Singapore Hardware Zone

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Microsoft Natural Keyboard
Reviewed by Jereme Wong (1st Dec 1998)

<Introduction><The Good><The Bad><Conclusion><Rating>

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Introduction

  Besides the mouse, the keyboard is the next vital input to the PC. For those of us who spent long hours in front of the computer, having a good keyboard will definitely reduce the chances of repetitive stress injuries (RSI) to our wrists. Of course, with other factors like, having a good sitting posture and bearing in mind the optimum distance we have to sit away from our monitor, we will then be able to reduce the numerous health problems faced with prolong usage of the PC.

  Microsoft is one of the pioneer companies to make an attempt to address this problem. The hardware products by Microsoft are designed with a primary focus in mind --- to provide a more ergonomic environment. Be it the popular Microsoft Mouse, or their streamlined Sidewinder game controller, all of these products feature a design that seems to fit the contour of our hand snuggly. The Natural Keyboard is another example.

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The Good

The Microsoft Natural keyboard looks totally different from the conventional keyboard most of us are using. Featuring a raised center and split design, you do have to take some time to get used to the split design. The idea behind this design is that the keyboard lets you place your body in a comfortable position, so that your arms will not be squeezed at your side, but rather left in a natural position (I couldn’t find a better word to describe this! ;)).

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In addition, the keyboard comes with a distinctive slope and a nice area that enable you to rest the heel of your hands on. By providing this ergonomic rest pad for your hands, and once placed on a suitable height, you will find your wrists resting comfortably on the contours of the keyboard without having to bend your wrists upward.

The Natural Keyboard has a PS/2-keyboard connector. A PS/2-to-USB cable is also included. Designed to be Windows 98 ready, the current motherboards in the market that support the "USB Keyboard Support" option in the BIOS setting will be able to automatically detect this keyboard.

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The Bad

  The cost of this product is one of the major considerations in buying this keyboard. Priced at more than three to five times higher than most conventional keyboards in the market, this could be one of the reasons why this product has not found its way into the homes of end users yet. In addition, the cursor buttons are slightly smaller than most conventional keyboards, which makes navigation in games rather uncomfortable

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Conclusion

  All in all, if you have the cash to spare, or you are one of those people that sit around in front of the PC for more than half a day with lots of typing to do, this keyboard will definitely be worth it in the long run. Designed in mind to reduce the repetitive stress on the carpal area of your wrists, I foresee that this trendy keyboard will gradually make its way into most corporate offices, and in time to come, the homes of end users.

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RATING

Overall Rating (Out of a maximum of 5 Star)

Installation *****
Performance ****
Price **
Material Quality *****
Ergonomic Feel ****
Overall Rating ****

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