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220

High-end keyboard option

220 points posted to Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies by carlolsen 04/20/07

I spend a fortune on the latest hardware, but the only keyboards I can find are all cheap pieces of junk. I would like a keyboard that matches the rest of my system, and is comfortable. Since I spend 8+ hours a day typing, I will pay for extra comfort.

How about an ergonomic layout keyboard with the following features:

Soft top buttons (I have repetitive stress issues with the tips of my fingers, and soft keys would be so nice! - right now I solve the problem by coating the tops of the keys with velcro fuzz)

Braile on top of keys (Not just for blind people - I put braile tops on a keyboard once just for fun and found that it really added to the comfort of the keys by providing some texture, and also it makes it easier to find the keys without having to look at the keyboard)

Split-style ergonomic layout, but with two "B" keys, one to hit with left hand, and one to hit with right hand.

Black in color (so it does not reflect), but with adjustable backlighting on keys or maybe just glow in the dark letters, so that it can be seen in dim lighting conditions.

Full size layout with full size numeric keypad, and arrow key layouts.

Physical switches to disable the "Windows" key, and any other similar keys that can be dangerous when pressed at the wrong time, such as "Sleep" or Power" keys.

hjwasson
04/20/07		 Keyboards are highly personal, since just about everyone seems to have different ideas on what makes an ideal keyboard. It would be impossible for Dell to please everyone. That being said, I agree that it would be great if Dell offered a "natural" keyboard for those of us that have become accustomed to split ergonomic keyboard designs - especially since their new systems no longer have PS/2 connectors, and we can't use our old beloved keyboards! I've had to resort to purchasing new ones (I use a Microsoft Natural 4000 keyboard for most tasks, and a Logitech G15 for gaming).

Logitech makes a couple of excellent keyboards that have physical switches to disable the Windows key (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/productlist/US/EN,crid= the G15 & G11 gaming keyboards. They have a lot of great features, but unfortunately are traditional straight layout and not ergonomic split/natural designs. That's quite a dream list of features you have for your keyboard. I've seen keyboards with most of the above listed features, but never one with all of them (& I've never seen a split keyboard with two B keys - normally you hit the N key with your right index finger). The soft top keyboards (waterproof membrane keyboards) are terrible to type on!

My guess is that you'd have better luck approaching Logitech, Keytronics & the like with your keyboard request rather than Dell. Dell branded input devices tend to be made by other manufacturers (most notably Logitech). Good luck!
premcv
04/20/07		 Hmmm.. surely...
theori
04/25/07		 Also

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/63594
hjwasson
04/25/07		 Input devices are a highly personal choice, since we all have different ideas on what makes an ideal keyboard, mouse, etc. Rather than urging Dell to have a whole raft of keyboard & mouse choices for us, I've decided to urge the opposite:

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66395/No_Keyboard__No_Mouse_options

There's no way that Dell will be able to please all of us picky input device users, and they are already pleasing the ones who aren't so picky with two keyboard and two optical mice options. Besides, if Dell did have a bunch more input device options - how would you know which input device truly suited you? You can't tell how a keyboard types or sounds by viewing it on a web page! Another note: You can get nicer keyboards & mice through Dell when you order your systems. Just go to the accessories area, and there are lots of 3rd party options to choose from.
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