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A: FireFly International, Inc. is a technology company headquartered in
Florida whose vision is to set the industry standard for
backlighting computer keyboards.
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Q: Why do I need a
lighted keyboard? |
A: Independent studies in the US have found that 63% of home desktop
keyboard users work in low lighting conditions and 38% use a
computer in the bedroom while someone else is sleeping. Think about
the times when the lights were dim or out altogether because others
were watching TV or someone was dozing on the couch and you needed
to use the computer. How about the time when the lights were tuned
down to avoid the glare on the computer screen? FireFly’s backlit
keyboard helps eliminate typing errors and also reduce stress on the
eyes when using the keyboard in low lighting.
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Q:
Does FireFly
make those prepaid cell phones? |
A: No. There is no relationship whatsoever.
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Borealis
Product Information: |
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Q.
Why is the FireFly Borealis keyboard the best choice for backlit
keyboards? |
A:
The FireFly Borealis is a high quality computer keyboard designed
with and manufactured by the world leader in
computer keyboard products.
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It has an ultra slim
design.
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It incorporates the
latest features and multimedia keys.
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The soft touch scissor
keys facilitate and accelerate typing input.
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The backlighting
technology is state of the art.
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Consumer feedback has
been overwhelming.
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Q: Do other people make
lighted keyboards? |
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A: Yes there are some lighted keyboards on the market today. Some use
LED technology that is more expensive and not as effective. And
others use EL of a poorer quality.
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Q:
What makes the FireFly Borealis keyboard different? |
A: FireFly
Borealis Keyboard provides for easy and convenient use of your
computer keyboard in all lighting conditions. The FireFly keyboard
incorporates LEC, a patented electroluminescent panel design as the
lighting source. LEC includes a custom designed inverter that
delivers power to the EL panel using proprietary technology that
produces maximum and consistent brightness over a prolonged period.
The keyboard also includes the use of patented scissor switch
mechanisms that provide the precise, smooth and rapid keystroke
demanded by today's computer user. In addition, the Borealis
keyboard illumination emanates through the lettering on the keycaps
unlike most other illuminated keyboards where the keys and
not the letters are lit.
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Q: How does it
compare to other keyboards? |
A: The FireFly keyboard is a full function multimedia keyboard. In
function and design it is among the best. What makes it unique and a
step above all the others are the soft touch scissor keys and a
proprietary lighting source that truly makes it a one of a kind.
The FireFly Borealis keyboard is ideal for use in any market in all
lighting conditions.
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Q: How long does the
light last? |
A: The life expectancy of the LEC EL panel coincides with the average
life of a keyboard itself, which under normal use is three to four
years.
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Q:
Do I have to have all the lights out for it to work? |
A: Not at all. In office or room lighting, without keyboard
illumination, the FireFly Borealis keyboard is a high quality, full
function multimedia keyboard. When room lighting
dims, simply press the “EL on-off” switch to light up the keys and
you won’t miss a keystroke.
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Q: Can I get the
FireFly Borealis keyboard in a different color of backlighting? |
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A: No. Users selected the Aquamarine color as the best functional color
(not too bright or too dim) and rated this color
most pleasing to the eye.
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Q:
What is the warranty period? |
A: Twelve (12) months from the original ship date. Please refer to the
warranty statement for further details.
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Q: I don't use
hotkeys on my current keyboard, why should I use them on the
Borealis keyboard? |
A: Hotkeys are actually preset function keys that make access to
application software much easier than launching them using your
mouse. Try using the most frequently used functions such as previous
page, next page, launch email, etc. We know you will especially
enjoy volume control dial for instant control of audio
entertainment. Much easier than key-based shortcuts!
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Q:
Why don't you bundle a mouse with your keyboard? |
A: FireFly focuses on its core business of providing the best keyboard
for all lighting conditions.
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Technical
Information: |
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Q:
Does it work with all computers? |
A: FireFly
is fully compatible with Windows based computers only.
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Q:
Can I use it with a notebook computer? |
A: Yes, a
lot of people do. Just plug it in to your USB port on your notebook
and type away.
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Q:
If I use it with a notebook will it drain the battery? |
A: Like any
USB device that uses the USB interface as its power source, it will
use battery power. Of course, if the notebook computer is connected
to an electrical outlet at the same time that the FireFly Borealis
keyboard is being used, the battery is not affected.
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Q: Will this
keyboard work without illumination? |
A: Yes. The
keyboard will function regardless of whether the EL light is on or
off.
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Q:
With which operating systems are the FireFly Borealis
compatible? |
A: This
keyboard is compatible with VISTA, Windows XP, ME, 2000, and 98 operating
systems. VISTA NO DRIVERS REQUIRED!
