Must...Reach..."B"...
Written: Jun 06 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Claims of Ergonomic Correctness are True!
Cons: Not Everyone benefits from Ergonomic Correctness
|
|
|
| sherrylee's Full Review: Microsoft Natural Pro (B61-00002) Keyboard |
Like many people whose primary typing education consisted of High School Typing, I am a hybrid typist. My typing skills consist of a combination of touch typing, and hunt'n'peck. Although I seem to know where the keys are, I still feel the need to look at them while typing. When using the standard issue keyboards that come with most computers, this would mean a lot of typos to correct when I did eventually look at the screen. My main typos were missing the 'Shift' key, and so not capitalizing, and hitting the neighboring key ('K' for 'L'; 'F' for 'G', etc.).
I am reasonably broad shouldered (for a woman) and have pretty large hands, and standard keyboards all seemed so small. After typing for more than 15 minutes or so, my back would start to hurt from holding my arms in the unnatural position typing on un-natural keyboards requires. I would have to crowd my fingers together over the keyboard. Typing was a drag.
I had been peering with interest at Micrososft Natural Keyboards for years, but didn't know anyone who had one. After reading several reviews of them here, I took the plunge and asked for one for my birthday. The model I got was the MS Natural Keyboard Pro.
I really like this keyboard immensely. Within the first five minutes of using it, my typos decreased dramatically. After typing on it continuously for over 40 minutes, my back and shoulders felt just fine, and I hadn't felt the need to take even one quick break. All of my caps were capped, all of my L's were L's, and all of my G's were G's.
In addition to the ease of typing on the oversized, split keyboard which allows you to hold your arms in a more natural position, and the support provided by the built in wrist rest, this keyboard has many other features.
**Pre-Printed Shortcut Keys
The standard keyboard shortcuts are printed on the keys. This may not seem like a big deal to people who have used these often in the past, but since I hated my old keyboards, I stuck strictly to mousing where possible, and never used the shortcuts. Since I use them more frequently now, I like the convenience of having them printed right on the keys.
**Dedicated "Hot" Keys
This keyboard has 'hot keys' for the calculator, 'My Computer' folder, and a 'Sleep' key, which automatically suspends/restarts your computer without accessing the start menu. I have used these keys a great deal, especially the Calculator key.
**Internet Hot Keys
Across the top of the keyboard, above the 'F' keys are Internet Explorer control keys. They replicate the control icons from the browser, like 'Stop' and 'Home'. These keys also work in Netscape Communicator. There is also a key that automatically accesses your mail account, or your Hotmail account (if you have one). This key does NOT work for Netscape mail.
Multimedia Keys
These keys control your media functions, such as volume, and music CD's being played while you are on your computer. I usually do not play music on the computer (my stereo is in the same room), and mute the PC volume so I do not use these often. My husband does, however, and he enjoys the one-touch convenience.
Extra USB Ports
There are two USB ports on the back of the keyboard, allowing you to plug peripherals directly into your keyboard. If you run several peripherals, this is convenient. Previously, my husband had to unplug his gaming peripherals, like his joystick, in order to plug in the scanner. Now, we have everything connected.
The scroll keys, the 10-key number pad and function keys are placed as they are in a normal keyboard. As an aside, the comfort of this keyboard is such that I seldom use the 10-key for numerical entry, as I used to. I primarily use the numbers across the top on this keyboard. I have a standard keyboard at work, and still use the 10-key there.
Potential Problems?
I have not had any serious problems with this keyboard. The main issues I have with it are minor, and mainly due to my typing style. My left pinkie is nonfunctional due to a skiing accident (talk about embarrassing! If you have a major skiing accident requiring hospitalization, you should break something more than your pinkie!), so I type three fingered with my left hand. I have to reach across the keyboard to reach 'B', 'G' and 'T', especially when shifting. Typing the HTML for bold is an especial drag.
My husband, who is a total hunt'n'peck typist, doesn't like this keyboard. The split in the middle makes it harder for him to locate the keys. Since he is dyslexic, he primarily uses voice software, or dictates to me, so this is not a major problem, as I am the primary user.
Who Would Like this? Who Wouldn't?
Touch typists would benefit from using this keyboard. Very tall or broad people would also like it; even moderately big people would find it increases their comfort while typing. People who spend a great deal of typing, or who prefer to use the keyboard as opposed to the mouse would also like the Natural Keyboard. I would highly recommend it to people with back or wrist problems.
Very petite people might find the keyboard hard to span. Hunt'n'peck typists might find it annoying. Someone who has been typing for many years on a standard keyboard or typewriter might find it takes a long time to get used to, and it might not be worth the money for someone who doesn't use the keyboard much as an input device.
Overall, I highly recommend this product. It comes with a three year warranty activated by online registration with Microsoft, aka, The Evil Empire. It does NOT come with a hard copy manual. In all honesty, however, I did not need one, and I am reasonably inept when it comes to operating new hardware. It requires a minimum OS of Win98. Before purchasing it, however, I would check with everyone who will be using it. I give it 4 stars out of 5; I really like it, but I deducted the one star for my husband, who really doesn't like it very much.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
sherrylee
|
 - Top 500 |
|
Location: Kalispell, Montana
Reviews written: 199
Trusted by: 300 members
About Me:
Qui me amat, amet et canum meum-St. Bernard, 1150
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.