Key players - computer keyboards - Buyers Guide

Entrepreneur, June, 1996 by Jill Amadio

Say goodbye to your old keyboard: The latest models offer everything but the kitchen sink.

You may have every bell and whistle on your computer, but how does your keyboard measure up? Keyboards are undergoing a revolution, and most are now multifunctional or, depending on the manufacturer's definition, multimedia. Both terms basically mean the units provide more than the standard typing' function.

The first major change was the addition of Windows 95 keys that make it much faster and easier to connect directly to your Microsoft Windows 95 program. The current craze is to add sound right into your keyboard' for telephone capability and video conferencing. In addition, some manufacturers are creating new function such as the on-board trackpad pointing device from Cirque and the EraseEaze thumb-activated backspace key from NMB Technologies. If you like to keep an eye on the time while typing, SC&T International provides a clock and a calculator on the keyboard, while Sejin America has a cordless multimedia keyboard for users who can't sit still.

Add-on keypads are also on the market. These are small keyboards, such as Genovation's Micropad Universal Numeric Keypad for portable computers, that connect to your computer system. They're designed primarily for numeric functions such as inputting data for spreadsheets and other accounting work.

Before shopping for a multifunctional keyboard, ask yourself these questions:

* Which extra function keys do you need? If you have Windows 95, for instance, you can buy a keyboard with two or three additional keys that allow you to access the program with a single stroke and bring up your context menu.

* Do you own a multimedia computer? If so, the quality of the speakers on the keyboard is important. Look for high-wattage speakers, and ask the salesperson for a demonstration.

* Do you prefer quiet keys or audible clicks? There are keyboards to suit both tastes: membrane and mechanical. These terms refer to the type of key switch the manufacturer uses. Membrane switches are made with rubber-mounted interior domes that are softer and quieter than mechanical key switches, which are more like a typewriter key. If you are used to a typewriter, you may prefer the audible click and greater resistance of mechanical keys.

While membrane keyboards are less expensive than mechanical, they are also more susceptible to humidity and wear out sooner. If you buy a mechanical keyboard, you can expect 100 million keystrokes before it wears out; membrane key boards will last 20 million to 30 million keystrokes.

* Do you want a built-in mouse on the keyboard; and, if so, are you prepared to learn how to use it? Cirque's new trackpad its ergonomically designed Glide Point Wave keyboard is convenient and perfectly placed, but you have to spend some with special finger-tapping and dragging movements.

* Do you need a convenient erase key? Located to the left of the space bar on NMB's keyboard, the Erase-Eaze key eliminates the need to hunt for the less conveniently placed backspace key.

* THE LATEST

Here's a rundown on some of the most popular keyboards:

* Cirque: This company's GlidePoint Wave Keyboard is welt named. Ergonomically designed with a built-in wrist rest, it curves into an S-shape that splits the 109 keys into four sections instead of the usual three. The result is greater comfort, ease of use and a more natural way to type. For use with PCs, the Wave has a built-in trackpad pointing device and extra "mouse" buttons to replace an external pointing device; it also has one-touch cursor control. Just tapping the surface of the trackpad controls single- and double-clicking, dragging and highlighting. Two buttons are also available for programming your own functions. Features include adjustable pop-out legs, extra backspace and tab keys, and Windows 95 keys.

* Integrated Technology: The CompuPhone 2000 keyboard includes a complete telephone system that transforms your PC into a full-function single-line telephone. You don't have to reconfigure your existing hardware or add any extra software: Just plug the phone line into the jack in the back of the keyboard, and place your call. Designed for busy small-business owners, the CompuPhone 2000 allows you to use your computer as you talk on the phone and dial direct from your computer's electronic phone book. (If you prefer to dial manually, use the numeric part of the keyboard.) An Automatic Call Logging feature tracks the dates, times and durations of incoming and outgoing calls.

With unlimited memory capacity, this keyboard eliminates the need for a desktop phone and also comes with a headset. When a call comes in, the ring is heard through the keyboard, and the "Line" light flashes. Just hit the Line button, and you've "picked up" the phone call. Windows and DOS telephone management software is included.

* Maxi Switch: One of the least expensive keyboards on the market, the Nova 9500W has three Windows 95 keys to reach Microsoft's applications in record time. There's an Applications key for instant recall of the pull-down menu, and two Windows access keys. The 9500W is available in three different layouts: two 104-key keyboards with an L-shaped or a rectangular Enter key, and a 105-key international version. Other features include a fold-down foot so you can prop up the keyboard and cable routing for left, right or center placement on your desktop.