Other Keyboards 

Contents

Blazie Eng
Braille n Speak

CASCO
Light Link

Darwin Keyboards
NoteBoard

Equal Access Computer Technology
Minimal Motion

Microwriter Services Ltd
Microwriter

New Zealand Electronic Research
KeyBreak

Somers Engineering
EK1 Ergonomic Keyboard

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Here are a variety of other keyboards that may be of assistance to you, but not fit into the Alternative Keyboard FAQ's primary categories. 

Blazie Engineering
Phone: 301-879-4944
Address: 3660 Mill Green Rd., MD 21154 USA

Braille n Speak

(information provided by Doug Martin)

The Braille N Speak uses any of several Braille codes for entering information: Grade I, Grade II, or computer Braille. Basically, letters a-j are combinations of dots 1, 2, 4, and 5. Letters k-t are the same combinations as a-j with dot 3 added. Letters u, v, x, y, and z are like a-e with dots 3 and 6 added. (w is unique because Louis Braille did not have a w in the French alphabet.)

(Information last checked:  Pending . . .)

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CASCO
375 Collins Rd. NE, Suite 115, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(800) 793-6960 or (319) 393-6960
cascoia@aol.com

Light Link

• Compatibility: PC
• Estimated Price: $199.95
• Availability: Investigating . . .

This is an infra-red cordless keyboard with the standard 101-key flat layout. It is manufactured by Electronic Design Specialists, Inc., and its ``stocking distributor'' is CASCO.

(Information last checked:  Pending . . .)

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Darwin Keyboards
San Francisco, CA
(415) 621-1151, Fax: (415) 621-1008
Info@Darwinkeyboards.com
www.darwinkeyboards.com

NoteBoard

• Compatibility:  PC
• Estimated Price: $79.95
• Availability: Direct

The only full-sized keyboard for notebooks!  If you love the portability of your notebook, but hate its cramped keyboard, the NoteBoard is the answer!

The NoteBoard's adjustable feet allow you to position the NoteBoard directly over your notebook's keyboard, while its comfortable built-in wrist rest provides extra support.

With the NoteBoard, you get the feel of a desktop without the expense of a docking station. The NoteBoard works with ALL PC-compatible notebook computers. It's the perfect add-on to your notebook system!

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked:  Nov'97)

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Equal Access Computer Technology
Dr. Michael Weinreigh, 39 Oneida Rd., Acton, MA 01720 USA
(508) 263-6437, Fax: (508) 263-6537

The Minimal Motion Computer Access System

For their own system - $300 (DOS software) + "a few hundred dollars" Shipping: these are custom-made, so an occupational therapist would make moulds/do whatever to make it for you. You can buy one now. Compatibility: PC only, although the InfoGrip-compatible version might work with a Mac.

In a one-handed version, there is exactly one button per finger. In a two-handed version, you get four buttons per finger, and the thumbs do not do anything. You can also get one-handed versions with three thumb buttons - compatible with the InfoGrip Bat. Basically, get it any way you want.

They also have a software tutorial to help you learn the chording, which can also be used as a one-handed chording system for most DOS apps, using the standard keyboard.

Works on a PC under DOS, not Windows. Planning on Macintosh and PC/Windows support. No work has been done on a Unix version, yet.

(Information last checked:  Pending . . .)

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Microwriter Services Ltd
Unit 1, Seaforth Works, Rear of 8-12 Seaforth Avenue, New Malden, Surrey KT3 6JP
(+44) 81 715 1023 (U.K.) (voice or FAX)

Microwriter AgendA

(Info from Carroll Morgan <carroll.morgan@prg.oxford.ac.uk>)

The AgendA is a personal desktop assistant (PDA) style machine. You can carry it along with you. It has chording input. You can also hook it up to your PC, or even program it.

It costs just under 200 pounds, with 128K memory.

[Apparently Microwriter is in some form of bankruptcy right now. The DataEgg is somehow based on this. You may want to contact InHand for more information.]

(Information last checked:  Pending . . .)

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New Zealand Electronic Research
(+64) 03-365-5434, Fax: (+64) 03-365-5371
gwells@nzer.co.nz

KeyBreak

• Price: NZ$85 (approx. US$70, but who knows these days?)
• Shipping: now?
• Compatibility: PC now, Mac later

KeyBreak is a hardware device which plugs between your keyboard and computer and forces you to take regular breaks by first beeping at you and then locking your keyboard if you do not pay attention.

The device adjusts the break times to train you to eventually take regular breaks.

(Information last checked:  Pending . . .)

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Somers Engineering
3424 Vicker Way, Palmdale, CA 93551
(805) 273-1609
RSomers@aol.com (Richard Somers)

Somers EK1 Ergonomic Keyboard

• Price: $348 + shipping
• Compatibility: PC and Mac (at the same time! see below)
• Shipping: "in limited quantities"

A trackball module is also available ($100), which can clip on the side or replace the cursor keypad.

The keyboard is broken down into three modules which can be re- arranged. (the keypad could be put on the left, for example). The alphanumeric keys are vertical rather than the usual diagonal arrangement.

The keyboard is based on the Datadesk Switchboard - Somers just developed a new keyboard module for it. Thus, they take advantage of the Switchboards PC and Mac compatibility. You ca not plug it into both at the same time, but you need only use the right cable, and tweak some DIP switches to change the keyboard personality.

(Information last checked:  Pending . . .)

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Last Updated: 01/18/02