I've just finished my first week with Microsoft's new keyboard and mouse, and I have to say it's the best combination I've used in quite a while. Late last year the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro and Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer were released. Let's look at each one individually.
I've been a fan of Microsoft's hardware products from the first mouse; since they do so little hardware, they seem to get it right. I used the Microsoft Natural Keyboard since Christmas of '95 and have enjoyed the ergonomics of having a split keyboard design. The Pro model improves on it's predecessors by incorporating a 2 port USB hub and 19 hot keys for common Windows tasks. Two buttons are fully programmable, the rest you have to take or leave for items such as manipulating your CD player controls or internet browsing. The keys have a solid feel to them and emit a slight click that I've come to enjoy. A sleep key in the top right corner let's you put your PC into suspend mode, or program for screen saver or power down. The Intellitype software is easy to use and allows for quite a bit of customization.
Installation was straight forward; the keyboard has a PS/2 connector and a USB plug, and depending on your operating system you use one or both. I have Windows NT and Windows 98 on my system, so I plugged in both. In Windows NT, the USB portion is dormant since it isn't supported yet, and in Windows 98 the hub works like a charm. If I only had Windows 98 then I would forego the PS/2 connection and run with USB.
A nice surprise was the labeling on the side of certain keys indicating CRTL hot keys in Windows; the S key says save, the N key says new, and so on. A little thing that is so innovative you can't believe it hasn't been done before.
My only caveat with this model is the fact you can't raise the back portion of the keyboard; my original Natural let you raise the back so your wrists were straight when typing. Now I find my wrists are slightly bent; not a good sign for an ergonomic keyboard.
All in all an excellent product that is slightly overpriced but, begrudgingly worth it. Check out www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/keyboard/natkeypro.htm for more information.
The Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer is truly a revolutionary product, in relation to mice. What's so new and exciting is the lack of any ball; this mouse uses a tiny camera to take 1500 pictures per second of the surface its on, dubbed IntelliEye. No more cleaning the rollers or jerky movements; mousing is clean and easy. The mouse has four buttons and a wheel, all of which can be customized in the new software. Without the ball and mechanical parts, the mouse feels extremely light. Microsoft recommends a surface with some pattern for the camera to pick up, so no need to worry about a mouse pad anymore; the desk surface works just fine. I find the mouse quite comfortable, but have been told it's a little large for most hands. Give it a try at a local retailer just to be sure. If you like the idea of the ball-less mouse but don't want the fancy business, check out the Intellimouse with IntelliEye, which is their standard mouse with the new optical technology. Either is a definite winner in my books. Check out: http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/mouse/explorer.htm for more information.
Unfortunately a mouse and keyboard are normally very low on your list of PC requirements, accepting whatever the retailer provides. If you're looking for quality and comfort ( I sound like a car commercial ), pick up the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro and Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer.
by Scott VanderPloeg
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