Keyboards

Bored with your computer keyboard? Want to spice up your IT experience with a trendy new input device?



Like everything else in the computer world, keyboards are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours. If space is at a premium in your computing environment you can purchase compact versions that take up very little room on the desk. Or if your CPU is stored on the floor and you are fed up with all those wires dangling about the place, you can try a cordless or wireless keyboard. These also have an added advantage, which is that they can be packed away when you finish working.

Cordless or wireless keyboards work in the same way as the remote control for your television, sending a signal to your computer. You can also add a wireless mouse, often called an optical mouse, which gives additional freedom of movement.

If you opt for a cordless keyboard, keep in mind that these run on batteries. Try to find the one with a battery supply that lasts as long as possible to avoid running out of power in the middle of a job. If you decide you simply want to replace your older rectangular shaped keyboard with a funky, stylish, modern version, you should remember that newer keyboards will probably require a USB connection. Check that you have a spare USB port available on your computer to add another device before purchasing.

You can buy digital media keyboards that feature plenty of shortcuts and hot keys, which are specially programmed keys that perform lots of operations with the push of a single key. These let you zoom in and out of documents, log in to web pages, send e-mail, and access your favourite pictures, music or videos at the touch of a button.

If comfort is your main priority, there are plenty of ergonomic keyboards that are shaped to make working easier and more relaxing. You can also buy arm rests that attach to your main keyboard and give your wrists and forearms some support while you work. If space is not a problem but you like to keep your desk as tidy as possible, you can also purchase foldable keyboards that collapse and fold away neatly.

At the higher end of the market, there are keyboards that include a fingerprint reader. This is a clever idea, because since your fingerprint is unique to you alone, the need to remember all those passwords is eliminated. Any time a password or username is required you simply place your finger in the reader and move on effortlessly with whatever it is you are doing.

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