A couple of years ago, all of the computers in our office at work were replaced. The members of staff who sat next to windows had been complaining about glare on the monitors and keyboards and our Facilities department decided to replace them in line with new health and safety measures which they had started to take seriously after staff were forced to watch a DVD on office ergonomics. As one of the first people due a new keyboard, I was sent a list which I could choose from but was happy to go along with their recommendation of the HP standard USB keyboard.

So, to look at it's much like any other keyboard, although the black colour with the silver strip across the top does make it look very smart. It weighs less than a kilogram making it easy to move although not as lightweight as some newer models! The dimensions are comparable with most other computer keyboards at 45.8 cm x 16.3 cm x 2.5 cm. It is a wired keyboard which plugs into the main computer by USB. It was no hassle to set up when I first started using it, I just plugged it in and away I went! A lot of keyboards are now wireless but for business purposes there is no need for this as it's very rare you would be typing anywhere but at your desk! Plus there is a huge possibility that keyboards would get misplaced or muddled up.

The keyboard is set up like most others so I won't patronise anyone by describing the layout in detail, although just to confirm it is a regular QWERTY set up with a number pad in the bottom right and with sections of the keyboard nicely spread out to keep the letters, numbers, F keys etc separate. The keys are responsive to pressure when I type, none of the keys stick and they have a nice matte finish so that there is no glare from lights or the windows, unlike my old one which was shiny and distracting. The keys are nice and quiet to type on which is important in an office environment and good for me as I have a tendency to smash the keys at the end of a sentence! It is comfortable to use even though it does not have a cushioned part to use as a hand rest. Underneath the keyboard on both sides towards the rear are little stands which can be flicked down to make it stand up at an angle. In fact there are two different stands so that the keyboard can either lie flat, at a tiny angle or more upright, which is my preference for when I'm typing.

Hewlett Packard are one of the most well known computer companies around and I assume from the name that the product would be of a good quality and reliable. It has not caused me any issues during the whole time I've had it and I use it every day for around 7 hours! If there is a problem, the product has a one year warranty whether bought personally or in bulk for a business. The keyboard is easy to clean as food can not get below the keys. If crumbs do get between the gaps you can just turn it over and give it a shame and everything will come out. The cleaners always give it a wipe but even after a couple of years it still looks brand new. The keyboard can be purchased from a number of online computer and electronics stores for around the £15.00 mark.

Overall, I've been very impressed with the keyboard and would have no reservations in recommending it to others. It is great value for £15 and imagine it will continue to serve me well for at least another few years. It may not be particularly flash but it does everything that I need it to and for that reason I would rate the keyboard 4 stars.