It's not often that you get to review an item while using it at the same time.... but that's what I'm doing now as I batter frantically at the keys of my trusty Logitech Wave keyboard.

After considering the amount of time that I spend crouched, glaring intently at my laptop screen - I thought it might be wiser and healthier for my eyes, back and neck to create a more ergonomic environment in which I could use my computer. After purchasing a good-sized monitor and a comfy mouse, all I needed to compute the setup was a ergonomic, yet functional, keyboard.

I'm sure I could fill up this review, telling you about USB receivers, wireless signals, interference and all sorts of technical mumbo jumbo.... but in reality.... it's a keyboard. Needless to say, Logitech have the electronics covered and it performs flawlessly. The USB wireless receiver is small and slots neatly into any USB port. Within seconds my computer had picked the device up and I was ready to type. If you want the full functionality of the keyboard, such as the additional buttons, simply install the Logitech SetPoint software that is provided and within minutes, you have all the features specified.

The additional buttons on the keyboard include controls for Windows Aero, Windows Gallery, Media Center, Media Player, Computer settings and the calculator. Plus, there is also a little button in the top-right which allows you to put the computer to sleep or to turn it off altogether.

Now onto the important but.... Ergonomics! Logitech make great noise about how ergonomic this keyboard is and, to be honest, their marketing is justified. This is, quite simply, one of the most comfortable keyboards I have ever worked with. If you have ever tried typing a lengthy essay or research paper on a typical computer keyboard, your fingers and wrists will soon let you know that they aren't happy. With this keyboard however, I have been able to type for considerable periods of time without cramps or aches.

Many previous incarnations of ergonomic keyboards left a lot to be desired. Microsoft toyed with splitting the keyboard into halves, but this really only worked for old-school touch typists. Other manufacturers have toyed with the actual shape of the keyboard but none of these ideas really took off. However. Logitech have managed to take the best bits from all these designs and cram them into a keyboard which retains the for and function of a typical keyboard, while improving ergonomics considerably.

From a distance, it looks like any other keyboard, but if you examine it closely, you will find that the keys are rise and dip according to the typical position of a user's hand. Secondly, you'll notice that the section of the keyboard (the letters) are angled inwardly from the sides, allowing your hands to naturally point inwards towards the centre of the keyboard. While these changes may seem insignificant, I can tell you that over a period of time, they really do matter! Finally, a padded and adequately sized wrist-wrest is positioned perfectly to make sure that your wrists are naturally supported by the keyboard itself.

All the keys are within reach, yet adequately spaced to ensure that you aren't constantly accidentally hitting the wrong one. The main buttons are reasonably chunky and if you've gotten used to the flat keys of a computer laptop, it may feel unusual at first, but after a little time, it will become second nature and you will actually find it much easier and nicer to use than your laptop's keyboard.

Battery life is pretty good. I don't think I've ever recorded how long a pair of AA batteries have lasted, but needless to say, I never have to worry if I don't have a spare pair handy. Firstly, it will take a considerable amount of time/usage before the batteries will run down and secondly, a little red warning light will indicate that your batteries are starting to get low - thus giving you ample time to purchase some more.

Aesthetically, the keyboard is sleek and the black with silver trim is modern and well designed. The keyboard feels sturdy and well-put together also. On a down note, it is reasonably bulky - so if you're going for the minimalistic look - or if you are working in cramped conditions, then it might not be suitable!

Reliability-wise, I have owned this keyboard now for a few years now and it has never let me down! All-in-all, this is a brilliant ergonomic keyboard and definitely the most comfortable I have ever worked with! A must-buy if you are constantly typing!