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Microsoft ergonomic 4000 with enhanced curve. Love it!

Posted By: souzam on 2006-07-26
In Reply to: Keyboard with an extra soft touch? - worn out MT

The keys are very soft to touch, keys are easy to hit and the wrist pad is a very comfortable soft, leather-like material.  It only has a USB plug-in but you can get an adapter. I paid $60.00 for it at OfficeMax.  It was well worth it. I will never use another keyboard!




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Microsoft 4000 ergonomic one...
Wonderful keyboard! I give it a 9/10.
Anyone use the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000
keyboard?  Lately my wrists have been hurting and I've been having to take too many breaks.  Of course, can't afford to do that.  I was hoping if someone has the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 keyboard they could give advice on whether they think it helps their wrists as compared to a regular keyboard. 

 

I can't afford to buy it if it doesn't work YET I can't afford the loss in production from this wrist pain.  Funny, it's always been my ankles that got sore, now it's my wrists instead. 

 

 They do have the keyboard above on sale at Best Buy right now for only $50, but even that is too much IF it doesn't help with the wrist pain. 

 

IAny advice would be much appreciated.... Thanks So Much

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000
is the keyboard I use, and I like it.  I don't have a problem with the shift keys, but now that you mention it, I usually only use the one on the left side.  I never noticed that, wow.  Using the right one would probably help me out.  I like my keyboard because the keys are smooth to press, it is raised in the middle, and it has a bunch of cool features like a zoom bar, favorites keys, and other helpful shortcut keys. 
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Has anyone had a chance to try this new keyboard out yet?

I saw it at Best Buy yesterday and had a chance to give it a little hands-on feel. Very interesting. Started a little research and the reviews seem to be fairly positive (7/10 to 8/10).

But, I'm more trustworthy of feedback from people like MTs who really give keyboards a good "workout" on a daily basis.


Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
I have a brand new one still in the box that I'll sell for a fraction of the retail cost. Just email me at rinny1987@yahoo.com.
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000?

More about keyboards ... I don't think I would like the big MS 4000, because when I tested out large ones in the store one day, it felt too big and awkward for me; however, I did try a smaller one with just a slight curve that felt quite good.  (Unfortunately, I don't remember what make/model it was as I was not really shopping for one at the time.)


When looking around the web, it looks like it might have been the MS Comfort Curve 2000.  Does anyone have any experience with that one? 


Thanks for any feedback. 


Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard
I read where some MTs were enjoying this keyboard, and they are quite inexpensive, so DH picked one up for me at Tiger Direct. Whoever recommended it is right; it has an quick touch for me and you can switch from a straight keyboard and it won't slow you down like most of the ergonomic keyboards. I usually like a very clicky touch, and this isn't like that. But the key action is quick and you barely have to touch them to activate the keys. The backspace is double-wide too. Since there is no space in the middle like so many ergonomic keyboards, there is no issue about reaching the 6 with your preferred hand, either.
Ergonomic 4000
I bought one this weekend, as a matter of fact. I wasn't a fan of the so-called multimedia/internet keyboards before, but I have to say I do like these shortcut button thingies. Circuit City has a web-only sale on it and it qualifies for free shipping I believe.
You want the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard. Google it. nm
x
4000 Ergonomic Keyboard
I just purchased and using the Microsoft 4000 ergonomic keyboard and love it.  It took a couple of days to get used to the keys.  I have used other ergonomic keyboards, but this one is the best. 
MS Ergonomic Natural 4000...
I admit, it took me a few days to get used to where the keys are, but I bought it for my wrists.  Two things:  My wrists have quit burning and the keys are very soft touch.  I love it.  I got mine at an office store for 59 dollars.  I guess not cheap, but it was worth it for me since I plan to type until my little fingers won't work anymore.  
Microsoft 4000
.
I have Microsoft 4000 too...sm
I've had mine for about a month now.  It took some getting used to, but I love it.  I've had several ergonomic split keyboards in the past, but this one is just more comfortable for me... not sure why!  I got mine at Office Depot on sale with rebate for around $25.  BTW, My husband also got one at BestBuy; they honored the Office Depot sale price with no rebate to send in.
Same Here; Microsoft 4000
I LOVE it and don't know what I'd do without it.  Best thing I bought for work.  It took me about a week to get used to it and my speed back up to normal.  It sure was worth it, though!
microsoft 4000 Yes!