WARNING VISTA USERS: DO NOT load the drivers enclosed with your FireFLy keyboard. they are not required and they may cause unstable operation with VISTA.
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Q: Will this keyboard work with a Macintosh computer? |
A:
WE DO NOT PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR ANY APPLE PRODUCT NOR DO WE
PROVIDE SUPPORT IF YOU USE OUR KEYBOARD PRODUCT (S) WITH ANY APPLE
PRODUCT. The basic typing keys on the main part of the keyboard will
operate normally. The function keys may or may not operate,
depending on the application being used. The multimedia hotkeys keys
will not operate with exception of the “Sleep” key that places the
system into standby/shutdown mode.
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Q:
Do I have to load the keyboard driver? |
A: No generally not. Most versions of Windows OS,
particularly the later ones,(XP / VISTA) provide full multimedia functionality
without having to load the FireFly driver, but if an early version
of Windows OS is being used that does not allow complete multimedia
functionality, loading the FireFly driver will overcome this to give
full use of the multimedia hotkeys provided with the FireFly
Borealis keyboard. Click here for driver
download. WARNING! IF USING MICROSOFT VISTA DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS DRIVER. NO DRIVER NECESSARY FOR VISTA.
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Q: What type of port does this keyboard connect to? |
A: This keyboard must connect to a USB port. The
keyboard is compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports.
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Q: Can I use the keyboard with a PS/2 port? |
A: No. You must connect the keyboard to a USB port.
Even when using a USB-to-PS/2 adaptor, the keyboard cannot
communicate with the computer through the PS/2 port.
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Q: Why does the backlighting turn itself off periodically? |
A: The keyboard is designed to turn the backlighting
off after a period of 5 minutes of inactivity in order to prolong
the life of the backlighting. This is similar to the way a
screensaver turns off a computer monitor in order to preserve its
useful life. The backlighting comes back immediately or when any key is
touched.
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Q:
Can I turn off the backlighting during time when I don't need
it? |
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A: Yes. An On/Off switch for the backlighting is
conveniently located at the top left corner of the keyboard.
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Q:
Why are the keystrokes shorter than those on an old-fashioned
desktop keyboard? |
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A: The FireFly Borealis keyboard uses low profile
scissor-key-switches. These key-switches are similar to those
used in notebook computers. They provide smoother, quieter, and
more comfortable typing action.
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Q:
What functions do the multimedia hotkeys operate? |
A: They operate 16 of the most useful, and most requested operational,
internet, and multimedia functions available. In addition, there
is a volume control dial on the keyboard for immediate and
effortless adjustment of the sound level. Please refer to the user
instructions provided with the Borealis keyboard for hotkey
definitions.
Click here for the user instructions.
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Q: I lost my
driver CD, or I don’t have a CD drive. How do I load the
keyboard driver? |
A:
Click here to download the latest keyboard
driver. ATTENTION MS-VISTA USERS NO DRIVER REQUIRED!. (DO NOT attempt to download or use this driver on VISTA as it may cause unstable operation.)
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Q: What if the
keyboard cable is not long enough to reach my computer? |
A: At 2.0 meters (6.5 ft.), the FireFly Borealis cable is longer than
most standard keyboard cables. However, if you need more cable
length, you can purchase a USB extension cable at most computer and
accessory supply stores.
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Q: My keyboard is
not functioning properly, what should I do? |
A: Troubleshoot the keyboard:
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Verify that the USB connector is plugged securely into the USB
port of the computer.
If you have more than one USB port, Plug your Borealis keyboard
into the second USB port and test again (you are ruling out a
failed USB port!).
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Try the keyboard on another computer (you may need to load the
driver on the new computer). If the keyboard functions normally,
the problem is in the first computer and not the keyboard. If the
keyboard exhibits the same problem with the second computer, the
problem is logically the keyboard.
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Un-install
then re-install the keyboard driver using the unintsall program
function included with the driver. (see user instructions).
Reboot your computer.
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If the keyboard is still not functioning after these
troubleshooting steps and is still in the warranty period,
click here to access a Return
Material Authorization (RMA).
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Purchasing
or Returning the Keyboard: |
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Q: I have some
comments and/or ideas I would like to communicate to FireFly,
how do I do that? |
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A: We are happy to hear from anyone on just about
any topic that will help us improve our products(s). You may
click on the "contact us" to send us your comments.
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Q: Can purchase an
extended warranty beyond the factory one (1) year warranty? |
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A:
No. We currently do not offer an extended warranty plan.
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Q:
How do I return a keyboard? |
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A: Please click here
for the RMA Procedure Form. You must read our
return policy and if you qualify for return/replacement, please
follow the instructions also located on the RMA form. |
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