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New Keyboard - the B's a problem

By
Real Estate Agent with Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International

Microsoft Ergonomic KeyboardErgonomic BToday I went to Office Depot and bought a new keyboard for my home computer - one that I'd been wondering about for a long time - Microsoft's Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  Cost $59.  It's curved and sloped and most prominent of all - the two sides of the keyboard are split.

No trouble installing it - ran the CD, rebooted, plugged the keyboard into a USB slot, and I was ready to go - it was even extra simple to put in my favorites - so I can now get to ActiveRain just by pushing a button.  Easy to adapt to the new shape, easy to type away. My only problem is the B. On the middle keys my hands are used to helping each other out - kind of like playing the piano, there are times when one hand crosses over.

It's obvious that my right hand always went over to push the B for my left hand. But it's no longer right there, just over the middle line - my right finger doesn't make it as far as the B, and my left finger obviously hasn't had to do that job in years and years. So - I'm relearning how to type the B. Other than that, it's a great keyboard and well worth splurging on (I needed another keyboard like a hole in the head - but it is easier, faster and better - better with a B.

Sharon Simms, Real Estate Agent selling homes in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Gulf Beaches and the Tampa Bay area.  

Posted by

Sharon Simms
CIPS CRS CLHMS CRB RSPS
Coastal Properties Group
CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate
238 Beach Drive NE
St Petersburg, FL 33701
www.ssimms.com    www.coastalpgi.com   www.christiesrealestate.com
(727) 898-2582    Sharon@SimmsTeam.com

 

Mother Lode
Real Living Sugar Pine Realty - Sonora, CA
Real Estate Master
I actually went to see what hand I used to reach the "B" after reading your post. I use my left hand. So I guess I could buy the new keyboard and have no problems. Mike C : )
May 20, 2007 02:22 PM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com
Hmmmmmmmm. Thanks for telling me/us about this.I have been over at Office Depot myself this week...looking at ergonomic keyboards, too...and wondering if I should just invest in some voice software. Let me know if you ever try that out, OK?
May 20, 2007 02:51 PM
Roger Stensland
Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound - Maple Valley, WA
Let's Move!
I've used the ergonomic keyboard for years.  Since I am a touch typist and the b is always next to the v and supposed to be pressed with the index finger of the left hand, I've had no trouble with it.  My problem was that the 6 key is not located next to the 7 key as it is supposed to be.  I had to learn to use the index finger of the left hand for the 6 key.  I like that I don't have to scrunch my wrists together to use the ergonomic keyboard.
May 20, 2007 04:32 PM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

Emmett - sounds like you're ok,

janeAnne - I'll let you know if I try the voice software - you let me know what you think of the ergonomic keyboard.

Roger - yes, the ergonomic keyboard is great. Sorry your 6 problem is similar to my B problem. 

May 21, 2007 12:22 PM
Ed DeChristopher
Fredericksburg Realty, Inc. - Fredericksburg, VA
CRS Fredericksburg VA

Way back when, in Peekskill New York in 1954, this young man took typing to get in a class with more girls than boys.

Luckily, he also learned to type.  A skill he has used much more than those he learned in plane geometry or physics.

He learned to type the "B" key with his left index finger.  If so inclined, the keyboard you mentioned would be a piece of cake.  This old dog is not prone to learning new tricks!

May 22, 2007 12:14 AM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS
Ed - understand you're not looking for new tricks, but with your skills, that new keyboard will let you type a lot faster and is ergonomically better as well.
May 22, 2007 02:13 PM
Dana Bostick
True Professionals, Inc. - North Hollywood, CA

Hi Sharon,

Try working on several different keyboards!  None have the exact same key layout. 

I split my time between my desktop, my docked tablet and handwriting on the tablet. I even work on someone elses computer now and then in the field on team inspections. (I'm a property inspector) Talk about confused fingers.  I find myself looking at one screen and typing on the other and wondering why nothing is happening!  In addition, I have several different keyboards for the tablet, some with bluetooth for portable use and a different USB version for use at home when it's docked.  Arrrrrgh!  LOL, I'm very adaptable.

May 29, 2007 04:03 AM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS
Dana - sounds like you have fun! I'm used to switching between various PC keyboards and my slightly smaller notebook keyboard but the big split in halves of the ergonomic took me a few days to get the hang of. Now my proper finger is hitting the b.
May 29, 2007 10:36 AM