I use the Microsoft 4000 and it is the only keyboard that I don't have pain with.  My wrist pain was so bad that I thought I would have to give this line of work up.  I have tried many many keyboards including Goldtouch, the other microsoft ergonomics (2000 and Elite), Belkin, Typematrix, Logitech split, Kensington comfort type, etc. ergonomic this and ergonomic that.  Wasted a lot of money looking for the right one.  But the the Microsoft 4000 was the one.   No more pain. 


The one thing that I do is use a mouse bridge over the number pad to bring the mouse in closer and I also got an ergonomic mouse.  The investment was well worth it because it increased my comfort.


I got 2 of the MS4000 keyboards on ebay for about 12 bucks with 10 bucks shipping.  It was worth 25 dollars.  If you are willing to buy from there you don't need to pay 50 dollars and can probably get with shipping under 25 or so.  Good luck.


Microsoft 4000
By jobs, do you mean reports or the whole enchilada? If it's the latter, that's horrible!!! I tried to explain to a former boss when I was having this problem with my keyboard, and she seemed to think I was making it up, but she didn't fire me. I even had access to another identical keyboard and found it had the same fits. That's just awful! You have no control over when it happens. Wonder if Microsoft is aware of this little problem?
Microsoft Natural 4000
I tried the new Microsoft Natural ergo and actually perform my old (Elite) model. I do 400 lph and did not feel that the Microsoft Natural 400 felt nearly fast enough on the demo.
microsoft 4000 keyboard
I have this awsome keyboard too.  But i can't figure out when the cap lock is on until I go to type.  I can't find anything in the tiny book that came with it.  Did anyone get a booklet with theirs explaining the functions on the keyboard?  Thank you so much! 
Microsoft 4000 keyboard

I wanted to share a neat trick I recently figured out that I can do with my Microsoft USB Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (IntelliType Pro).  I recently posted a query asking if there was a way to turn numbering off and on without using the mouse (which I hate), and I've discovered that there is with this particular keyboard.  To turn the numbering feature on (for a list of current meds, for example), you hold down the Shift key, Ctrl key, and the key to the left of the Ctrl key that is the lower right of your keyboard (the key that looks like it has a picture of a page with an arrow on it).  This brings up a drop-down menu and you can select numbering or bullets from there.  the first time I did this, I discovered it made funky changes to my font, so I had to go in and set the font (by selecting the customize button in the lower right corner on the numbering option), and once I had it all tweaked to the way I wanted it, it appeared to have reset my default to the way to my preference.  I apologize if this is confusing, but if you have this keyboard, and you have any questions about my instructions, feel free to ask, and I'd be glad to try to help!


Microsoft 4000 keyboard
Hey, I've realized you don't even have to do the key combination. Just pushing the one key with the picture on it brings up the numbering menu option.
Microsoft 4000 keyboard
You're right! I didn't realize that either. I suppose that button functions the same way on other keyboards as well. I just learned this 'trick,' and I was really excited. Too bad I hadn't realized this all along!
The New Microsoft 4000 Keyboard
Yes, I have a suggestion, TAKE THE BLAMED THING BACK AND GET THE OTHER TYPE OF KEYBOARD.  I beta tested this thing for Microsoft and gave it an entire week to try to position my left hand differently and it just wouldn't happen.  The sad part of it is that once I returned it and got one like I have used for years, I couldn't use it successfully for several days either because my fingers had tried very hard to retrain themselves.  This keyboard is for an Internet junky and NOT for someone who uses a keyboard to earn a living transcribing.  That is the conclusion I drew.  I don't really know why Microsoft thought they needed to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.  I was hoping that no one else would have the experience I had with this but looks like there may be several.  Have a nice day!!!
Microsoft 4000 keyboard

Does anyone ever experience problems with their Microsoft 4000 keyboard where it will suddenly appear as if the Caps lock has been pushed, and your punctuation marks come out wrong and words are suddenly filling in with all caps and no matter what you do, it continues to happen? 


 


I’ve worked in ChartScript and DocQScribe (currently working in the latter program) and had this happen.  It’s as if my keyboard and the software are having compatibility issues or something totally out of the blue.  Oftentimes, it will remedy itself, but if I do not want to wait that indeterminate amount of time, my experience has been that the only way to fix it is to totally shut down the computer and reboot, but that doesn’t always fix it.  It doesn’t only happen in ChartScript and DocQscribe.  I can open Word and type in there, and it does the same sort of squirrelly thing!


