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(Asugar515)
and 9 anonymous users online.
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#5382 - 04/03/99 08:15 AM
Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I've notices that the newer keyboards being included with computers are more condensed (keys closer-board smaller)and the pressure needed on the keys is greater. My 'super-fast' typing fell off considerably because of the need to 'push' harder resulting in more errors, i.e. not hitting the shift key hard enough resulting in no caps. I keep returning to my 5 year-old larger 104 key set-up because of the looser key action and more spread on the keys. End result ... I'm researching the more ergonimic split keyboard designs ... any comments from those using this type of board would be appreciated. I also hear that this configuration reduces the physicial stress on your hands and arms. Heresay, however, has come through product advertisers (lol), so I'm looking for the 'real consumer' for feedback. Thanks.
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#5383 - 04/03/99 08:23 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi Tutu, I've been using the MS ergo keyboard since they first come out. I absolutely love it. I do have the original sized one though and I know that the F keys are smaller on the newer one but the set up is the same. It took me about a week to get used to it but now I can't use anything but. I think I am on my 6th one as I keep wearing them out. The only problem I have had with it, aside from wearing them out, is the fact that the letters rub off. Good thing I don't have to look at the keys huh? LindaM P.S. I am dying to try the Kinesis keyboard though. Anybody using that one?
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#5384 - 04/03/99 08:34 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Catherine
Junior Member
Registered: 04/06/03
Posts: 47
Loc: Wisconsin
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I, too, have been using the MS Natural keyboard for about 2 years, and I absolutely love it! I can't type worth anything on a regular keyboard anymore. The first MS Natural keyboard I bought had a problem with the letters wearing off. I read on SMT that MS new this was a problem and would replace the keyboard. They had stopped using decals for the letters (which rubbed off easily) and began etching the letters right into the keys. I called MS, and they promptly sent me a new keyboard (for free and I got to keep the old letterless one too), and I have never had a problem with the keys rubbing off after that. That was about 1-1/2 years ago. Catherine
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#5385 - 04/03/99 08:36 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I have had the MS keyboard for years--I can't imagine using anything else. It does help with RSI; I had to use an ordinary keyboard for a day when I lost the adaptor at work, and I went home that night with aching wrists and shoulders. It's worth the investment.
The letters do fade out, but for me it's a blessing, as nobody at work wants to use my workstation because they can't find the letters. LOL.
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#5386 - 04/03/99 08:39 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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BL1
Member
Registered: 03/06/99
Posts: 1631
Loc: USA
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I am currently using a Gateway 2000 keyboard, not for the ergonomics but just for the quickness of the key stroke. I have tried, I think, nearly every keyboard on the market but once I purchased my Gateway computer for personal use, I loved the keyboard simply for its touch. It seems like effortless typing to me. I have a chair with extra long arms which gives me support on my arms and a gel wrist rest. I have never had any problems with carpal tunnel, wrist or arm pain. Guess I'm lucky. I just wanted the speed of key stroke as opposed to anything else. BL1
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#5387 - 04/03/99 08:39 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I use a Fellowes split keyboard and like it a lot. I tried the Microsoft Natural one but couldn't get used to the touch and consequently was much slower. I found the Fellowes to be almost an intermediate between a regular keyboard and MS ... it is split but is flat rather than having the contour of a MS. It does have a light touch, which I like a lot. I used to get pain in my shoulder joint from the regular keyboards, which is why I started searching for an alternative. I haven't had the pain since I began trying any of the ergonomic keyboards. I did have to try two or three before I found one I really liked though in terms of touch. Tanya
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#5388 - 04/03/99 12:22 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I use an ergonomic keyboard by PC Concepts (I think I got it at Office Depot). I think it is absolutely wonderful. I also have a MS ergonomic keyboard, however I prefer the PC Concepts. I like the soft touch keyboards, and can totally relate to those "clunker" ones. Who can afford to lose any speed??? I think you would be pleasantly surprised with an ergonomic keyboard. It will take you a matter of hours to get used to it. Good Luck...and Happy Easter!!! Tina, CMT
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#5389 - 04/03/99 07:35 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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bearmanly
Member
Registered: 02/17/99
Posts: 158
Loc: Port Huron, MI
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I have been using microsoft natural keyboard since last summer and I really like it a lot. It took a little bit of adjustment but once the learning curve was done it was wonderful. Yes, it is very hard now to type on a regular keyboard.
Hope this helps you, seems to posts are all in favor or the split keyboards.
