Compare Computer Keyboards
Bruce Chandler
Ask any executive secretary or freelance writer with an average
typing speed of 80 words per minute, or higher, and you'll hear
strong opinions of keyboards. The computer's keyboard not only
controls the typist's word per minute productivity. It
maintains healthy hands and wrists, reduces stress in the neck
and shoulders, improves attitude, and even reduces fatigue.
Before you walk into a computer store and accept the computer
keyboard that comes with a new system, or worse, ask `what
keyboards do you have for sale?'
The keyboard design directly influences the hand position, and
posture of the typist. Erognomics magazine, published by Taylor
& Francis, conducted a review of three erognomics keyboards.
Keyboard preference was evaluated by comparing two designs with
the linear standard keyboard style. The Fixed alternative
keyboard had a split angle of 12 degrees and a lateral
inclination angle of 10 degrees.
The adjustable alternative keyboard had a 15 degree split
setting, which resulted in a marked 42 degree of demiboard
lateral inclination.
Sixteen typists, were given 10 hours of training on both
keyboards. They were videotaped typing on all keyboard styles.
Forearm and wrist angles were significantly different among the
three designs tested. Both alternative keyboards placed the
forearm and wrist closer to the neutral position.
While the adjustable keyboard reduced pronation, but increased
radial deviation. The Fixed keyboard kept the forearm in
moderate pronation and the wrist close to neutral.
With respect to the standard keyboard, typing productivity was
reduced by 10% on the Fixed and 20% on the adjustable designs.
The FIXED design offered only moderate changes to the standard
keyboard. These changes promoted a more natural hand position
while typing reducing the potential for trauma in the wrist.
The FIXED design preserved a reasonable level of productivity
and was well accepted by users.
There is multiple reviews that expound the virtues of wireless
keyboards. The freedom they give the typist to change their
position, or even move around the office when working, are
unmatched. Of course, you need a talented typist to stand sit
with a keyboard on her lap and transcribe directions € ¦’¶ without
the aid of a monitor.
However, the wireless keyboard's ability to easily shift around
the work area improves productivity.
The task performed should dictate the type of keyboard used. A
bookkeeper will benefit from a keyboard with a separate number
pad.
One important factor that may business owners overlook when
buying computer hardware for their office is the software.
The Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser Mouse, Keyboard and
MediaPad is a high end, great keyboard, number pad, mouse, and
media pad. However, while the hardware is top end, the
software that runs it prevent the hardware from working at top
efficiency.
A sluggish mouse, or a styles that stops working, can result in
multiple and long term, office time waste. Keyboards are not
seen as `important.' If they break down they are not sent to
be repaired. Instead, the typist must `make due' until they
can jimmy, hack, or redirect the mouse or media pad and make it
work again.
Taking time to buy the right keyboard for your office can
improve attitude, productivity, and reduce down time.
About The Author: Bruce Chandler offers advice to business
owners on Internet Tools that will improve their productivity
and performance at his website
http://www.voipwolf.com He
invites you to download his FREE guide at
http://www.videoconferencingstar.com
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