Microsoft Natural
Keyboard Pro
by Jeffery Roberts - Senior Hardware
Editor
84 B
In October 1994, Microsoft
introduced one of the first widely available ergonomic keyboards
and called it simply, Natural Keyboard. The
original Natural, introduced new Windows keys along with
a split keyboard, a distinctive sloped design and a built in wrist rest.
The new, “good for you” keyboard was intended to keep the user in a
more natural position while typing. Ergonomic
design was introduced in an attempt to stem the rise
of carpal tunnel syndrome, (a painful nerve disorder of the hand), among
typists. The second keyboard in
this series, the Natural Keyboard Elite
was introduced in early 1998. Smaller than the original Natural keyboard, the Elite
featured USB connectivity and a new cross design for the arrow keys.
The third keyboard in the Natural series is called Microsoft
Natural Keyboard Pro and with a host of new features including Internet and
MultiMedia keys, I looked forward to reviewing the new Pro.
Design
The new Natural Keyboard
Pro is almost as large as the original natural keyboard, making it bigger than
the Elite. This keyboard is NOT an
Elite with extra keys nor is it a clone of the original Natural.
The new Pro has a different look and a very different feel.
Like it’s predecessors the Natural Pro is a solid, well-made keyboard
with elevator legs at the rear only. The
arrow keys have reverted back two generations to the conventional inverted
T-Shape. The arc of the Pro keyboard is slightly more exaggerated,
which tends to spread the hands a little more.
Above the smaller F-keys is a row of cornflower blue, MultiMedia keys
that control Internet and entertainment devices. Directly above the number keys are three additional, blue,
“Hot” keys that provide immediate access to My Computer, Calculator and
Sleep state. The keyboard also
features a pair of USB ports that can be used for low-powered devices such as
mice and joysticks
Setup
To set up the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro:
- Turn off your computer.
- Locate the round keyboard
(PS/2) port on your computer.
- Plug the keyboard
connector into the round (PS/2) port.
- Restart your computer.
- With your computer
turned on, plug the keyboard USB connector into a USB port on your computer.
If you choose not to plug in the USB connector, you will be unable to use
the USB ports on your keyboard.
- Install the Microsoft
IntelliType Pro software to enable the Hot Key functions.
Note: Microsoft recommends that users connect the keyboard
to both the PS/2 and USB ports on their PC.
The Natural Pro has a
unique, two-piece installation plug and full keyboard function requires that BOTH
PS/2 and USB plugs are connected. Installation
of the included Microsoft, IntelliType Pro, software, activates the additional
MultiMedia and function keys.
IntelliType Pro is included
on CD.
The Natural Pro MUST be
connected to the PS/2 port for the Hot Keys to work.
Software installation is
straightforward and self-explanatory.
Three of the Blue Keys allow custom configuration, Calculator, Mail and
My Computer.
USB Ports
Usability and Performance
If you think that the new
Natural Pro is an upgrade of the Natural Elite, you’re wrong.
Aside from the obvious differences, the Natural Pro is a completely
different keyboard. The additional (19) blue keys are Hot Buttons that provide
immediate one-touch access to a variety of functions. In addition to the blue keys, some of the letter keys
are labeled and perform additional HOT KEY functions when used with Ctrl and
Alt. The new MultiMedia and
Function keys are very handy and work exactly as advertised. However, the media keys only support a limited number of
non-Microsoft media programs. (see
list) The Sound Blaster Live, Creative Labs, PlayCenter is NOT
supported. (See Note)
The keyboard MultiMedia
keys work well if you use native Windows devices.
The USB ports are very
handy and I used one for my mouse and the other for a joystick.
As a self-powered hub the USB ports are not suitable for use by
high-speed USB devices like scanners and cameras.
Conclusion
The new key functions of
the Natural Pro are handy enough and I like the idea of a keyboard with
seemingly unlimited functionality. Yet,
the Natural Pro keyboard misses the mark.
The learning curve for this
keyboard is a great deal longer than any other keyboard I’ve ever used.
After more than a month on my desktop, I’m still NOT comfortable with
the Natural Pro. The keys are a little sticky, the space bar tends to bind and
the arc of the board has an uncomfortable feel.
I was a lot happier and a much better typist with my old Natural Elite.
If you like your MS Natural Elite, you probably Won’t
care for the Natural Pro.
More problems exist in the
software, the new release of IntelliType Pro.
Win2000 does NOT identify the keyboard correctly in USB only mode making
it quite necessary to install the Natural Pro using the PS/2 dongle.
With the PS/2 dongle installed Win2000 identifies the keyboard as a
Standard PS/2,101-102 key keyboard.
Update:
With the correct software installed the IntelliType
Pro performs well with Win98, Win98SE, Win98Me and Win 2000 Pro.
Update the
software to version 1.1 for Win98, SE and 2000 Pro. IntelliType Version
1.2 is required and written specifically for Win Me.
Download
IntelliType Software
The bottom line is: I
think Microsoft could have done a better job with this keyboard.
Editors Note:
I called Microsoft
technical support and after forty minutes on the telephone,
(I waited for five minutes while the “technician”, searched for a
Natural Pro keyboard), I realized that I probably knew more about the keyboard
than the guy on the other end. I
inquired why there was NO support for the Creative Labs PlayCenter.
“We can’t support every program on the market”, the tech responded. “I don’t make those
decisions and “ I’m just a technician”, was the extent of the information
I received from Microsoft.
USBMan
12/18/2000