Happy Easter, LLB 
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#5390 - 04/03/99 08:55 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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sjohnso
Member
Registered: 12/16/98
Posts: 127
Loc: Weaver, AL, USA
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I also use the MS keyboard and love it! It took about a week or so to get used to it, but as others have stated it's hard now to type on a "regular" keyboard. I also have had problems with the letters rubbing off, but it's no problem for me. The only downside I have noticed is kind of a quirky thing. Sometimes I'll be typing along, and I don't know if I just hitting a certain sequence of keys or what, but my case will suddenly go from lower case to all caps; this is all happening w/o the CAPS LOCK being on. If I do turn CAPS LOCK on, then the letters are lowercase, but things like the numbers are in the upper case format. I can usually fix it by repeatedly hitting the CAPS LOCK, or sometimes the shift key, or sometimes muttering disparging remarks about the manufacturer's mother or other family members . Has anyone else experienced this problem? Inquiring minds want to know. sara
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#5391 - 04/04/99 05:17 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I just gotta post a thumbs down on the Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. Maybe they've improved it, but I tried it and gave it a good long time thinking I just had to get "use" to it. I never really did get back up to speed. I think it was the stiffness of the keys. Now I work on a Logitech cordless keyboard and love it. I find it a better ergonomic help in that I can spend part of my transcription time with it on the keyboard tray, and part of the time I move it to my lap, etc. Being able to vary my typing position is far more effective in preventing repetitive task injury than Microsofts design. (I used to conduct seminars on ergonomics). Joann
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#5392 - 04/04/99 05:20 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Sara - I've had a similar problem with my ergonomic keyboard, except I found that my problem is hitting the windows key occasionally and it puts on the caps lock for some reason and I have to push a bunch of keys to get it to go back to normal mode. Not a big problem, considering all the benefits of the ergo keyboard. I wouldn't even think of using a regular keyboard anymore. They are especially nice for people like me who are heavyset.
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#5393 - 04/04/99 08:08 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Thanks for the responses! I tried the MS at a local store and just didn't think the response was quick enough for my speed. Again, I kept missing keys by not applying enough pressure on them. However ... thanks to the wonders of the internet, found a Dell ergo keyboard that looked like it would fulfill my needs. After I've given it a try, I'll let you all know. In my searching, I have to admit I was really intrigued with the DataHand ... now that really looks like the future. However, at $1295, it will be a
wee bit'o time before you see me checking it out (lol). That one you can actually affix the two separate keyboarding hardware to your chair arms ... talk about sit back and relax! By the way, eBay.com is a reputable auction that has a section for keyboards (have to weed out the musical ones) at exceptional prices (got my Dell for $32) and is also where I have purchased my transcribers. Just got a Dictaphone 8080 for $81 and Sony 2000 for $85 - the new Sony 2020 is going for only $99. They also occasionally have c-phone for $350 and just saw a Lanier 600 for quite a reduced price. Notice, I posted this info AFTER I purchased what I needed. A little selfish, but since money is tight didn't want to be outbidded by an old-timer updated equipment. Give it a look-see.
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#5394 - 04/04/99 08:12 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I'm rattling a bit this a.m. Regarding the remark on heavyset ... I'm quite large-busted and understand the problem ... and as the keyboards got smaller and keys closer together ... more of my 'Marilyn Monroe Specials' got in the way (although I will admit as time has gone by, gravity has gotten to my 'specials' - maybe now that they have lowered considerably that's the reason they're getting in the way (lol). Another reason I am choosing to try to the split keyboard design.
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#5395 - 04/04/99 08:26 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Not to get off the original subject; but, I also have the same problem with CAPS LOCKS interchanging with the letters (but not the numbers) since beginning a new job that uses Gateway computers/keyboards. I found that if I hit the Ctrl/PageUp, Alt/Enter, then Ctrl/PageDown, Alt/enter it gets rid of the problem. Go figure! I wish I could figure out what I was doing to cause the problem to begin with and stop doing it.
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#5396 - 04/04/99 09:35 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Tutu, I also have the Dell ergo keyboard, and I love it (although, I didn't get mine at the exceptional price you did). I am with everyone else in that I cannot type worth a flip on a regular keyboard anymore. The keys are not hard to push and it seems to be easier on the wrists. I can let my hands fall into position better. I have been having some upper shoulder pain, however, and from the other posts it seems that this keyboard should help that problem - not make it worse. Must be my posture. Oh well, anyway, thought you might like to hear from someone using the same thing. Hope you had a great Easter!
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#5397 - 04/04/99 10:35 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboard-Any Users Here?
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Spellchick ... now I'm really excited and can't wait to get my Dell. I really appreciate the feedback. Again, the eBay.com auction is great for equipment ... and they have a lot of protections in place that other 'auction' sites don't seem to have.
Happy Easter to you All !!
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