Touchy Subject of Keyboards

For millions of computers around the world, the typical 101-key, “extended” keyboard and the garden-variety two-button mouse have become standard equipment. However, just as one computer can’t meet the needs of every computer user on the planet, neither can one input device. If you’re tired of the same old keyboard and mouse, you have options.

First up in the alternative keyboard list is the Microsoft Natural Keyboard, an odd-looking, curved device on which the keys on the left side slope forward and to the left, and the keys on the right slope forward and to the right. The result, according to Microsoft, is that your hands and wrists are able to rest in a more natural position, which might help reduce the risk of problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

I’ve met people who swear by the Microsoft Natural Keyboard and others who don’t care much for it. I suppose that “natural” is a relative term. While the Natural Keyboard may leave your hands in an overall more natural physiological position, if you’ve been using a regular old keyboard for 20 years, the Natural initially feels anything but natural. But, if you take the time to get used to it, your wrists will become accustomed to the new position.

If you or your wrists are getting tired of mousing around, consider some sort of alternative pointing device. Apple Computer introduced the world to the pointing device known as the track pad--a small pad that you glide your finger across to control the movement of your mouse pointer--with its PowerBook laptop computers.

A couple of companies have since introduced track pads as stand-alone pointing devices, the most notable of which is Alps Electronics and its GlidePoint line of track pad products.

The GlidePoint is available in a compact model for laptop users, and a slightly larger model with a heavier base for desktop use. It has three buttons for full three-button mouse compatibility. And instead of clicking or double-clicking the left button on the GlidePoint, you can also tap directly on the pad itself. The GlidePoint is also available built right into a Windows 95-compatible keyboard.

The track ball was the first real mouse alternative and has been around for many years. These are the pointing devices with the exposed roller balls that you roll with either your thumb or the palm of your hand. There are so many different brands and models of track balls out there that I wouldn’t even attempt to recommend a specific track ball. I will say that two of the oldest, most respected names in this area are Logitech and Kensington.

As you may have guessed, some manufacturers have built track balls right into their keyboards. This may seem like a pretty cool idea, but in all honesty--and keeping in mind that I probably haven’t looked at every one on the market--the keyboards that I have looked at with built-in track balls have been a little cheesy. All I’ve seen so far are low-quality keyboards with low-quality track balls slapped on, so be careful.

It stands to reason that computer artists would have a different kind of input device--the digital drawing tablet. A drawing tablet is like a giant track pad that comes with a special “pen,” enabling the artist to draw in real time on the computer screen. When it comes to drawing tablets, the names I hear most and have heard the longest are Kurta and Wacom.

If you’re in the market for a new keyboard or alternative input device, one term you’re going to hear more frequently is the Universal Serial Bus, or USB. This new serial port standard is being embraced by the computer industry, and it makes it possible to attach an almost unlimited number of devices via a single standard plug. It’s conceivable that you could have a track pad, a mouse and a drawing tablet all connected to the same serial port, allowing you to use whichever one is most appropriate for whatever you happen to be doing at the time.

With all of these options, the standard keyboard and mouse don’t have to be your input device ball and chain. The important thing is that you take the time to examine each one and find the input device that matches the way you work.