A Departure From The Conventional Keyboard
Written: Aug 23 '02 (Updated Oct 24 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comfortable Layout, USB Ports, One Touch Hot Keys
Cons: Takes Some Getting Used to, High Profile
The Bottom Line: More than a unique alternative to the conventional keyboard, but some rather useful extras included as well!
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| jonwes's Full Review: Microsoft Natural Pro (B61-00002) Keyboard |
I have been using computers dating back to the first Atari in the late 1970's. I've seen quite a few designs come and go in that time period. This latest design by Microsoft is a rather unique one. As most people are already aware, the Natural Keyboard Pro takes on what technical ergonomic experts state is the most conducive design to long term comfort. There is effectively a split down the middle of the keyboard, allowing your wrists, hands, and fingers to operate at a more "natural" position. I must admit, I taught myself to type through the years, and as a result, I only use two and sometimes three fingers on each hand. Not the most efficient way to approach typing, but I manage a solid 90 words a minute without blinking. This is probably the one reason I am writing on this product, given the substantial number of comments previously. I'm assuming some people out there are typing as I am, and would like to know whether or not this keyboard can be effectively used without conventional typing skills.
I like the look of this keyboard! It matches the other components in my system, has easy to see and reach hot keys at the top of the unit, and well placed USB ports on either side of the cable that connects to your system. Some of the useful hot keys include: volume up/down, next track, previous track, play/pause, back (browser), search, and mail. There are a couple of hot keys on the right side of the board that I use frequently, which are calculator and "My Computer". Easy access to two functions I use quite a bit. Note: you can re-program these buttons with the included software to access other programs.
The feel of the keys may not sit well with some. There are "clicky" keyboards and those that I'll refer to as "soft" keyboards. The Microsoft Natural falls more into the "soft" category. Some people like the clicking which is an audible reminder that the key has made contact. I personally don't care about this and would prefer a quieter sounding keyboard in case someone is sleeping in the same room. Personal preference on this one.
Now, on to my personal experience with my unique typing skills. I must say, it took some time getting used to this one. But, as we've all heard, good things are worth working for. I suppose that would apply here, as I have purchased two more of these keyboards since the initial for additional computers at different homes. I caught on to the keyboard after a short while and now rarely hit a key that I was not intending to hit. My only concern is whether or not I would be able to easily transition back to a conventional keyboard down the road, but I just realized I'm typing this review on a laptop without so much as a hiccup, so I suppose the answer is "yes"!
The included USB ports are a nice plus, as I have my mouse and Sandisk media card reader plugged into these ports. This allows easy expansion of your system without additional hardware being necessary. Thanks Microsoft.
I should also note that this keyboard can be found at more than reasonable price points if you look hard enough. In the Southern California area, the electronics retailer, Fry's, is currently running a promo on the Dell version of this keyboard for $14.99! That low price is what prompted me to recently pick up the additional two. The Dell version is essentially identical to the original, but with grey/green hot keys rather than blue, and the calculator and "My Computer" keys now reflect Dell customer service and one other function that I can't recall. Either way, you can reprogram these to suit your taste. Oh, in addition, I should mention that the original includes both USB and PS2 cables coming out of it, while the Dell only includes the USB cable. I tried hooking one of my keyboards up to an E-Machines computer that required a PS2 connection, and for some reason, the Dell version with a PS2 adapter coupled with the USB cable, did not function. For this reason, only purchase the Dell version if you know that your computer will accept a straight USB keyboard connection.
The two drawbacks I've found with this keyboard is the learning curve, which may have taken longer for me, given my lack of formal typing skills, and the somewhat higher profile of the unit as compared to most. This could be an issue if the keyboard was going to be used on a recessed sliding shelf under a desk. It would most likely still fit, but you might want to take measurements prior to purchase.
Conclusion
Overall, I would recommend this unit to anyone looking for an alternative to the conventional keyboard, as a change of pace or in the event of hand/wrist pain that this keyboard may help alleviate. Between the unique design, 19 hot keys, USB ports, and stylish looks, I'm sold on it!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 59.99
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jonwes
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Reviews written: 55
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