ms natural multimedia keyboard (Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard)

Name: rjob

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Product:	Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard
Date:	06/04/05 (183 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: ease of use, durable , well known brand

Disadvantages: pointless buttons

Now this type of keyboard is meant to be better for you, less chance of RSI which we are always hearing about.

First impressions - i have never seen such a big health warning on any thing, let alone on a keyboard, it takes up a good third of the bottom; and in case you somehow manage to miss this there is a nice sticker on the cable telling you where it is. The warning is just the usual stuff, sit properly at a desk etc etc

Now we plug it in (via a standard pS2 connector) turn the computer on and no problems. The software that comes with the keyboard is quick and easy to install and then use. I'm afraid i'm not sure what this like on any OS other than XP. There is a program that allows you to change the usual stuff like repeat delay aswell as change what all the extra buttons do.

Along the top there are 2 sets of 4 buttons either side of some media controls (play/stop/skip forwards and backwards/volume) these are set by default to; my documents, my pictures, my music, mute, media, mail, web/home and messenger. above the number pad there are also three buttons, set to calculator, log off and sleep

These buttons are very useful and i have been using them regualry since i got this keyboard, you can of course change them if you want but i like what they are set to (and it is easier to remember as that is what is printed on the buttons).

Now we come to the buttons that i don't quite understand the point of. The function buttons (F1, F2 etc ) are defaultly set to different functions, for example the F6 button is close, now most people know that a simple ALT+F4 will do the job. It is a nice idea but i think it would have worked better if what would be the F4 key was close, i generally have the Function lock on, which makes the function keys take there normal purpose.

The layout of the keyboard is good, this is the first natural keyboard i have had and i have taken to it very well. if you have not had one of these type of keyboards before and you can not touch type then you may find it more difficult to use and so may be better off going for the standard multimedia keyboard.

I have been using this keyboard for a few weeks now and not had a single problem, but then i can never remember having a problem with a keyboard. The keys are not to hard to press, good on the old rsi again, but still give that satisfying click when you press them. The whole keyboard feels sturdy, as though you could drop it on the floor with no problems (not that would suggest doing this).

I certainly recomend this keyboard to anyone wanting a natural keyboard, again this is really down if you can touch type, if you can then this layout is even easier to do it on.

Summary: