by Al Massey
By now you have all seen or test driven the latest generation of Keyboards. You know the ones I am talking about; they look like the love child of Salvador Dali and Janis Joplin. I have had the opportunity to test two of the new breed and, while I won’t say that I am a convert, both have something going for them. I predict that the new era of Keyboards is upon us.
I have had so many medical problems the last few years that I have hardly paid any attention to repetitive stress injuries (RSI) that can be traced to improper use of the keyboard, bad chairs and poor posture.
Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
This latest upgrade to Microsoft’s Natural Keyboard comes with a smaller footprint that allows it to fit snuggly into most keyboard trays. Overall, this little jewel provides a more ergonomic environment than the original, although it does take some getting used to. Initially, my typing speed dropped dramatically; but, after a few days, improved and eventually surpassed what I had been accustomed to. In addition, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my shoulders weren’t as stiff and my arms weren’t as tired at the end of the day.
I chalk this side benefit up to the fact that the keyboard lets you place your body in a comfortable position where your arms aren’t squeezed at your side. They are left in a natural position. That’s the result of the raised, split center. That, and the ability to raise and lower the keyboard in order to keep my forearms straight is less stressful.
I have always used keyboard shortcuts rather than the mouse, where possible, and Microsoft has added new keys to aid the user. Three keys offer quick access to the Start menu, quick shortcuts and right-mouse button simulation. This is a great help. The downside, however, is that they saw fit to move some other keys around and that has upped the frustration index quite a bit. Another negative, albeit a small one, is the somewhat mushy feel of the keys. I have used an industrial strength DTK keyboard since my XT days, and have diligently ported it over to every system since then until it gave up the ghost recently. I always found the clickety-click noise of the DTK comforting; so getting used to the mushy, quietness of the Elite is a bit trying at first.
While the cost of the keyboard puts it out of the midrange category I find the addition of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection makes it a pretty good buy.
On a sad note, I must report that the Elite failed one very strategic test in Massey’s Computer Pit, the all-important Corn Flakes and Milk Test. Actually it was the Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds and Milk Test (I recently upgraded from just plain Corn Flakes). I have fine-tuned this test over the last twenty years to the point where I can perform it in my sleep and apparently that is how I performed it this time. I am touch with Microsoft’s Tech Support and will let you know how they resolve this issue.
As an added precaution I am also reporting the incident to the Post Cereal tech support site in order to get their take on the situation.
I think it might have something to do with almonds.
Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
Microsoft
$65
Requirements:
Any x-86 compatible computer
PS/2 Keyboard compatible Port or USB (Universal Serial Bus) port
Windows 95/98 or NT
http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/596_ov.htm
SmartBoard from Darwin
With it’s sleek, black design and industrial “feel”, Darwin’s SmartBoard looks more like a Stealth Fighter than a keyboard. As an ex-fighter jock, maybe this is the reason for its appeal. Overall, SmartBoard serves as an example of an elegant merger of engineering, solid research and quality production. I was more than a little impressed with its attention to detail and solid feel combined with the clickety-click of its keys. Although it has a relatively small footprint, it is not in the league of Microsoft’s Natural Elite and would not fit in the desk keyboard drawer. This did not represent too much of a personal sacrifice because I have been wanting to try out a NASA inspired oak and steel pneumatic stand alone “keyboard island” for some time and this gave the opportunity to do so. (More on this in a future issue.)
I found it interesting that Darwin doesn’t promote the SmartBoard as an ergonomic keyboard but as a smart-key layout along with a split keyboard design. SmartBoard adds two extra keys that access the Start menu and program menu. Like the Elite they found it necessary to move some of the keys around so after a search mission I finally found the “plus” key all the way over on the left side and the “backslash” under the backspace. Darwin also offers a software package called LaunchBoard for $14.95 that will allow you to program up to 38 special keys. Through the use of Smart Key layout Darwin is able to get even the most dedicated “hunt and peck” artist up to touch typing speed in short order. As you type, the fingers extend to reach the keys. With your conventional keyboard, your fingers extend at an angle and your smaller fingers have to work harder to keep up with the rest. Smart Key layout makes the keys on the outer edges larger so your little fingers can get to them better. A really nice feature of the SmartBoard is the placement of feet on the front of the keyboard under the wrist rest, allowing the user to reposition the keyboard to fit his/her own unique way of typing. Changing the angle from time to time is like taking a break. All in all I can heartily recommend this unit.
SmartBoard
Darwin Keyboards, Inc.
$89.95
Requirements:
Any x-86 compatible computer
PS/2 Keyboard compatible Port or USB (Universal Serial Bus) port
Windows 95/98 or NT
http://www.darwinkeyboards.com/
E-mail me at webmaster@hal-pc.org with any comments you have and tell me what you want to see here.