 


It’s so frustrating and wreaks havoc on productivity!!!


Microsoft 4000 v1.0 Keyboard
Is there any way to program my Microsoft 4000 v1.0 keyboard without the CD?  I can't find it, and none of my extra buttons are working
microsoft wireless 4000

Another keyboard in this same curved group is the microsoft wireless 4000.  You can access 5 "favorites" with the push of a button (I have Mtstars as #3, so don't have to go to Internet, type the Mtstars in the address box), and 5 other buttons on the side of the keyboard you can program to whatever you want also.  Definitely is a time saver when trying to find something.  And the slight curve is definitely a saver on the wrists and not such a change like some ergonomic keyboards to try get used to.  It is a little more expensive, but definitely worth it, as long as we have to be on the keyboards as many hours as we are.


Microsoft 4400 Ergonomic- sm-
I like it alot because of the raised wrist rest (removable), which helps with wrist pain after typing 10 to 12 hours a day. It has been a blessing to me, but getting used to the split keyboard took about a week. Check it out.
MIcrosoft Natural Ergonomic

Best one I ever had.  It has all the programmable shortcut buttons at the top for programs and/or webpages and is extremely comfortable.  I used to have problems with my hands hurting a lot after a full day of working and now it is gone.  It took about a week for me to get used to the feel of the split board, but now I can't stand using a regular one.  I even take this one when I travel to my in-laws.


Try Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard

Hi, try Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  I don't know about the wireless ergo keyboard but I do know they are expensive than the wired ones.  You could contact your local Microsoft hardware dealer. 


I have a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic.
I got it on sale at Staples for around $60. When I used to work in a hospital, I had one for home and bought one to use at the hospital. They are not all that expensive and well worth it.
I also use Microsoft Natural Ergonomic and ...

just purchased a store-return new backup keyboard through Amazon for around $25 dollars ..


New, at my local CompUSA they were close to $60 regularly and went down to around $40 on special ... that store closed and I'm not sure where I would buy one now (most places do not carry them) ...the time and angst spent replacing a keyboard in a hurry is REAL and well worth preparing for (also keyboards keep getting  redesigned which is really annoying when you're typing all day and have to switch in a hurry -- so it's great to have an "old model" on standby -- I last had to replace my keyboard when I popped off a key that was sticking and it went flying and I have NEVER found it ... it was an N) 


I've found this particular model to be comfy and durable --- I didn't think I would like it and I really do -- it's quiet and has good key play.


My next purchase is going to be QuickLook Drug book on DISK since it can do wildcard searches of partial lookup -- my old web site for that "changed" and is not helpful and there are SO many bad Google entries.


Anything that makes you more comfortable with less fighting your desk also helps --- a decent chair and glare protection, a foot rest .


and SAMPLES when I start a new account I save almost every report I type, even if they are full of blanks -- which I fill in when I review my QA  -- invaluable for saving time figuring out H&P mumbles and  particularly op note


I use RED NOTEBOOK from Horus development (link below) ... I am not aware of anything comparable ... it's searchable. You can, for instance, upload a hospital medical staff roster  if saved in TXT, edit and print out lists,  just fabulous for new accounts with new terms / medications/ names for things.


Good luck.


Microsoft 4000 split keyboard.

Does anyone use this keyboard?  I just got one thinking it would help my hands from hurting, but I am having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the keyboard.  Did anyone else have this problem?  If so, did you catch on, or did you have to return it?  I went from the plain keyboard to this, but It has  slowed me down tremendously.  I wonder if I should get an ergonomic keyboard without the split?  Any suggestions?


 


Thanks in advance for your suggestions!


Did the MTs who had the Microsoft 4000 keyboards ever start to like them or get used to them? nm
nm
Do you have Microsoft 4000 keyboard? (see inside)
If so, find the "F Lock" key and see if it is on.
microsoft Natural keyboard 4000
It is an ergo keyboard... Really you would love it if you would give it a try. It definately takes a little to get used to, but now I wouldn't be without it....And this new model is FANTASTIC! It has a built in reverse angle to avoid wrist pain, built in wrist pad, quiet keys that require light touch. I don't use other features like the built in hot buttons, but they are there also. All around great keyboard for about 50.00.
Help with new Microsoft 4000 natural keyboard

Any tips on how to get used to this keyboard?  i think it might relieve my neck pain but I keep hitting the wrong keys.  it took me a long time just to type this message!



