Nice keyboard with a few small problems | Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000

Great upgrade from my previous ergo keyboard | Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000

electronics:


	• Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 Microsoft Microsoft, 2005 average customer review:based on 424 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Yes, the spacebar sticks - initially... but...

I think Microsoft (MS) makes good peripheral hardware. I have always used MS keyboards and mice. My last keyboard was the Natural Keyboard Pro (NP). I think that the Ergonomic 4000 (4000) is an overall improvement on the NP. Yes, the spacebar sticks a little - but it is slowly working itself out and like everything else in life, you get used to it in the meantime - I almost didn't purchase the 4000 because of other reviewers cries concerning the spacebar. I took the term a little too literally - the action of the spacebar is different - it doesn't literally stick and keep entering spaces - it just takes a little more pressure to press it, which, like I said, is changing with use and I don't even think about it anymore. Installation was easy. The first thing I noticed about the 4000 was the solid feel as compared to the NP - I can't think of another way to describe it - the NP was a great keyboard but after using the 4000 I was struck by the difference in feel. The NP made more noise - as though it were more hollow and clunky - than the 4000.

I do miss some of the keys that were present on the NP but are not present on the 4000, not the least of which is the "My Computer" key. Yes, there are 5 programmable keys but in their effort to make the 4000 user-friendly (IMHO), MS has removed some of the programmability from these keys - basically, all you can do is point the key to a program or shortcut - and you have to do this without benefit of a list like the one available with the NP. This is not a big deal for me but others might find it more difficult to locate the programs or shortcuts they wish to use (please understand that this is actually easy to do - just not what I am used to). I can remember a time when one could use a pre-loaded list or set up a custom command using switches and optional parameters. Now, I suppose the only way to do that is to create a shortcut and alter the command in the shortcuts' properties dialog. It just seems kind of round about. The other keys I miss are the keys for controlling the Windows Media Player. It does have a play/pause button and volume control and mute but I miss the next and previous track buttons and the stop button - although this is a minor problem since each of those functions has an equivalent keyboard shortcut - it's just difference between pressing two keys or one.

As for the zoom button - I thought this was a pretty useless button until I realized that it wasn't the buttons' fault. One of the (if not THE) uses of this button is to increase font size on a web page. The problem is that Internet Explorer does a REALLY crappy job of this - at least in IE6. Perhaps IE7 does a better job - on par with Firefox and Opera. Anyway, the button does work and it saves you the trouble of having to move the + and - keys on the numeric keypad.

The function keys are dual purpose. I haven't really used them for anything but function keys. There is a function lock key which locks them in the function key mode. When unlocked, they perform the following operations: Help, Undo, Redo, New, Open, Close, Reply, Fwd, Send, Spell, Save, Print. I have not tested them.

I really like this keyboard. It is a good, solid keyboard and an overall improvement on its predeccessor. The padded palm rest is very comfortable. I would highly recommend it - as would my father who also loves his.

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Nice keyboard with a few small problems

In the past I have always used Microsoft keyboards and mice because I always found them to be of good quality and durable. That seems to have changed recently.

I bought this keyboard in October 2007 and within a month noticed that the letters on the frequently used keys were either gone or wearing off. I suspect it's because instead of the older (and more expensive) method of injection molding the symbols on the keys which makes them a permanent part of the key, they are now using the much cheaper method of using something like decals which is only a surface treatment and so rub off fairly quickly.

This seems to be a trend with all Microsoft hardware. Used to be they were always of high quality and durability, now-a-days they just seem cheap except for the prices they charge. This keyboard is just one example, another example is the Intellimouse Explorer 4.0 vs. the 3.0 version. I had a single 3.0 version for years and it always worked, but with the 4.0 version I have to replace it about every six months because the buttons start to fail.

Next time I need to replace my keyboard and/or mouse, I'll most likely not even look at Microsoft products.

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Great upgrade from my previous ergo keyboard

I ordered this keyboard because I had been using Microsof0t's first Ergo keyboard and it was time for an upgrade. This keyboard takes the features I loved in my old keyboard and expands upon it. First of all, I love the black finish as more computer peripherals are coming in a blank color now. The built quality is great, the keys are responsive, and the new layout for the notification lights (cap lock, num lock etc) is a change that I welcome. If you like ergonomic keyboards and/or have any problems with your wrists this is a great keyboard.

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I am pleased

I never thought I need a fancy keyboard before, although I was wrong. This keyboard is very comfortable and easy for my wrists. I am glad that I gave it to try.
I only use my keyboard in front of my computer, I prefer keyboards with wire without batteries to wireless with batteries required.

Two things to mention:
1) I was little bit confused by Function keys' setting; they were programed in different command. I use Asian characters and using Function keys a lot, I had to find a way to make them to default function. I found FLock key next to Function 12 and it solved with one push.

2) Space key is little hard to type when you hit the corner of the key. I had a habit of hitting the corner but now I am hitting the center of space key without training or thinking. Keyboard design helped me to type the center, I think.

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