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Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro

List Price: $74.95
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: With the right wrist support and practice, the best.
Review: This keyboard is an acquired taste. Once you put the time into using it, typing on it for hours at a time is definitely easier on the hands. It does have a clackity clack sound when typing and I had to make a special wrist support pad (2 by 4 cut with a bandsaw to fit the contours and a gel pad on top). The keyboard is roomier (and larger) and I learned to touch type on it. Put small felt dots on the F and J keys to make it easier to get your fingers on the home keys.
With the new Intellikeyboard software, I remapped all of the gray buttons to things like Word, Explorer, cut, copy, paste, next application, open, close, exit, print and more! Its like having the new MS office keyboard with the ergo that I crave.
I simply cannot type on a slab anymore. Too cramped, too quiet, and too painful.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best keyboard ever!
Review: I have been using this keyboard for about two years now and I think it is the best keyboard I have ever used. I use many diffrent keyboards (at school, friends house, laptop) and none of them compare to this keyboard. When I first started using this keyboard I was a "hunt and peck" typist but over time I became a touch typist and this keyboard is perfect for that. I dont have any pain using it for hours at a time (compared with other keyboards). I would recommend this keyboard to anyone. The two USB ports are also a great feature since I plug my Microsoft Intellimouse Optical (a fantastic mouse) into it and it reduces wire clutter.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great in Mac OS X, too
Review: Even though I have trouble with carpal tunnel, I put off purchasing an ergonomic keyboard because I didn't want to take the time to learn to use one with tight work deadlines. Sure wish I'd bought this earlier!! It is an absolute dream to use, and even though I'm only a 'mostly' touch typist (I hunt and peck on the number line and for some commands) it was still a very quick learning curve. I was up to my normal typing speed within an hour, and after a few days, I'm typing faster than ever and in considerably more comfort.

Another concern I had was the size of the keyboard. I wasn't sure it would fit on my keyboard tray. If this is a concern for you: it measures just over 19" across at its widest, and is 9" front to back at its widest.

Finally, this keyboard DOES work with Macintosh! I am using OS X, and the keyboard was plug-and-play in my USB port. If you want to use the 'hot keys' at the top of the keyboard, which are shortcuts for functions such as e-mail, volume, or the calculator, you need to go to Microsoft's Mactopia website, search for "Natural Pro" and you'll be able to download the program that allows you to program all your hot keys easily. Took me no time at all.

This is a spectacular keyboard, and very comfortable to use. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those who've had wrist pain on their standard keyboards. And, if you're a Mac user, there are NO compatibility problems!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: *NOT* recommended for fast typers
Review: The keyboard is adequate. I like the feel of it and the positioning of the hands. However, I have one rather large complaint to make: When typing certain words, namely those that end in "nce," the letter u mysteriously appears at the end of it. I have tested my theory with numerous words, and they all seem to end with a u, even though it wasn't typed. This appears to happen when I'm typing at a fast pace. I am going to see if this is just a defect and see if I can get another one. Otherwise, just a mixed positive/negative review.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: It's Only Natural
Review: I am typing this review on our new Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro. Unpacking and set-up was simple: shut off the computer, plug in the keyboard, turn on the computer, and load the software. Everything went as it was supposed to during set-up. The feel of the keyboard is very different from our old flat keyboard; the hands do end up in a much more natural position. All the hot keys work as promised and having a 'mute' key on the keyboard is a very nice feature. We have the model with the two USB ports in the back of the keyboard; we haven't taken advantage of this feature yet, but it expanded my one empty USB port into two. It is bigger and takes up more space than our older keyboard. I have found it hard to position the keyboard on the desk in a natural position and keep the mouse in a reachable position. Things will need to be rearranged. The Natural Keyboard Pro isn't a perfect keyboard, but so far it's way better than our old keyboard.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Good, but not as good as the original
Review: The Natural Pro is the best keyboard MS are making at the moment, but it's irritating that it's not as good as it could be. The wrist leveller that the original Natural possessed has gone. The blue keys are pretty useless because in the reduced lighting I like to work in you can't tell which does what without having to stop and read the text above them. Another reviewers suggestion of having the symbology in white would have been a good idea. What's unforgivable is that you can only redefine two of them. I don't bother installing Intellipoint anymore. Also you should be aware that the two USB ports on the keyboard are unpowered, so the list of hardware that you can use them with is not as long as you'd like. My memory card reader won't work, for instance.

