The MS Natural Keyboard Pro - Hard to Buy, Easy to Break
Written: Aug 27 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: wonderful hand/wrist support, easy to use, quiet
Cons: expensive, breaks easily
The Bottom Line: A great concept, the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro doesn't follow through in the durability department. You'd have better luck finding something that'll last you longer for a better price.
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| Cyanne's Full Review: Microsoft Natural Pro (B61-00002) Keyboard |
I received a Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro as a Christmas present from a friend of mine who knew I'd been eyeing an ergonomic or 'split' keyboard for quite some time but was reluctant to replace something if it didn't need replacing.
A few months ago, my MS keyboard just randomly died, leaving me stranded with a 'normal' backup keyboard that wasn't nearly so cushy.
The facts..
The MS Natural Keyboard Pro is an ergonomic or 'split' keyboard. This means that the keys are placed at an angle with a space down the middle of your keyboard, to assist with hand positioning and wrist support as you type. Admittedly, the wrist support idea does work, and it's endless hours of fun to watch your friends try to type if they don't use split keyboards. :) It takes a little getting used to but after a day or two, your typing speed will pick up and you will definitely notice a reduction in the stress on your hands.
Features
The MS Natural Keyboard Pro has the following features:
-2 additional USB ports on the keyboard itself
-USB connection, comes with PS/2 adapter
-Built-in wrist rest and support
-Built-in 'legs' to angle the keyboard to your most comfortable position
-'Hot buttons' on the top of the keyboard to control volume, navigate web pages, etc.
The 'Hot' buttons are small grey/purple (I've seen them be either color) buttons at the top of your keyboard above the Function (F5, etc) keys. Mine included internet site navigational buttons such as 'Back', 'Home' and 'Reload' as well as volume controls and music options such as 'Next', 'Play' and 'Stop'.
Drawbacks..
Because the keys are angled, the keyboard is slightly larger than normal keyboards. This may be a drawback if you have limited workspace, or a small keyboard tray. Next, the keyboard is on the expensive side. I've seen it advertised for anywhere from $35-$70. Here's the range that I found when hunting for it today online:
www.bestbuy.com - $69.99
www.amazon.com - $49.95
*www.newegg.com - $35 (online orders only)
* = I found this using www.pricewatch.com, which is an excellent source for finding electronics and other products at low low prices.
The next problem? They break, and easily. While some people may have $35-70 to toss away on a new keyboard every time theirs breaks, I don't. I want something that's durable and reliable, and that I won't come home one day to find it deader than last year's Christmas tree. I didn't find that reliability or durability in this keyboard, so I can't say I recommend it all that much. It's a wonderful keyboard, but it has no use to me when it's dead.
All in all..
It was a great (albeit expensive) keyboard right up to the bitter end. With great wrist support and angle adjustments, it reduces the stress to your hands and wrist by amazing numbers. I can't recommend it due to its price and lack of durability unfortunately. I don't think anyone out there wants to pay more for a keyboard that won't last a year. I'm going to try to find a more durable ergonomic model.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 35-70
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Epinions.com ID:
Cyanne
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Member: Kel
Location: Irvine, California
Reviews written: 127
Trusted by: 76 members
About Me:
"Leave no question in anyone's mind as to where you stand."
-L. Aldin Porter
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