the Skateboard

I can admit it - I don’t like change. When I get used to something I like to keep it. My motto is, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. But once in awhile you have to shake things up a little – as if a new keyboard is shaking things up! But a new keyboard can add a little spice to your computing. Keyboards wear out after time. You also might notice some of the letters on the keys beginning to wear away and you might be guessing if that is the “C” or the “V” key if you don’t really know your keyboard layout very well.

So, if you want to add a little change to your office, a new keyboard is a good start. Actually, it’s a small start, but often necessary because, as I mentioned above, keyboards do wear out. There are plenty of keyboards on the market. They all contain the letters of the alphabet and the requisite F Keys, and some go further to add a little style and ease to your computing. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 is a wonderful keyboard that offers some extra options that, even if you think you might not use now, you most likely will end up using simply because they are so helpful.

First of all, sit down and place your hands on your lap. Look at your hands. They are not facing straight ahead like little soldiers. If you are sitting comfortably they are facing inward and down. This is the natural position your body put them in when you sat down. So, why are you still using an old straight keyboard that pulls your hand and fingers out of their natural shape? If you haven’t already switched to a natural keyboard, one that doesn’t align the keys in a straight line like a piano keyboard, you should. This allows your hands to rest easier and puts them in a more natural position.

This keyboard goes one step farther. It has an attaching palm lift that raises the keyboard so the pressure on your wrists is reduced. When your wrists point down, it is a more natural position, and easier on the joints. Point your hands up and down and you’ll see the difference. Now, if your hands are continually pointed straight or tilted up for hours at a time while you are computing, this adds a great strain on your wrists. The attaching/detaching palm lift solves this problem.

Now, as for the goodies on the board itself, there are plenty. Everyone’s favorite fast key is the “Mail” button. This allows you to access your mail just by pressing the key. There is a “home” button to take you instantly to your homepage. Other easily accessible buttons are to “search” and to access your “favorites.” Keys that I find indispensable are the speaker buttons. You can instantly “Mute” your speakers or turn up/down the volume right there on your keyboard. This is helpful when the phone rings. Just reach your finger up and push the button. No more fumbling for the mouse to access the speaker settings.

This keyboard also has a zoom toggle that can be disabled if you don’t want to use it. But if you do like to zoom in out of pages, documents or photos, this is a handy little feature.

The keys are easy and quiet, which is a plus when you’re typing and don’t want to hear a lot of click, click, click. There is an F-Lock” key that turns off the “F” keys which then lets them do double duty. Many people never use their F-keys, but they are a necessity. This keyboard lets you turn the less often used keys into ones you might actually get some use out of. For instance, the F9 key can be used as a “send” key for your emails. The F10 key can be used as the spellchecker. When you are finished writing your file, simply press the F10 key and the spell checker automatically begins. If you want to open a new document, simply push the F5 key and voila. The keys are marked so you can easily see which key performs which duty. It’s a no-brainer! By using the F-Lock key making the F Keys usable for other things, the shortcut keys will save you a lot of time.

The software is easy to install. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh computers. You can easily set the speed of the keys and the cursor. In just a minute you will have a keyboard that works for you.

The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 lists for just about $60.00, but there are bargains out there if you want to hunt them down.

© 2006 Francine Brokaw

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