Thanks,


microsoft 4000 ergo, I use, with zoom in/out,
nm
Microsoft Natural 4000 Ergnomic Keyboard
I have been using this keyboard for two years now and I will be needing a new one in the next week or two (the cord is getting frayed).  I'm interested in one of the Microsoft wireless keyboards, but I'm concerned that the touch won't be as light as it is with the 4000.  Does anybody have any experience with these wireless keyboards and is there one that somebody would recommend? 
I just bought a Microsoft Natural Ergo 4000 from Officemax
for about $60 (not exactly cheap).

I can't attest to how long this one is going to last, but I do really like it. However, when I bought it, I was given an option of buying a 2-year extended warranty for like an additional $12. They said they would replace the keyboard for any reason in that time period. I declined, but maybe not a bad investment for people like us who can go through keyboards.
The Microsoft 4000.....ahhhh....awesome, quiet, soft touch, ergo..nm
XX
Yep that's it, 4000. Love, love love the zoom
But I feel like a dork typing...every time I try to type But it is coming out as Nut!
I love my MS Natural 4000 sm
The 4000 has a much lighter action than previous models. They make a standard keyboard with the same action. I go to the office supply store, try them out, and then buy them on e-bay for much less than at the store. Hope this helps.
In the market for a new ergonomic keyboard. I would love some suggestions!!! What are you using??
Right now I'm looking at the Comfort Keyboard ($289) and Ergoflex ($179) that are on e-bay. If you haven't seen them, they basically look like a regular keyboard, just in two halves. I've also been looking at the Microsoft Curve Comfort and the Logitech Wave. I HATE the big, bulky ergonomic split keyboards like the Microsoft Elite. I cannot use them at all. I also tried the Kinesis Classic and after a month, couldn't get used to it either.

Right now I'm using the A-tech AntiRSI keyboard. It's okay, nothing great.

I would appreciate ANY suggestions. Price really is a factor even though the ones I listed are outrageous. I'd rather not spend a ton, but will if I have to.

THANKS!!
Microsoft ergo... Love it
it slowed me down for maybe 3 to 4 days, but now I just love it.My hands never ache anymore... However, I have real trouble using a regular keyboard now on my spare computer, just doesn't feel right now, but since I only ever really just surf the net with that one it doesn't matter.  Really has helped my hands and wrists.
MPCount, enhanced in MPTools


Emmaus has discontinued MPCount. Though popular for nearly a decade, it was
definitely obsolete. It was originally released shortly after Windows 98 came
out.


Though highly accurate in counting, MPCount had user-interface
problems:
1. Locating your files to reflect in your invoice was difficult,
for it didn't know about the flexible path to My Documents (introduced in
Windows 2000).
2. You couldn't see the filenames of the actual files you
were selecting, and couldn't filter the files in a folder by Date
Modified.
3. You couldn't delete a client once registered.
4. You couldn't
alter the invoice number.
Furthermore, MPCount could only count MS Word
documents (*.doc, *.rtf) and text document (*.txt). If you had WordPerfect 5.1
documents, MPCount didn't know what to do with them.


MPTools, a new release, replaces the obsolete MPCount.
Besides correcting the four user-interface problems listed above, MPTools
enhances the functionality. MPTools gives you the ability to include
headers/footers in the count and to include formatting codes in the count. You
can also see the results of the multiple counting methods for a given document.
Furthermore, if you give MPTools permission to use Word's conversion filter, the
file types you count can be any file type Word can open. If MS Word can open it,
MPTools can count it. (It is not necessary for you to have MS Word, it is just
an option.)


In addition, with MPTools you can:
1. Send HIPAA-compliant e-mail with a
few clicks.
2. Unzip password protected zips to the folder you specify (and
without entering the password).
3. Print multiple files by selecting
them.


Happy transcribing,
Vann Joe Turner
Emmaus
Publisher of software for
the medical transcription community since 1995

MPCount enhanced in MPTools
Emmaus has discontinued MPCount. Though popular for nearly a decade, it was definitely obsolete. (It was originally released shortly after Windows 98 came out.)

