Wireless Keyboard for Select Mac Computers vs Sculpt Comfort Desktop Wireless USB Keyboard - Essay Example

Computer Keyboard The invention of keying in devices such as the tele printers and the type paved the way for the invention of the computer keyboards. However, it is vital for one to note that computer keyboards have evolved significantly overtime, from the era of large and crudely designed keyboards to the wireless, sleek and efficient gadgets that we use today.1 The paper reviews two consumer keyboards that have made huge impacts in the computer world. Keyboard A Manufacturer: Apple.Inc Product Name: Wireless Keyboard for Select Mac Computers - Silver/White (MC184LL/B SKU: 3103238) Approximate Cost: $69.99 Purpose: keys in data into Mac Computers Materials: made of white and silver soft plastic and rubber buttons Manufacturing Quality: just like all other Apple Products, this keyboard has been crafted close to perfection. The keyboard is made of aluminum housing that encloses rubber buttons. Design Features: convenient input for Apple devices – the keyboard can run on all Mac OS X version 10.6.8 or later. It allows the user to be comfortable while using it due to its thirty-foot wireless range.2 This means that a user can control, their IPad, Mac or even Apple TV while seated. Automatic power down – the keyboard runs on 2 AA batteries and has the ability to enter into sleep mode when it is not being actively used. To return into full power, all a user has to do is press any button. The keyboard also comes with a power button that can be manually switched off during long hours of inactivity.3 Convenient data entry – the keyboard runs on multiple iOS devices, therefore all a user needs to do is carry a single keyboard and access their emails, process data in word and so forth.4 Responsive keys – a user can avoid keying fatigue by adjusting the position of the keyboard and it will fit in almost all areas. In addition, one can also access volume controls and launch pads by using function keys. Appearance: the keyboard usually comes in two colors; white or silver. They are uniquely made to bring out the sufficient aesthetics as Apple previous and current products. It has a modern look that also speaks of what Apple’s future products will be.5 The overall appearance is sleek, clean and simple. Feel: it has a good feel on the hand, a beautiful outlay and a very soft texture that compliments the whole design. It has a sophisticated feel that makes the user seem to have a superior taste in gadgets. Function / Performance: the keyboard works perfectly well with all the devices it can synchronize with. The performance is effective and optimized for these devices, the outstanding thing about the functions and the performance is that these the keyboard synchronizes just fine with these devices.6 It does not take a computer conversant user a lot of time to learn how to use this device. Ergonomics: the keyboard happens to be light enough to be carried around by the user. It is also a standard size therefore; it fits perfectly on the laps of the user who is utilizing it from a couch, or a substantial distance. It also fits well on a desktop when the typing is being done here. Due to its standard size, the user is able to key in all they want easily and conveniently without the pressures of a small surface are. 7 Learning Curve: users using this keyboard have an easy time learning how to operate it. The Apple devices easily synchronize with the keyboard thereby creating a user-friendly atmosphere that permits the user to get on with their work as soon as they connect. Safety Features: safety features that come with the devices are usually the precautions to alert the user to be extra careful since the battery pack is harmful and dangerous when consumed.8 This is essential especially for people living with their kids. The keyboard also warns people to take extra care when carrying it in order to avoid breaking it. Environmentally Friendly Aspects: few safety projects come with this device. The fitting seal between the plastic shell and the buttons prevent entry of dust and liquids. Lifespan: the keyboard comes with a 10-year guarantee, which is sufficient and reliable given the credibility of Apple products. Possible Misuse of the Product: None. Keyboard B Manufacturer: Microsoft Product Name: Sculpt Comfort Desktop Wireless USB Keyboard Model: L3V-00001 SKU: 1818015 Approximate Cost: $ 49.99 Purpose: keying data into personal computers Materials: plastic cover on the body and rubber key pads on the keyboard. Manufacturing Quality: the keyboard has been made of hard plastic and rubber keys, which is unlike other PCs features in the market. Design Features: the makers of this keyboard used a new design that is asymmetrical and that differs from their earlier and conventional models that are usually straight and rectangular. 9 It is ideal for long hours of working; that is typing. Appearance: the keyboard is black in color and has a unique shape that gets the attention of the user/buyer. However, for one to acquire this keyboard, they must be ready to embrace the unique shape as well as be futuristic enough to acknowledge its unconventional design. Feel: it has a desirable soft feel on the hands. However, it is unlike the Mac keyboards covered above when compared in terms of texture and softness. Function / Performance: A highly powerful gadget optimizes the typing of the user. It enables one to put in long hours of working thereby increasing their overall productivity.10 Ergonomics: the keyboard is user-friendly and has the ability to be utilized sufficiently by the user. This comes from the fact that it is sufficiently light and the wideness of the keyboard offers a wide range of motion for the user’s hands.11 Learning Curve: PC users that have had previous experience with Microsoft devices will have an easy time utilizing this gadget. It is a plug and play device that means all one has to do is plug the keyboard and wait for it to install automatically its driver’s then use.12 This is however, when the user is using the USB part that s also offered by the keyboard. If it’s being used wirelessly, the user just has to synchronize the devices and then ‘play’. Safety Features: the only safety features that a user is alerted about is to keep it from the reach of children in order to avoid damage and liquid spillage. And also to handle with care in case of carrying it, the user should handle it with care to avoid breaking it. Environmentally Friendly Aspects: just like most devices released by Microsoft after the Windows XP, this device come with a plug and play feature that makes everything easy for the user.13 The interface is also easy to use and convenient. Lifespan: comes with a 3-year warranty and guarantee to use. Possible Misuse of the Product: none II. Description of Person Name: Mathew Jacobs Age: 14 years old Occupation: junior high school student Sex: Male Economic Status: comes from a middle class working family living New Jersey. Race / Ethnicity: Caucasian Physical Abilities / Disabilities: plays baseball in the junior league Cognitive Abilities / Disabilities: Matthew is a highly performing student with most of his grades being Bs and above. Appearance: Matthew is somehow taller for his age, with a height of 5’3. Personality: He is very talkative and fun to converse with. She seems to be very smart and is full of positive energy. III. Comparative Observation of Product Usage Keyboard A keyboard B Size According to Matthew, the size of the keyboard is sizeable enough to be used when he is resting on the couch. This keyboard is a large size but comfortable to use for long hours. Spacing The keys are sufficiently placed despite the smaller size of the keyboard as compared to the other keyboard. The keys have been sufficiently spaced due to the huge size for the keyboard. It has a large surface area but the keys are still standard. Energy Energy usage is sufficient since the AA batteries take long before they are replaced. In addition, the keyboard goes to sleep mode quite conveniently. This product does not use a lot of power. This is a factor that was considered since the makers were maximizing the amount of hours the product was to be used. Bibliography Apple® Keyboard with Numeric Keypad. Accessed April 23, 2015. http://www.staples.com/Apple-reg-Keyboard-with-Numeric-Keypad/product_164094 Apple Wired Keyboard with Numeric Keypad MB110LL/B [NEWEST VERSION]. Accessed April 23, 2015. http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Keyboard-Numeric-MB110LL-VERSION/dp/B005DLDTAE History of Computer Keyboards. Accessed April 23, 2015. http://www.computer-hardware explained.com/history-of-computer-keyboards.html Microsoft L5V-00001 USB Wireless Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop Keyboard Combo, Black. Accessed April 23, 2015. http://www.staples.com/Microsoft-L5V-00001-USB-Wireless-Sculpt-Ergonomic-Desktop-Keyboard-Combo-Black/product_206709 Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. Accessed April 23, 2015. http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/natural-ergonomic-keyboard-4000 Read More