This is a pretty good keyboard, only let down by poor execution of the special keys, poor key feel (as compared with the original Natural) and the lack of a wrist leveller. It's still a HUGE step up from the truly *abysmal* Natural Elite though.

I use two Natural Pro's at home : but for work, I use my one remaining original Natural. For long hours spent typing, there's nothing better than the original. MS should start producing it again - it could command a premium price. I'd sure go out and buy a couple.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best Keyboard for your Hands
Review: This "split" keyboard will make your hands relax and hold your hands in a more natural way (they don't call it Natural for nothing). Buy an MS Optical mouse to go along with this keyboard. It will help with those hand and elbow problems. It did for me!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good keyboard, some flaws
Review: I spilled liquid on my Natural keyboard and was forced to use an old Packard Bell keyboard when my regular cleaning method didn't work. The rebate on the Natural Pro was a good incentive to buy a new one, and my aching wrists and newly awkward typing fingers agreed.

The Natural Pro is an all-around good keyboard. I like the key sounds (less clack, softer sounds) and the feel is ergonomic and then some. I find the buttons at the top to be somewhat useful, but not really, since I haven't had the time (nor the inclination) to master them. The SLEEP button (far right, above the - symbol on the keypad), however, is a complete failure on my system. It puts my system to sleep, yes, but it also kills my cable Internet connection, forcing me to reboot.

The USB ports, as mentioned in previous reviews, does not actually give you two new ports - only one, since the keyboard must be hooked into an existing USB port in order for the two keyboard ports to function. It is an added bonus if you have a camera or other USB equipment that you plug in frequently (note the power requirements first, of course).

All in all, I am happy with the Natural Pro, and my wrists are quite pleased as well.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: As much as I hate Microsoft's business practices...
Review: ... I have to give credit where credit is due and this keyboard is the best of the best in my opinion.

Getting used to the split shape of this keyboard and any ergonomic keyboard for that matter takes a little getting used to but it's not difficult and eventually you won't notice the difference. In fact, I find it easy to go back and forth between my keyboard and standard keyboards elsewhere.

Microsoft keyboards also have a nice solid feel with each keypress. Not soft and spongy and not a hard up/down click either, but a nice touch. My last Natural (purchased when they first started making them) was very reliable and only died once I spilled a large quantity of soda on it. I was then presented with the opportunity to test the rumor of being able to clean your keyboard in the dishwasher (it doesn't help.)

The buttons on the top are helpful and I didn't find any problems with system crashes. Most of the buttons are media player related (play/stop, ffwd, prev, next, volume...) and the others are internet related (back, fwd, stop, refresh...) Personally, the only button I really use is the calculator.

Other than reliability and feel, I think the main reason to buy this over cheaper keyboards is for the extra USB ports. Newer computer manufacturers have wised up to the fact that USB ports might be better placed on the front of the case rather than the back. If you're not one of these lucky souls with USB ports in the front, or you just need a couple extra USB ports, then this is a good way to get them.

Lastly, some other reviewer wrote (repeatedly) about the number 6 being in the wrong place, err.. ok. I didn't even notice and even if that's true and there's some kind of "Ergonomic Keyboard Book of Law", which I doubt, I never had any problem adjusting to it.

Hope my review helped!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This is the one
Review: I just received my new keyboard and setup it up for the first time. Wow!!! The quality is unsurpassed and competes against its rivals. Has a good feel to it. Well constructed and the ergonomical design fits comfortably with the positioning of your hands. Includes many shortcuts to enhance surfing the net. I think it is well worth the money spent for this keyboard. This is a must have for the individual looking for a keyboard to meet all their needs. This is a must have. Order one now!!


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