phone includes modem monitor

If you're looking for a reasonably-priced cordless phone that offers high-end features, Casio Phonemate's TC-945 ($270) is worth a ring. This two-line portable uses analog 900MHz technology for extended range and clarity. It includes a two-line speakerphone that lets you call out on both lines (one via the speakerphone and base station keypad, the other via the handset), an intercom between base station and handset, digital answering machines for both lines, and the ability to receive calls simultaneously on the two lines.

It's really two phones and two answering machines for the price of one phone.

One of the most useful features of the TC-945 is what Casio calls "modem monitoring" technology. The phone constantly scans its lines and protects the integrity of modem and fax transmissions. This way, you won't lose that multi-megabyte download when Junior picks up the upstairs extension seconds before the transmission is complete.

One drawback: As are many of the sophisticated phones coming out these days, it's festooned with a dizzying array of buttons and lights that make it hard to learn. Putting the words "Easy to Use Owner's Guide" on the cover of the manual doesn't automatically make it so, especially when the thick tome is printed in headache-inducing blue ink on white paper.

Another less-than-cutting edge feature of the TC-945 is that it's analog 900MHz, not digital. You don't get spread-spectrum technology, which mean less security and some loss of range and clarity.

Information: 310-320-9810 or www.casiophonemate.com

-- Gareth Branwyn

You can find full reviews of these and other neat gadgets at www.streettech.com.

Pub Date: 03/22/99