I am SOOO Getting This!!

[Potpie]

www.ergodex.com

Read a nice review of it here:

http://www.boxgods.com/dept/hardware/index.php?Action=Article&ID=168

I have a Belkin Nostromo, but I never got to the point where it was more efficient that a standard keyboard.

This however, this looks promising as HELL... :cool:

[Sol]

screenshot of a dude's setup for WOW:

http://www.ergodex.com/content.php?id=41

[Thwak]

Not enough keys for me... plus I assume you would still have to have a keyboard hooked up to type which would be a pain when you needed to get a quick /rude /laugh off while you are still engaged in combat. As it currently is I can still do a /rude while maintaining control of my character which is a neccessity in pvp.

[Myrkris]

I'm trying to figure out how this would be more efficient than using a keyboard, at most with a Nostromo for more function keys, and I can't. Still, looks like a neat toy if that's where your tastes run, I guess.

[Soy]

Not enough keys for me... plus I assume you would still have to have a keyboard hooked up to type which would be a pain when you needed to get a quick /rude /laugh off while you are still engaged in combat. As it currently is I can still do a /rude while maintaining control of my character which is a neccessity in pvp.

...lol....

[Potpie]

Comes with 25 keys, you can buy another 25 for a total of 50.

I'll use it for a lot more than just WoW - it's the ultimate "left hand HID device" in a long line of ones that I've tried.

[Soy]

I guess I'll be the first to admit, my keyboard hand really starts to hurt after a long session of gaming. That, added to all the keyboarding I do at work, I'm starting to think I'm going to get carpal tunnel or something.

I need to seriously start thinking of an alternative like this or the Nostromo if I'm to live a long and healthy gaming career.

But I'd really hate to give up my desk space. This thing looks pretty big, and as Thwak pointed out, you'd still need to have your keyboard right there next to it. =/

[Potpie]

Well, I have one of these -- mapping hot keys to only the left side for gaming so I don't have a huge reach to the right side does become a challenge:

Belkin ErgoBoard (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=100&pcount=&Product_Id=98781)

I had a MS Natural before this -- I wanted a black one, and MS doesn't make the Natural in black that I could find. I won't use a standard keyboard - I'm soooo spoiled on the split "ergonomic" keyboards now.

I'll post a full report with pictures once I get and use one of these Ergodex DX1s.

[Sol]

I guess I'll be the first to admit, my keyboard hand really starts to hurt after a long session of gaming. That, added to all the keyboarding I do at work, I'm starting to think I'm going to get carpal tunnel or something.

I need to seriously start thinking of an alternative like this or the Nostromo if I'm to live a long and healthy gaming career.

But I'd really hate to give up my desk space. This thing looks pretty big, and as Thwak pointed out, you'd still need to have your keyboard right there next to it. =/


i started getting carpal tunnel about 7 years ago... (quake 2 days)

i lucked out and found out about a book called Pain Free (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0553379887/qid=1126102256/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-8785241-8082453?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) by pete egoscue that gave me a simple exercise that completely obliterated the problem just by doing a simple 1 minute exercise a few times a day. its called "the wall clock" exercise.

I have the Pain Free at your PC book as well, i'll send it to work with Nightengale if you want.

[Thwak]

oh wait... this is that utility that you place the keys whereever you want right? i was looking at the pic and thinking that was how they were laid out - which if so then definately no. i remember seeing someone spam to the list about one of these though and you can place keys wherever right? that is pretty cool... though the keyboard access part still remains =[ still a neat toy though.

[Soy]

What if one were to be TWO of these products, and then place them side-by-side for a totally configurable keyboard!

It would only cost $300. =/

[Noxxzious]

If you put the 25 keys anywhere you want, how do the keys remain in place while in use?
Is it magnetic or some kind of sticky tape stuff?

I know my keyboard moves around sometimes when I am in PvP or getting into heavy combat. And I know its taken several beatings when things arent going right.

The worst part about this old MS Natural keyboard is now it has started this lock-up thing where you have to quickly un-plug and re-plug it, especially during WoW combat and Call of Duty Multiplayer. It never used to do that.

I also assume this key pad is USB, right ?

[Potpie]

Each key has it's own inductive-coupled RF transmitter in it. The little RF transmitter in each key is powered by proximity to the board. They transmit to the board in the 15MHz range.

Yes, it is a USB device.

Each key has a reusable adhesive on the bottom that sticks it to the clear plastic tray. The keys cannot be pulled, slid, or tipped off - you have to grab it and give it a twist and it pops right off. The adhesive can be wiped with a damp cloth when dirty and will be good as new.

[Rehab]

here is another cool keyboard you guys might like

http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/

[radner]

I guess I'll be the first to admit, my keyboard hand really starts to hurt after a long session of gaming. That, added to all the keyboarding I do at work, I'm starting to think I'm going to get carpal tunnel or something.

I need to seriously start thinking of an alternative like this or the Nostromo if I'm to live a long and healthy gaming career.

But I'd really hate to give up my desk space. This thing looks pretty big, and as Thwak pointed out, you'd still need to have your keyboard right there next to it. =/




another ol' fogey..... :p much love jesse, much love

[Soy]

It's from playing Counter-Strike 3 years straight with Milner. :rolleyes:

[Myrcaus]

The first thing you might want to try, Soy, is a flat keyboard. I had the same thing happening you describe (work all day typing and home to EQ) and eliminated most-to-all of my discomfort by just switching keyboards.

Logitech makes these "Zero Degree Tilt" boards that are flat across the plane of the keys, much like a laptop board is. I have one or two I could lend you if you're interested in trying one. If you currently have a standard board and use the "feet" in an upright position, try laying it flat and see how it feels. The "feet up" forward tilted keyboard is actually pretty bad, ergonomically. You may or may not notice improvement.

I have since switched to different boards (I use Apple Pro keyboards or Macally IceKeys now), but those helped me get over my immediate problem with wrist pain.

I also have a Nostromo, and like it a lot, though it's not a "primary driver" for me (I don't rest my hand on it or use it to move).

[Daggem]

If you're looking for something extra to help your hands, I highly recommend these.

Handeze (http://www.handeze.com/)

I've had several pairs over the last many years. They've really helped reduce the swelling and prevented pain from long gaming sessions (or keyboarding sessions at work). You might look a little silly with them on, but after playing a good 8hr gaming session and can be pain free, it's worth it.

[Aessina]

Sorry, for keyboards I gotta go with this, especially when the ergonomic version comes out.

http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/

[Soy]

The first thing you might want to try, Soy, is a flat keyboard. I had the same thing happening you describe (work all day typing and home to EQ) and eliminated most-to-all of my discomfort by just switching keyboards.

Logitech makes these "Zero Degree Tilt" boards that are flat across the plane of the keys, much like a laptop board is.

I do have a flat keyboard, and maybe even the one you're mentioning. The Logitech Ultra X. It's the pimp mac-daddy of keyboards.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/partners/details/CL/EN,CRID=1389,parentCRID=925,SCRID=960,contentid=7440,detail=2

It's very thin and has the soft "laptop" style buttons.

I think to prevent my fingers from getting sore, I need to get away from keyboard buttons entirely. The Nostromo looks like it might help, allowing my hand to lay "flat". I don't suppose you have an old N50 laying around I could test drive?

Who knows, maybe I'll just start playing WoW with a gamepad or steering wheel or something.

[Potpie]

I have a Nostromo you could have.

[Sol]

get rudder pedals!

seriously, you will strafe like a pro.

[Jabber]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha