|
Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard
Microsoft (
09 September, 2003 )
Electronics |
| Our
Price |
: |
£
30.89 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Prices
subject to change. |
usually dispatched within 24 hours. |
| |
|
| |
|
Good quality, ergonomic keyboard  |
The main attraction of this keyboard is its shape - the split and contour, with the wide wrist-rest built in. Its allowed my to keep a completely natural and comfortable hand position which lets me type pretty much indefinitely without any discomfort. (I would add, though, that I am a touch typist, and I think hunt & peck typists might find it more demanding).The shortcut keys seem like a good idea, but in reality the only ones I ever use are "My Computer" and "Calculator". Theyre much more convenient than having to hunt through the menus for the same functions, though. The wrist-rest has developed a small split in the centre, between where my hands rest, but this hasnt affected operation in any way.
|
Cleverly designed boost for text entry  |
After a short time of playing around with this, here are some comments - typed on it as a test! The ability to type relatively normally on my Zire 71 is very pleasant indeed, and the keyboard folds very ingeniously to a pack a little wider and slimmer than the Palm. However, a number of design compromises have had to be made. The durability of the folding mechanism will only be shown over time - there are a couple of ribbon cables in there which have to flex. It feels a bit flimsy while its transforming, but OK when fully open or shut. It is very lightweight, and will never feel as solid as a full-sized keyboard. Theres a bit of key rattle as you type. But the keys are a good size, and travel far enough to feel satisfying. The folding and key travel mechanisms are quite exposed, and you wouldnt want to use it in an environment where things could get in there. Its powered from the Palm and according to the documentation uses about the same power as Graffiti or the on-screen keyboard. Using the keyboard on my lap as advertised is fine, but moving the whole set-up around seems a bit dodgy due to the weight of the PDA on the support mechanism and connector. A supporting surface seems like a good idea. My greatest niggle is that the support feet are at the quarter points on the width and the ends overhang, so if you press firmly on the outer keys you can cause the whole thing to tip (especially with shift and tab on the left). Second niggle is that its quite hard to find the right position for docking the Palm on to the keyboard. Once there its supported by the connector and a hinged flap - you cant change the angle. Because the keyboard is small, most keys are labelled with multiple functions. That means you sometimes have to search for the proper shift combination - including for numbers. On the other hand, most Palm functions are accessible here, like the application buttons and menu commands like "done" and "cancel". It also adds some functionality, like forward delete and using ctrl-arrows to jump words. If you have PalmOS 5, as I do, check www.palmone.com for an updated keyboard driver that lets you use Cmd and the cursor keys to mimic the navigator. You do have to search out ways to do things. I got this at a reduced price as the packaging had been opened, and am happy with it on that basis. How you feel about it at full price will depend on your budget and the use you expect to get out of it. You might also want to look at getting word processing software to bypass the 4k limit of Palms Memo application, which will be an extra cost.
|
|
Type away to your hearts content... |
|
Having used this keyboard for about a month, I am happy to say that it is a wonderful, robust, and intriquitely and carefully designed keyboard. It truly is incredible the amount of space this keyboard saves in comparison to the older keyboards. At firt impressions the keyboard seems a little tacky, but after accidentally having smashed it against the wall I have found no visible damage to the unit and it still works fine. A very robust little keybord. Do not listen to those people who got faulty keyboards, mine works perfectly!
In terms of writing with the keyboard i find it easier to type with this one than I do with ordinary laptop keybords due to the fact that the keyboard is elevated above the desk, similar to ordinary desktop keyboards. Laptop keyboards are the same level as the working level, promoting bad hand posture and uncomfortable typing, so this keyboard definatelly kicks some laptop booty. (It also converts your palm to a small, pocketable laptop as well...nice, when you travel a lot and cant be bothered to lug around a hefty laptop).
All in all, this keyboard is worth the price. No troubles whatsoever.
|
|
