You know the feeling you get after you've been typing on a computer keyboard for too long: forearms stiff, fingers tired, pinch in the wrist and shoulders achy. That's when a trip to the water cooler is necessary, just to take a break and a chance to crack your knuckles.
Whew! One paragraph down, and I already need a break.
You are probably using a personal computer with a conventional keyboard that looks something like this. The keyboard has largely remained the same (with some minor alterations) since IBM developed the first line of personal computers in the 1980s.
Several companies are now working to change that, developing keyboards that purport to be much easier on your appendages. But only one company claims to have developed an entirely ergonomic keyboard, and its name (not surprisingly) is Truly Ergonomic.
According to the company's website, its "design follows the symmetric shape and neutral position of the human body promoting a healthier posture and helping reduce wrist, shoulder, neck and lower back pain and strains."
Despite how much time I spend on my computer, I am still a hunt-and-peck typist. I just can't keep all my fingers on the keyboard at the same time to save my life. The problem isn't just my inability to kill an old habit, but also how the keyboard itself is designed.
As Gizmag's Paul Ridden pointed out, the distance from the letter J key to the left arrow key on the keyboard measures 5.31 inches. And it's an awkward 5.31 inches at that. Go ahead, try it yourself.
As you can see from the image above, the Truly Ergonomic Keyboard changes all that, making it easier to move your fingers across the keyboard to reach buttons. At the same time, you shouldn't expend as much effort to reach certain buttons that can cause trouble on a conventional keyboard (like that blasted "alt" button).
But here's the sticking point: $199. That's how much it costs to get your hands (pun!) on one of these keyboards. That's ten times more expensive than many conventional computer keyboards. Is it worth it? Would you buy one?
Photo: Truly Ergonomic
Tags: Computers, Design, Desktop Computers, Gadgets, Laptops
comments ( )