KEYBOARD HELPS REDUCE STRAIN
 As a writer, using my computer's keyboard all
day can be somewhat stressful. Fortunately for me, I have not
experienced the symptoms of repetitive strain and carpal tunnel
syndrome. But having ergonomically designed products such as chairs,
desks, monitors placed in the correct position, and anything else to
help ease the pain can be a godsend for the many who do. As for
keyboards, there are all sorts of alternative designs to the standard
device. A new one that recently came to my attention bears further
examination. If you've tried other keyboard designs and weren't happy
with them, it doesn't hurt to try something new when it comes out. No
one design has proven to be a panacea, so the EZ-Reach keyboard from
TypeMatrix could be for you. Unfortunately, as with most ergonomic
devices, the only way to check out its effectiveness is to try it.
For starters, the EZ-Reach features mostly
standard sized keys (a few are a lot bigger) yet the keyboard itself
is slightly smaller than the average keyboard. The keyboard sports a
split-key layout in that there are two distinct areas of keys, one
each for left and right hand positioning. The key to the EZ-Reach's
design is that each row of keys is positioned in straight vertical
columns rather than staggered left and right to the keys below. I
found that adapting to this layout was fairly easy and didn't take
much relearning to type productively. In fact, I found going back to
the standard keyboard somewhat awkward, and I had only been using the
EZ-Reach for three days.
As I mentioned, most of the EZ-Reach's keys are
of standard size but with some exceptions. The Tab, Backspace and
Enter keys are centrally positioned as four very large keys. The
Spacebar is actually two long large keys centrally positioned at the
bottom and maintains the EZ-Reach's split key layout. I actually found
this layout to be more intuitive since these keys are the ones that
are more commonly used.
The EZ-Reach has a solid touch to the keys and
is nicely constructed. The EZ-Reach is compatible with all Windows
computers. A special USB adaptor makes it compatible with Macintosh
and Sun computers.
Carpal tunnel can be anything from a nuisance to
a painful, debilitating condition. If you find yourself rubbing your
hands, experiencing numbness after prolonged typing or any of the
usual symptoms, be sure to check with your doctor. Physicians have
many items for you to try such as wrist pads and braces. But sometimes
all it takes is an alternative keyboard to help ease the pain. Whether
it's the one from TypeMatrix or some other ergonomic keyboard, it just
may hold the keys to your affliction. $99.
Put a wireless cork in it.
 Are the
kids driving you nuts with those sonically overpowering games that
rattle the windows throughout your home? Headphones may be the
solution but they can be somewhat restrictive with all those the
wires. In this day and age of wireless everything, cordless headphones
could be the answer to your silent prayers.
Unwired Technology has a line of cordless
headphones and their model IR1000 headset has been specifically
designed for your multimedia digital computer. Just plug in the low
profile transmitter into the computer's headphone or sound output
jack. Since the headphones use infrared technology, there can be no
radio interference noise from your computer. The headsets require two
AAA batteries. An adjustable headband makes for a nice fit and you can
control the volume directly from the headsets. Twin infrared sensors
help to insure you maintain a solid audio connection. A unique feature
is the IR1000's mute circuit that automatically detects if you move
out of the approximate 25 foot transmission range. The circuit shuts
off all sound so you won't hear any annoying static or hissing. In
fact, the only static or hissing you may hear will come from your kids
when you try and borrow these headsets for yourself. $29.99.
http://www.typematrix.com (800) 234-3975
http://www.unwiredtechnology.com |
