Posted on 08/14/2013 12:24:42 AM PDT by Olog-hai
For nearly two decades, Microsoft has sold ergonomic keyboards, but you likely haven’t used one for very long, if at all. The reason? It isn’t because typing on a flat surface is more comfortable or healthier for you. It’s largely because ergo-hardware has been bulky, dated, and just plain uncool, says Suneel Goud, one of the engineers behind the first significant reboot in the history of Microsoft’s ergonomic accessory line.
“That natural design that we came up with in 1994, it has probably been one of the most studied, one of the most iconic designs in the ergonomic keyboard space,” Goud told The Verge in an interview. “But, if you think of what we’ve done with it over the last 20 years, we’ve mainly focused on the colors, the materials.” On Tuesday, that changes with the introduction of Microsoft’s Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard and mouse—a new setup that wouldn’t look out of place on J.J. Abrams’ Starship Enterprise. The new Sculpt series marks an entirely new approach to both the design and branding of Microsoft’s PC accessories business, Goud says. …
(Excerpt) Read more at theverge.com ...
A big breakthrough in keyboards would be a standard 101 without the number pad still retaining the middle section with arrow keys.. That would make it fit in any backpack or briefcase. You can’t find them anywhere.
That is funny because I drive my husband crazy. I want a black keyboard as simple as available. That is becoming more and more rare.I detest the foofy keyboards and I insist on a plain mouse, too.
My husband has one mouse that suits him, he lost nearly half a thumb to a saw, so this one mouse fits his short thumb. They aren’t making that mouse any longer. He bought a crap Ebay mouse and merged parts.
I suppose we will be collecting old rotten mice to ensure he always has the mouse he needs. Funny this computing bidness.
I’ve been using Microsoft ergonomic keyboards for years. They take a bit of getting used to, but once I did that, I am uncomfortable working on a straight-across keyboard.
I will never again have a standard keyboard on my home computer.
Best feature-the way your arms are positioned in use, you have room between them for a dish of food (or a book or papers). Very convenient.
A caveat-if you’re a hunt’n’peck typer, you probably won’t like them.
IMHO, Microsoft’s ergonomic keyboards are the best product they make. I look forward to seeing the new one.
I used one of the originals from release until it died on me a couple months back. And it’s demise was my own fault. That’s one hell of a return on a 100 buck outlay.
I now have a standard wireless and readopting has caused my typo count to go through the roof. Ergos do indeed take getting used to. But do do standard boards once you have learned the ergos.
I think the ones that don’t have a problem with Microsoft keyboards are the ones that can touch type.
Logitech K520. Ticks on F and J. INSERT above DELETE. Spaces between F4&F5 and F8&F9. And of course, the numeric keypad. I type with 10 of 10 fingers.
I like to stay in practice on the typewriter. I think an ergonomic typewriter would be kind of expensive, never mind too practical . . . (of course, the Kremlin’s busy with typewriters these days)
Yeah...that’s pretty much the way I see it too.
I used the original Microsoft Ergo keyboard for over a decade until it died. Most comfortable keyboard I’ve ever used. Now that I use a standard keyboard, it’s like my hands are cramped together and my wrists are bent.
If you’re a 40+ wpm typer, there’s nothing like an Ergo keyboard. And if you’re a 50+ aged typer, there’s noting like an Ergo keyboard for your wrists and carpal tunnel.
The MS ergo keyboards are wonderful if one has wider shoulders than normal. It allows those of us with broad shoulders to touch type without having to roll our shoulders inwards to get our hands onto the home row. Typing all day with your shoulders scrunched in is very uncomfortable.
The mouse has a Windows key. Useful!
Doesn’t work well for us hunt-n’-peckers.
Keep your ergonomics, give me a steampunk keyboard!
http://www.datamancer.com/cart/keyboards-victorian-keyboards-c-65_66.html
Pricey but very classy.
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