Datadesk Smartboard: A Pleasure to Use
Written: May 06 '02 (Updated May 13 '02)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Unique key layout is ergonomic, comfortable, fast & accurate.
Cons: A few "outlying" keys are unconventionally arranged. "Caps Lock" light is hard to see.
The Bottom Line: If you are spending time at the keyboard, you owe it to yourself to give the Smartboard a try.
|
|
|
| jtimothy's Full Review: Datadesk SmartBoard (PC5000) Keyboard |
The Smartboard by Datadesk is ergonomically designed, with the usual split keyboard and built-in wrist-rest. But the designers have added a couple of unique features that SIGNIFICANTLY differentiate this keyboard from its competitors.
First of all, the keys are laid out in what DataDesk calls a "fan" arrangement. Basically this means that the "columns" of keys front-to-back (e.g.: "v", "f", "r" and "4") are set in a straight line rather than "staggered" as on a conventional keyboard. The result is subtle but significant.
For example, on a conventional keyboard, to type "r" you need to move your index finger laterally to the left from the "f" key as well as moving it up to the row above. Notice when you do this that your index finger brushes against, and slightly crosses over, your middle finger, which is resting on "d".
On the Smartboard, that move from "f" to "r" is a straight shot up and back. It feels more relaxed and natural.
Secondly, the "outlying" keys--the ones you type with your weaker ring and little fingers--are bigger than the keys in the center of the layout. For example, the "q" is about 50% bigger than the "r" key; the "9" is bigger than the "7". The "Back Space" and "Caps Lock" and "Tab" keys are huge.
This improves accuracy and therefore speed, of course: bigger targets are easier to hit! But I believe it has a salubrious ergonomic effect as well, in that you can relax your fingers a little more, knowing that you don't have to be quite as precise in your placement as with a conventional board.
Touch is a always a matter of personal preference. I like a robust, mechanical touch (I learned typing on a typewriter, back in the day). This keyboard delivers. It is mechanical, not soft; and it has a more substantial feeling than the "cheap-click" type of touch you find on bargain keyboards.
The downside? The "+/=" key, the "_/-" key, and the "|/\" key have been moved, which might necessitate a little re-training if you are an expert typist already.
And I would have liked the "Delete" key to be enlarged and moved within easy reach of the home row. It remains in the Siberia of the numeric keypad section. However, a program like Macro Express will enable you to set up a key combination (I use "sdf") that will let you to delete a letter without moving your hands off the keyboard.
Another small gripe is about the "Caps Lock" indicator light: it's on the "Caps Lock" key itself, which is at the end of a row and angled outwards. With an overhead light shining on the keyboard I can't tell if the indicator reads "on" or "off", unless I move my head over to peer at it.
Don't let this nitpicking scare you away, though. If you've read this far, you must do a lot of typing. Warning: this keyboard will spoil you! If you type on this board for a few days, then go back to a conventional board, your hands will feel "scrunched up" and your accuracy will suffer. It's like putting on a pair of shoes that are way too small.
I'm not an expert, but I am a piano player as well as a touch-typist, so I know something about finger movement. Give it a try! There is a 30-day money back guarantee. The company is great to deal with.
(A picture being better than 1000 words, you might want to go here http://www.darwinkeyboards.com/smart_gif.htm to take a look. You can download a better photo from http://www.datadesktech.com/media_photo_base.html . Other photos are at the darwinkeyboards site [Darwin, the original manufacturer, merged with Datadesk].)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 70.00
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
jtimothy
|
|
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.