I'm perfectly content with my wired Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. For a full-sized keyboard used with a desktop computer, I don't see a problem with the wire. It's not like I need the space behind the keyboard to be wire-free. At work, I use a trackball mouse, so there isn't any movement for the wire to get in the way of. I've yet to find a responsive, accurate, lightweight and ergonomic mouse that's good for 6-hour gaming binges at home, though. I actually bought a $10 wired optical mouse since my $40 wireless one was causing severe wrist pains.

I love the look. I had a blast with my dad's 80s 35mm SLR camera for the longest time. The styling just fits the hand better. The newer ones tend to exaggerate the right-hand grip and actually make it harder to hold. Also, I like that the styling on this makes it look more like a 35mm SLR instead of a piece of futuristic equipment.

Azayzel: "..why bother with any physical security method when the underlying OS.."

Why bother? I'd rather the hard drive firmware do the encrypting instead of adding yet another task that the OS has to perform. Just like a hardware firewall beats the hell out of a software firewall any day.

I agree with one of the comments in the link Mario posted, though. I wouldn't trust my data to Hitachi if going that route. I haven't had any problems with Western Digital (except that one time years ago), Seagate, or Maxtor, though, so I look forward to getting such a drive from one of them.

Back to the topic at hand: I'd also like to know if the PIN does actual encrypting on the disk, or if it simply locks out the enclosure communication. Even a fixed enclosure can be broken apart and the drive pulled out. If it's only locking the communication, I bet plenty of schmucks will still fall for thinking it's "secure", including government agencies.

Actually, for $120, I think that's a very unique gift for the handyman who already has a complete set of tools. It would look great in his shop. I think the presentation could use some work, though. With the hinged lid, it would take up too much space while open (which the recipient would want to do all the time). Instead, it should have a removable lid that doubles as a stand, or a hinged lid that can go all the way back to prop it up. Otherwise, you can't see the tools and words if it's laying on a shelf.

It would replace my crappy analog no-name watch that I picked up on clearance at CVS. :-\

Help me improve my geek cred! XD

JD says: And to the person that thinks ergonomic keyboards are worthless...try lifting your arms out in front of you. Do your hands naturally fall flat like you are going to play a piano or do they fall slightly angled with your index fingers higher than your other fingers?


I actually used that exact explanation to show my wife why ergonomic keyboards are correct. She never realized that hands naturally tilt when at rest.

I'm a software developer at work and do a lot of typing. I've been using the standard rectangle keyboards that come with the computer for years. However, I started developing severe wrist pains that would cause my hands to cramp up. After seeing my mom go through repeated surgeries for carpal tunnel due to a lifetime of being a secretary (from old-school typewriter, through terminals & DOS, to Windows), I decided I should get an ergonomic keyboard. I went with the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (wired version of the pictured one) because it had a $30 rebate at Staples. It took a little bit to get used to, but now I love it. I even bought one for use at home. The angle is just perfect, and the padded wrist rests are great. In addition, I use the 4-button Microsoft Trackball Explorer 1.0. This combination is awesome. It has the added benefit that my co-workers can never figure out how to use the mouse.

I agree with the other commenters. If you think an ergonomic keyboard isn't necessary, you either hunt-and-peck, only type for the occasional e-mail, or are mouse-bound for games. When you type for a living, carpal tunnel is a serious risk and is very painful. Ergonomic keyboards have a more natural form. The only time I have to move my hands is to reach the function keys or everything to the right of the regular keys (Insert/etc, arrows, number pad).

That earned a vote from me. LOL

OMFG! That is hilarious, including the comments. I'm about to fall out of my chair!

Congratulations! Looking forward to more informative posts!