By 2010 we thought we’d be living in the future with hoverboards – well it seems now we really are but with this new kind of keyboard! Not had a play with one yet, but a big step towards a different kind of user experience that might suit some more than others (I’m prone to a little repetitive strain injury for instance so wonder if this might lessen the impact on my fingers from typing all the time?).
Read more at the end of this article:
http://timesonline.typepad.com/technology/2010/01/five-favourite-gadgets-at-ces-2010.html
There has been a similar keyboard-only device available for several years, the Bluetooth Virtual Laser Keyboard: http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/keyboards-mice/8193/. I haven’t had the opportunity to try it but it seems from reading several user reviews that it’s difficult to touch type accurately without tactile feedback – something that iphone owners will be very familiar with.
I have read, and find it easy to believe from my own experience, that most keyboard users type with more force than is necessary anyway and I think without the tactile feedback it’d be very difficult to type on a device like this without reflexively "pressing" on the uncushioned surface which could be even harder on fingers. I’d suggest also that on this new device, having the screen flat on the desk would be really bad ergonomics for your neck!
I’d think that except in very specific situations for people who have finger-related problems, that most users would be better served ergonomically (eg for RSI etc.) by finding an excellent keyboard/mouse combination (or alternatives) that works for them and setting up their work space in the most ergonomic fashion possible for them. Not nearly as sexy, but it’d probably have a better effect!
From @vivan on Twitter:
"These have existed for years – I’ve tried them, they aren’t very good and slow down typing massively (no resting fingers). http://bit.ly/6SloiU As I recall they were featured on an episode of Law & Order (or maybe it was CSI?)."
Thanks for the feedback Ricky – am sure you’re right giving it some more thought and, as you say, based on using my iPod Touch. I can imagine it working quite well in tricky situations when you can’t carry a large keyboard or similar for instance to give you a keyboard to write on your smartphone for instance?
Vivan/Ricky – be interesting to see how this develops then as someone is obviously backing them as having a future. But I guess we’ll have to see their best application?
While we’re here, my absolute favourite ergonomic keyboard is the http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/advantage.htm . It relocates a bunch of keys (space, enter, command/control/option/alt, page up/down, home and end) to be pressed by the thumbs which takes a bit of getting used to but once you’ve adapted it’s perfectly perfectly perfect.
I haven’t come across one yet but what do you think about this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8451108.stm a keyboard that reduces wrist strain. It tilts as you type which I think is a good idea. A bit like playing the piano.