Historical Alternative Keyboards

Several of the early ground-breaking alternative keyboards are no longer being manufactured or never saw the commercial market at all. Collected here are several of these products that have been historically listed in the TIFAQ. Some may still be on the shelves on resellers and catalog sources.

Apple Computer, Inc.

Apple Adjustable Keyboard

• Compatibility: Mac
• Price: Was $119
• Availability: No longer available

The Apple Adjustable keyboard had one section for each hand, and the sections rotated backward on a hinge. The sections did not tilt upward. The keys were arranged in a normal QWERTY fashion.

The main foldable keyboard resembled a normal Apple Keyboard. A separate keypad contained all the extended key functions.

The keyboard also came with matching wrist rests, which were not directly attachable to the keyboard.

Many peripheral keys, such as function keys, were "chicklet" keys, rather than full size, normal keyboard keys.

Comments About The Apple Adjustable Keyboard

Unfortunately, Apple has apparently decided to discontinue this keyboard. They legitimized the industry, and now they're leaving it. C'est la vie. -DSW-

Miscellaneous

From Princeton's TIFAQ FTP Archive:

apple-press

press release on the Apple Adjustable Keyboard

apple-tidbits

extensive info about Apple's Adjustable Keyboard

Cherry Electrical Products

3600 Sunset Ave, Waukegan, IL 60087-3298

(847) 662-9200

Lumbar Cushion

Lumbar support is a primary feature of quality ergonomic chairs that help improve posture. The contoured chair back helps to evenly support the natural curvature of the lower spine. Inadequate chairs contribute to back stress, circulation problems, fatigue and discomfort.

When it is too costly to purchase new ergonomic chairs, a more cost effective solution is to retrofit existing chairs with a lumbar support.

Commentaries and Information on Lumbar Cushions

IBM Healthy Computing: Accessories - Lumbar Support

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/healthycomputing/lumbar.html

3M

(800) 328-6276

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

http://www.mmm.com

Gloves And Braces For RSI

There are many types of gloves and braces on the market to help keep the hands warm, circulation flowing and wrists straight. If you are already injured, make sure to check with your medical specialist prior to using these.

AliMed

297 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

(800) 225-2610, Fax: (800) 437-2966

http://www.alimed.com

SoftFlex Wristwear Gloves

Estimated Price: $24.99 a pair

Pressure on the wrist's median nerve causes most of the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. SoftFlex Wristwear Gloves have a unique design that consists of two parallel cushions that absorb and divert harmful pressure away from the median nerve. Designed by a surgeon. Comfortable nylon spandex.

Mice Pointing Devices

Mouse pointing devices have been the stated reason for many computer-related hand and arm injuries. Use of a mouse typically involves arms reaching to the side of the keyboard and deviated wrist postures. Add to this repetitive wrist and arm motions, and several ergonomic risk factors appear.

Where a mouse is used with the computer, place it close to the keyboard. The whole arm should be used to move it, instead of just the wrist.