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How to Use a Power Board for the Wii

The Wii Powerboard is a full-fledged computer-style keyboard for the Wii. Manufactured by Datel, the Powerboard features a full 89 back-lit keys and makes typing much quicker and easier than using the on-screen keyboard. The Powerboard has both a wired version with 10-foot cable and a wireless model, both plugging in to one of your Wii's free USB ports. With three AAA batteries, you'll easily be typing away on a real keyboard in a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

Three AAA batteries
Wii 3.1 firmware (automatic Wii update)
Available Wii USB port

Instructions

Installation
- 1
  Turn the keyboard upside down and remove the battery cover. Insert three AAA batteries into the Wii Powerboard and replace the battery cover.
- 2
  Plug the device into one of the USB slots on your Wii. Turn the Wii on and wait for the main menu to load. If you have your Wii set to automatically start any inserted games, be sure there's no game in the Wii.
- 3
  Press any key on the Powerboard to activate it. If you're using the Wireless Powerboard, make sure you're within the 30-foot working radius.
Use
- 4
  Open a Wii channel, game or application compatible with the Powerboard. For example, open the Opera Internet browser.
- 5
  Open a text field to type something in such as the address bar at the top of the browser window using your WiiMote.
- 6
  Type the letters as you would with a normal keyboard. You can "enter" the text by pressing Alt+Enter on the Powerboard. You can scroll using the keyboard's directional arrows and zoom in or out using the plus and minus keys.

Nintendo Wii