I'm curious as to whether anybody uses an ergonomic keyboard for their setup. Examples:
http://grant.carver.co.za/content/binary/microsoft_ergonomic_keyboard_4000_black_usb_large.jpg
or even.... THIS
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/xoxide/wolfking-warrior-1.jpg
For me, I do more 'multimedia' sort of work. So I only spend about ~10-20% of my time doing actual editing. I don't alot of general typing. Given that I need to use the mouse alot (e.g. Photoshop), would an ergonomic keyboard's design be a benefit (healthy) or a hinderance (wider gaps between keys for one-handed use)?
I tried it one time, and did not like the IMO awkward position my elbows and forearms would be in, and wound up going back to a traditional keyboard with a thick wrist pad in front. Just my personal preference. I gave it a try, but didn't like it in the long run.
Larry Rubin
Senior Editor
The Pentagon Channel
www.pentagonchannel.mil
Since my computer triples as my home computer, my study computer, and my practice edit suite (along with many other tasks such as 3D) - my keyboard has to be all things to all people.
As two of its main tasks relate to study and general home matters (letters, e-mails, forums etc...) typing becomes a very important factor. I have to use an ergonomic/split-layout keyboard because my typing speed and accuracy suffers on anything else. (On a good day, devoid of caffeine and if I'm in "the zone" - I'm a good 85+ WPM) I find I get terrible wrist-strain on standard layouts.
With regards to editing, I don't find it that big a deal to be honest. My Microsoft Natural Multimedia is many years old, and works like a charm... very comfortable. But that's down to personal taste (and for some people, ergonomic/health-related reasons).
When my girlfriend feels like trying out Avid all-over-again from time to time, she despises and can't use my natural layout. So when that happens I plug in a backup standard-layout USB keyboard in tandem and she uses that. (Mind you, typing wars have been known to break out with dual input devices hehe)
"When the waters are at their calmest, that's when folk most want to skim their pebbles." - Me
"Be water my friend." - Bruce Lee
All you ergo types might want to check out THIS KEYBOARD...
Or if you need to have one hand on the mouse & still want full keyboard access THIS ONE.
Steve Godsey, CLVS
"No, I do not have attention deficit issues, just – Oh, look! There goes a rabbit!"
Avid Technology, Inc. brands: Digidesign | M-Audio | Sibelius | Pinnacle Systems
© Copyright 2000-2008 Avid Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved — Legal Notices | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | RSS Feeds | Site Map