While highly accurate in counting, MPCount had user-interface problems:
1. Locating your files to reflect in your invoice was difficult, for it didn't know about the flexible path to My Documents (introduced in Windows 2000).
2. You couldn't see the filenames of the actual files you were selecting, and couldn't filter the files in a folder by Date Modified.
3. You couldn't delete a client once registered.
4. You couldn't alter the invoice number.
Furthermore, MPCount could only count MS Word documents (*.doc, *.rtf) and text document (*.txt). If you had WordPerfect 5.1 documents, MPCount didn't know what to do with them.

MPTools, a new release, replaces the obsolete MPCount. Besides correcting the four user-interface problems listed above, MPTools enhances the functionality. MPTools gives you the ability to include headers/footers in the count and to include formatting codes in the count. You can also see the results of the multiple counting methods for a given document. Furthermore, if you give MPTools permission to use Word's conversion filter, the file types you count can be any file type Word can open. If MS Word can open it, MPTools can count it. (It is not necessary for you to have MS Word, it is just an option.)

In addition, with MPTools you can:
1. Send HIPAA-compliant e-mail with a few clicks.
2. Unzip password protected zips to the folder you specify (and without entering the password).
3. Print multiple files by selecting them.

Some have a different learning curve than others

I had an in-house job for 3 years, hired in off the street, no experience.  Three months later, another girl hired in, same situation.  Paid hourly, no ESL, and we had the opportunity to talk to the doctors in person about any issue.


By the time I left, I was the highest producer in the office.  She was still struggling with the simplest words and phrases, still asking the same questions she asked the week she hired in, still needing help from somebody else all day long. She would cry from frustration because she couldn't get her act together.  Other people that hired in after her got the hang of it much faster and were soon helping her too.  I asked management on many occasions why they just didn't show her the door, and they said I was being harsh and that some people just couldn't learn as fast as others.  I wonder why she didn't just go find a different kind of job instead of hanging around driving herself and everyone else nuts.


There's a learning curve

In time it all gets better.  Usually.  Some people aren't cut out to be MTs, for them it never gets better.  I felt the way you do when I started out in-house (no former training).  But I was stubborn, and I learned, and knew I was getting better.  Then I started working at home - BIG learning curve, had no idea my hospital job was so easy!  But I was stubborn, and I learned and improved.  Next job - more learning.  New accounts with constantly changing specifics - keep learning.  In this job, you learn every day - a new phrase, a new production tip, the fact that you've been spelling something wrong, etc.


Just take a deep breath and realize they are trying to help you.  Thank them for every correction, because its what they need you to do.  Make a lot of notes.  And you can and will improve, if you're stubborn enough to make your investment pay.


Very difficult with a long learning curve.
You must have adequate resources, books, protocol lists including research drugs. It's doable but not if you expect to learn it in a week.
how long of a learning curve w/ new account?

Good morning everyone ... I'm starting at-home work this week for a new hospital, out of my area.  How long should I expect of a learning curve?  It's been a while since Ive done NEW accounts !


How long does it take you guys to get up to par - and that money starts really pouring in?  I did a few reports this weekend - and between the strange names, accents, procedures - it's going to take me a while before I'm lucrative. 


What's your experience w/ new accounts ?


Thanks everyone!


JoJo


Slow learning curve...getting a little nervous.
I recently left the job I had had for over a decade because I had grown to HATE the company I worked for.  Have moved to a different company, one with a very good reputation on this board.  So I'm learning a new platform, new account, new dictators including lots of new ESL docs... and I'm learning acute care after many, many years of almost entirely clinic work.  Please, somebody tell me I'm going to get up to speed someday.  Hopefully someday soon.  Back in the day I typed an average of 250 lines an hour.... My line count seems stuck for the last week or so at 140.  I've been doing this job for 2 weeks now.  The switch to acute care is really shaking my confidence... I'm realizing how much I didn't know for the many years I've been an MT.  Just hoping for a little encouragement -- as my daughter would say, "an encouraging shoulder squeeze."    TY!
It is relatively easy and I have a looong learning curve.
You will figure it out. MS word is user friendly. There are just a ton of options available. Hopefully someone will come by and say more.

Good luck