[Danielle F.]

Fact of the Day: Have you seen this keyboard?​

From our old office computers to today’s smartphones, we are all familiar with the standard keyboard layout.

However, prolonged keyboard use could lead to strains on people’s hands. Hence, experts created a unique keyboard layout to slow this process down.

Long periods of typing on a regular keyboard can lead to strains and are generally detrimental to one’s health. Because of this, ergonomic keyboards were created.

These keyboards, also known as Alice keyboards, feature a split layout with slightly tilted surfaces to accommodate hand anatomy.

Would you use this keyboard, or will you stick to the tried and true classic layout? Compare their differences here:

Source: The Hopeless Geek/YouTube​

 

[PLK]

Used to own one of these keyboards.

 

[pbattershill]

Microsoft money maker

 

[Viellarde]

The keyboard and pad I used decades ago were separate units.

 

[Catherines]

Microsoft money maker

Why???? Why is every invention or new thing deemed a “money maker”? Are you sure they were Microsoft ‘money makers’? Do you have an insight into Microsoft’s production?

 

[Vet543]

Why???? Why is every invention or new thing deemed a “money maker”? Are you sure they were Microsoft ‘money makers’? Do you have an insight into Microsoft’s production?

Well, Catherine .... They are mostly money-makers and not neccessarily the super magic answer to the original encumbered invention.
1956 I started typing on an old clacker and I could type fairly fast and THEN came the super typewriter it was electric in about 1958 - 1960. Now typing became very much faster when an electric one was mastered ..with a keyboard layout that we still use today. With the advent of computers the keyboard acquired another Line of keys and keys that complemented the computer needs ....YEP Microsoft .. but still the basic board.
I have used the same board constantly in jobs and at home use.. NEVER did I get even a feeling of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) that others complianed about. I worked my first four years clerical and radio officer for the RFDS and constantly typing. So the original design was fine by me ... No need to use the fancy money--makers. ... In 1958 - 1965, using the super -electric Remington, and many typist could type the News as it was read out on Radio, that was pretty good. The only thing these days is the keyboards are shrunken to probably suit smaller hands. Oh, with the computer setup the "Return" lever disappeared ... making typing even slightly faster, but still the same board layout also my daughter is faster than I ever was, she is super and I am proud of her.

 

[Catherines]

I too was a typist in my younger days, before electric typewriters and computers. I agree with everything you have said - however the comment about ‘money makers’ I was referring to seemed to insinuate that it was simply for the benefit of the manufacturer and any scheme, invention etc that comes up becomes a ‘money-maker’ for the producer. We ALL need to advance with technology and pay the asking price for the product or WE GET LEFT BEHIND. This is advancement as we know it today; to manufacture something new first takes thought, the way to put things together, the actual manufacturing process and finally some profit for the manufacturer and all that costs money which is built into the final cost to the buyer. Nothing comes for free to anyone - unless it is stolen!!! But then you might still pay the price in the way of fines or jail time!!!!!!

 

[Catherines]

Well, Catherine .... They are mostly money-makers and not neccessarily the super magic answer to the original encumbered invention.
1956 I started typing on an old clacker and I could type fairly fast and THEN came the super typewriter it was electric in about 1958 - 1960. Now typing became very much faster when an electric one was mastered ..with a keyboard layout that we still use today. With the advent of computers the keyboard acquired another Line of keys and keys that complemented the computer needs ....YEP Microsoft .. but still the basic board.
I have used the same board constantly in jobs and at home use.. NEVER did I get even a feeling of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) that others complianed about. I worked my first four years clerical and radio officer for the RFDS and constantly typing. So the original design was fine by me ... No need to use the fancy money--makers. ... In 1958 - 1965, using the super -electric Remington, and many typist could type the News as it was read out on Radio, that was pretty good. The only thing these days is the keyboards are shrunken to probably suit smaller hands. Oh, with the computer setup the "Return" lever disappeared ... making typing even slightly faster, but still the same board layout also my daughter is faster than I ever was, she is super and I am proud of her.

I agree with you but please read my views further on.