06/ 01/ 2005
With new designs emerging all the time, it’s hard to decide which keyboard would be best for you and your employees. Here are a few things to think about when shopping for your next keyboard:
Location: If you spend most of your time on the road or away from your desk, a mobile keyboard is best. Lightweight and wireless are the two buzzwords to look for.
Putting in the hours: If you spend at least four hours a day at a computer, you may want to consider upgrading your keyboard to one that will maximize efficiency, safety and comfort. Using a keyboard for hours can put harmful strain on your hands, wrists, shoulders and neck. Ergonomically designed keyboards can help reduce some of the strain, which can also lead to higher productivity.
Usability: Before you splurge on the most ergonomically advanced keyboard on the market, beware. Even a basic ergonomic keyboard can be hard to get used to. If you find yourself or your employees struggling with the keyboard, your business is losing productivity. If you plan to make the ergo switch, ease into it.
Kinesis Maxim
Who will love it: Ergo enthusiasts
Say good-bye to weary wrists forever. With a fully adjustable, variable split down the middle, users can customize the angle of the keyboard to increase comfort on the wrists. Narrower than most, this keyboard also limits the movement your hands will have to make traveling between the keyboard and the mouse. Compatible with PCs and Macs, this keyboard is a cinch to set up and requires no adaptation period.
Price: $159
Buying Info: http://www.kinesis-ergo.com
Microsoft Optical Desktop With Fingerprint Reader
Who will love it: Daydreamers
If you have a tendency to forget the myriad passwords in your life, this keyboard offers a break for your brain. Equipped with a small fingerprint reader on the lower left panel, the keyboard lets you log onto password-protected Web sites with the swipe of a finger. If your computer has multiple users, the fingerprint reader also lets you quickly and easily switch between user accounts.
Price: $104 (includes mouse)
Buying Info: http://www.microsoft.com
Belkin Media Pilot
Who will love it: Multi-taskers
Compatible with both PCs and Macs, this keyboard is a workhorse, letting you program up to 96 unique functions for your office or home. With just one keystroke, you can program in a shortcut for your favorite software or play MP3s. The wireless reach is unparalleled, working up to 30 feet away from your computer. Plus, with its built-in mouse and remote controls, you can cut down on desk clutter as well.
Price: $125
Buying Info: http://www.belkin.com
VKB Virtual Keyboard
Who will love it: Techies
Be the envy of the boardroom with this Bluetooth-enabled virtual keyboard. The pocket-sized gadget includes a state-of-the-art projection system, which projects the image of a full-size keyboard on any nearby flat surface, while the beam and sensor components detect your finger movements and keystrokes. You can use it with most wireless devices, making it the perfect companion to your PDA or smartphone. Mac users are out of luck: It won’t work for you.
Price: $200
Buying Info: http://www.expansys-usa.com
* Learn more about buying hardware in “Computers” in the “Office” section of http://www.NFIB.com/toolsandtips.
