Rating: Summary: Works Fine Review: I bought this keyboard even though I was fully aware of the key-placement issues that several other folks have describe. But I wanted a USB ergonomic keyboard and couldn't wait for a different brand/model to be shipped (this particular keyboard is easy to find at local office supply stores), and I didn't have a need for the much more expensive wireless keyboards. I can honestly say after about 2 days of use, I don't find it the arrow key configuration an issue at all. Since I'm used to typing on a laptop keyboard, I also didn't find the placement of the PgUp/PgDn/Home/etc. keys a problem.I primarily use this keyboard for Office applications, and I think it will suit most users. I do like the feel of the keys, and the reduced space that it takes on my desk.
Rating: Summary: More Microsoft Garbage Review: I don't know what Microsoft did from their 1st generation of this keyboard to their latest, but they've totally destroyed whatever reputation their original natural keyboard had. I have both the old kind (arrow keys in an inverted-T shape) and a new kind (arrow keys in a cross pattern) This keyboard had inherent problems with Windows NT 4.0 (certain keys would not work properly) and the keyboard feels cheap. Their original keyboard had a hinge underneath the back which would recurve the keyboard away from you. This is the most comfortable setup for a typist. The new kind now has the traditional lift-up on the back that cants the keyboard towards you....a very bad no-no and you are asking for permanent wrist damage. The original cost [$], this one is [$], and is exactly 1/2 the quality of the original version. We bought a bunch of these for people at work and most have since swapped them out and have gone back to the standard wrist killers because this keyboard performed so poorly. If you can still find a 1st generation MS Natural Keyboard, buy it, but stay away from any later versions.
Rating: Summary: Never again !!!! Review: I had one of these and sold it because of the key arrangements that are mentioned in other reviews. If you like swearing a lot then this keyboard is for you! If you are a touch typist then my advice is to stay away from this one and get a PRO version. The best advice is to test drive a new ergonomic keyboard at a computer store before buying it.
Rating: Summary: Never again !!!! Review: I had one of these and sold it because of the key arrangements that are mentioned in other reviews. If you like swearing a lot then this keyboard is for you! If you are a touch typist then my advice is to stay away from this one and get a PRO version. The best advice is to test drive a new ergonomic keyboard at a computer store before buying it.
Rating: Summary: Not the best design but very close Review: I have a workstation chair with arm rests that support my arms over the keyboard all the way to the wrists. This arrangement lines my hands and fingers up perfectly with this keyboard. I can't believe I didn't switch to one of these long ago! We get programmed that computers have one monitor and a straight keyboard and most of us fail to upgrade to monitor arrays and ergonomic keyboards. If I didn't have this type of chair I would find that the keys are too elevated for the built-on palm rest. You may want to somehow engineer a higher palm rest, a common problem with all keyboards I've seen. I did not find a problem with the half-size arrow keys or 3/4 size Delete, etc. keys, and although I've been keyboarding for over 20 years I'm no typist. - jim
Rating: Summary: very comfortable keyboard Review: I have been using ergo keyboards from Microsoft for many years, and my other one finally gave out after the heavy use I've done with it. I like this keyboard, has a lighter touch for me, since I'm a speed typist. It is smaller than the previous Microsoft ergo keyboard I've used, keys are fine, no issue on smallness. While I use the PS2 portion, I would have had to buy a separate USB card for the USB connector, which is not necessary for my immediate needs. The PS2 part works in the standard keyboard connection on the back of the PC. I recommend this keyboard for those folks with CTS or other hand injuries due to the lighter touch & not having to pound on those smaller keyboards by other brands. The wave shape is great, you can rest your hands on the bottom base portion.
Rating: Summary: Frustrated with anything else. Review: I have been using this keyboard for almost 4 years now. I actually bought it by accident, not knowing that it was ergonomic, but curiously decided to give it a try. In a few weeks time I was hooked; it really does beat the traditional keyboards in comfort in feel. Every time I go back to a regular keyboard I get annoyed because the keys are so close together, but the keys on this keyboard are spread out and big and comfortable. I whole-heartedly recommend this keyboard or one like it to everyone in the market for a new keyboard.
Rating: Summary: Awesome Keyboard! Review: I have to admit that I love my Natural Keyboard "Pro" version I bought many years ago. (...) This keyboard has a smaller footprint, is light, and very very quiet, exactly what I was looking for. Also, it is a basic keyboard with nothing more than the normal keyboard keys so a special driver is not needed for the Elite. Once again, awesome keyboard!
Rating: Summary: Addictive Review: I have two of these keyboards at home and two at work (I'm a programmer). All four are over 5 years old and still work perfectly. I started using them after I began to develop tendonitis; they feel very natural and I can type quickly and accurately for long periods of time without a second thought. I'm so used to them that I stumble a little bit on regular keyboards, but it's worth the tradeoff. As for the arrow keys being in a non-standard layout, I don't understand what the big deal is; if you can get used to the split keyboard, you can get used to the arrow keys.
By the way, I use both PCs and Macs and these work fine for both -- on Macs, just pretend the Windows key is the Command (Apple) key, Alt is the Option key, F12 is the Eject key, Insert is the Help key, and you're good to go (although there's no way to control volume from the keyboard, like Mac keyboards can).
Beware of cheap imitations. There are a lot of so-called "ergonomic" keyboards out there but I have yet to see one that is as well designed, as well constructed, and, well, as natural as the Microsoft line.
If you do a lot of typing, do your hands a favor and pick up one of these 'boards. If you can last the first several days of transition, you won't go back.
Rating: Summary: Too foreign for me to use... Review: I have used the Microsoft Ergo Keyboard for a decade. I still have the one that I bought for my Pentium 120 in my office hooked up to my modern day AMD Athlon XP machine. It's been a real trooper and has probably single handedly saved me from carpal tunnel surgery.
The first time that I sat down with the Elite version of this keyboard, I thought my fingers just weren't doing what they were told. As stated in many of the other reviews, the displacement of the arrow keys and the 6 navigation keys is VERY unnerving. I use the mouse as little as possible and not having the keys where I'm used to them is not a good thing. I probably use ctrl+arrow key combinations more than any other and this keyboard makes that difficult.
For those that are just starting out, and get used to this keyboard from the beginning, will probably be fine. For the long hardened IT guy's like myself and anyone that's been using a computer since the early 90's, should try to find a Pro version somewhere.
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