MacOS users get a choice!
Written: Jul 16 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: MacOS support, helps reduce fatigue, CTS, RSI, other computer related problems.
Cons: None so far...
The Bottom Line: Buy it - it's better than the iMac keyboard!
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| pcummins's Full Review: Microsoft Natural Pro (B61-00002) Keyboard |
If you've got one of those earlier iMacs/G3/G4's with the smaller keyboard and puck mouse you'll be glad to know that finally there's a keyboard worth buying that can allow you to put the original away - for good!
After a year of recurring pain in my right shoulder I had to face facts - the iMac keyboard and mouse just wasn't cutting it for me, so I decided to go out and check for a replacement.
After some research on the Internet I found out the MS Natural Keyboard Pro could work on my iMac via USB without any issues once the software was installed, and immediately went out and got one for my iMac.
A quick tour of the MS site gets the MacOS drivers installed fairly quickly, unplug the old keyboard and in with the new. No issues to speak of, it all works fine. I also plugged in my LogiTech Marble Mouse into the USB hub in the keyboard, fits for my left hand without any problems. Software support is there for those hot-keys, but I don't really use them all that much.
Ergonomically I find the Natural Pro to be a lot better than the existing keyboards I've used, since it forces you into a better typing style. After a few false starts with the B key (my right hand never quite got the workout of the left) I'm typing as well as I used to, if not better. Touch typists should have no problems adjusting, if your typing is a bit suspect expect the keyboard to show this to you the hard way.
The only odd thing is that the feet for the back only have 2 positions - up or down. There used to be wave keyboard from MS that had a front foot system which seems to be nice, but it seems to have hit the wayside - perhaps it wasn't a good idea after all?
I've noticed a few people mutter about the price, but these days after suffering shoulder pains you'd pay anything not to have it, therefore $50 US or so is a bargain for pain-reduced typing.
Anyhow, hope this spreads the word that there's better keyboards out there for MacOS now that USB seems to be getting into full swing with peripheral manufacturers.
PC
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 46
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Epinions.com ID:
pcummins
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Location: Perth, WA, Australia
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Systems Administrator and Programmer, and heavy MacOS user.
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