Good morning!

Here at NSquared, we know what it’s like to be on a computer all day. Do you? If your answer was yes, than the annoying pains in your fingers and wrists (and possibly forearms if you’re a mega-speed-typing-beast) are familiar to you.

Well folks, we have news. Microsoft is battling carpal tunnel syndrome and “crampy” hands with their new ergonomic keyboard that is sleek, chic, and definitely does not look like the weird, curvy, padded space-ship keyboard you may have sitting on your desk. Check it out below:

“Microsoft ‘Manta Ray’ Keyboard Puts Carpal Tunnel on Notice

Those with repetitive strain injuries (RSI) like carpal tunnel syndrome (those who simply want to avoid one) probably have an ergonomic keyboard designed to minimize stress. But chances are it’s not as pretty as the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard.

The new Sculpt is a big step up, design-wise, from the current Natural keyboard. Codenamed “Manta Ray” (for obvious reasons), it has an open design more friendly to the hands while retaining the split sides necessary for a true “natural” posture. The keyboard takes a few cues from last year’s Sculpt Comfort keyboard, with a cushioned palm rest, sleeker design and keys to match Windows 8. A removable riser lifts up the front.

The keyboard is actually part of a bundle called the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop that includes a mouse as well as a separate number pad. The mouse has a more pronounced curve than your typical point-and-clicker, which Microsoft says helps combat RSIs by ensuring the bottom of your hand doesn’t touch your physical desktop as much.

Users can slide the separated number pad out of the way when it’s not in use. That way, the mouse slides a little closer to the keyboard — a more comfortable position for most. All of the devices connect to your PC via a single, unified wireless receiver (not Bluetooth).

I got a little hands-on time with the new Sculpt bundle. First of all, the keyboard design is gorgeous; preventing stress injuries never looked so good.Typing was noticeably more comfortable than on the Natural, but it still takes some getting used to (typically a couple of weeks, according to Microsoft representatives). I once tried to use the Natural as a primary keyboard but quit since it felt odd; the Sculpt struck me as an easier adjustment, but not enough for me to commit to it (at least, short of an RSI diagnosis).

If you’re like me, the Sculpt Comfort Desktop bundle is probably more your speed, which also includes a mouse — though not a separate number pad — and has buttons configured for Windows 8. It also boasts a cleverly positioned extra Backspace key for more efficient typing.

The Sculpt Ergonomic bundle costs $129.95, and the mouse and keyboard are available separately, for $80.95 and $59.95, respectively. The Comfort bundle has a $79.95 price tag with keyboard and mouse priced at $59.95 and $39.95, respectively.”

Contact us if you’d like a new website, a website face lift, or some inbound marketing! Stay tuned, and until next time – keep those phalanges healthy and movin’!