Ergonomic keyboard

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Level 1

5 points

Ergonomic keyboard

Just switching over to Mac, got a new Mac Pro.

I can't use this keyboard. After only thirty minutes, my arms started burning and aching, just like the old days before curved keyboards.

Replacement options seem to be very limited and mostly very expensive. Has anyone tried the Mac-keyed ergonomic keyboards from Adesso or Microsoft? Any drawbacks to using a Windows keyboard?

Cliff

Mac Pro 8x2.8, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Feb 1, 2008 4:22 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 1, 2008 12:03 PM in response to Cliff Addy

I'm very interested in any replies to Cliff's question. I've reached the point where the motion of reaching over to move the mouse with my right hand causes excruciating pain in my arm. Talk about repetitive motion injuries; I've been using a mouse since they first came out - when - 1980? and I guess I'm about moused out. For now, I've switched the mouse over to the left side, but as I'm right-handed, it's awkward at best.

I have an old Adesso ergonomic keyboard with a touchpad at the bottom that I got about 4 years ago for my Windows-based computer. It solved the problem perfectly. If I get adapter cables to convert the six-pin cables to USB, will I be able to use it? Adesso apparently makes a Mac-compatible ergonomic keyboard but I can't find it to buy it. If I download their Mac driver, do you think it would work?

Any other ideas for an ergonomically designed keyboard with a centered touchpad would be appreciated.

Kathryn Z

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Answer 2

Feb 1, 2008 12:27 PM in response to Cliff Addy

Hi Cliff,

I personally use a Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 keyboard (raised front piece removed) with my powermac. There's really no drawbacks to the keyboard - function keys still work (like the eject key on F12) and even the media keys work for the most part. While I like the design of the apple keyboards, they're just not meant for long typing sessions (I'm a software engineer). The important thing is to make sure your keyboard allows you to keep your wrists straight, both vertically and horizontally. Also, breaks are very important.

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Answer 3

Cliff Addy Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 1, 2008 1:14 PM in response to Brycerocket03

I was looking at that one. I'm a system admin / programmer as well as a professional photographer, so I spend a lot of time typing and it's critical for me. When Microsoft came out with the first affordable "Natural" keyboard, that was a Godsend. I never had a problem again until last night, typing on the Mac keyboard. I just find it clumsy as well as painful.

It's a real mystery to me that a company and culture that has such a premium on usability have such old-fashioned keyboards. It used to be that "chicklet" keyboards like that came on only the cheapest computers.

Cliff

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Answer 4

Cliff Addy Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 1, 2008 1:18 PM in response to Kathryn Z

{quote:title=Kathryn Z wrote:}Adesso apparently makes a Mac-compatible ergonomic keyboard but I can't find it{quote}

Here ya go ...

http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Intellimedia-MediaPro-Ergonomic-AKB-805MAC/dp/B0000 7DTDX/ref=pdbbs_sr11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1201900611&sr=8-11

Cliff

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Answer 5

Feb 2, 2008 7:41 AM in response to Cliff Addy

I also use the MS 4000. The one that you can buy for the MAC (which I have) is made by Adesso, but is not raised in the middle. Go to the MS sight and download the Microsoft Desktop 6.21.dmg file and it gives you pretty good functionality as far as all of the features of the keyboard working. I also use the MS Natural Wireless Laser 6000 mouse with no problems. No matter what anyone tells me, I just cannot get used to the Apple mouse and keyboard.

Willy

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Answer 6

Feb 3, 2008 12:05 AM in response to WillytheKidd

A few weeks ago I went to the MacWorld show and Logitech was there with their Wave ergonomic keyboard. My Mac Pro is on order and I have ordered this keyboard for it. It is slightly different then the split ergonomic Logitech keyboard I used with my PC but seemed quite comfortable (more than the standard configuration). Here is the link:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboardmicecombos/devices/3072&cl=us,en

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Answer 7

SKArface

Level 1

0 points

Apr 5, 2008 12:04 PM in response to Inshimoda

So. . . . what's the verdict on the keyboard?

I write software for a living so a good keyboard is a must. I currently use an old MS Elite (the beige one) and have no compliants about it. It's just kinda plain.

I really like the key feel on the new aluminum keyboard, it's just too small.

- andrew

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