Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard (B2M00012)

I work in the software industry and as such I spend 50+ hours each week on my computer and I also purchase and use a wide variety of Windows related hardware and software. Years ago I purchased a Microsoft Elite Natural Keyboard when they were first released. It took a short while to get used to but was instantly more comfortable and usable than a standard cramped rectangular keyboard. I could never go back! This version of Microsoft`s ergonomic keyboard the 4000 is even better. Truly the best keyboard I`ve used to date. Here are some of my favorite features:

* Truly customizable non-standard buttons to launch browser, search, mail, custom websites or applications, instant control of volume including mute, launch of the calculator, back/forward buttons, and my personal favorite a play/pause button that magically controls my default media application which happens to be Media Monkey. It will launch Media Monkey and instantly control the play/pause of whatever tracks are selected in that application. Send Media Monkey to the background/system tray, go use a different app, and the play/pause button STILL controls Media Monkey properly. FANTASTIC!

The keyboard itself is very comfortable and includes a soft-touch wrist rest and seemingly easier to press and quieter keys.
Some other great features:

* Excellent non-skid feet. In fact, it`s difficult to scoot it around my desk when I want to.
* Stylish in black-with-silver accents.
* It`s physcally heavy which, whether true or not, would seem to indicate well built. My old Elite keyboard lasted years and years of 50 hour weeks of non-stop use until one of the Shift keys started sticking.

A few things to note about this keyboard for potential buyers.

* The keyboard is likely best for those that can type without looking at the keyboard. However, I see no reason why a poke-and-hope typer couldn`t use the keyboard as well. But the physical division of the keys could cause issues.
* It`s USB only. The instructions indicate it should include a USB-to-PS2 adapter but mine did not. Unsure if it should have.
* The ZOOM control would be seemingly useful for a scroll but for whatever reason that`s the single function that you cannot customize with the current build of the driver application. However, here's a page that details how to manually editing the settings file to reconfigure the useless ZOOM to function as a SCROLL which is what I wanted anyway. Enjoy!

http://paininthetech.com/hack_the_microsoft_natural_4000_keyboard

* By default the function keys F1, F2, etc. do not function as those keys. Instead there`s an F LOCK button at the end of that row of keys that toggles the function keys between F1, etc. and an alternate set of controls such as Undo, Redo, Open, New, etc. By default they are set to Undo, etc. and not F1, etc. Simply press the F LOCK key to return them to F1, etc. which is what I use more often. I can use the CTRL+keys to access the hotkey sequences for those other functions.