Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Encyclopedia
The Apple Adjustable Keyboard is an ergonomic and adjustable keyboard
introduced by Apple Computer in 1993 for the Macintosh personal computer
s at a retail price of US$219. The keyboard attached to the computer via the Apple Desktop Bus
(ADB). The last Apple computer released compatible with this keyboard without using a USB to ADB adapter was the Power Macintosh G3 (Blue & White)
, as it was the last one with the Apple Desktop Bus.
It aimed to solve repetitive stress injuries resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome
, after several computer keyboard manufacturers were sued for poor design . The Apple Adjustable Keyboard came with contoured plastic wrist rests, and a separate keypad
with function key
s and arrow keys. This was the third and last time Apple offered a separate numeric keypad. Unlike its predecessors, it was not sold separately. The keyboard also included volume buttons and a record button on the right side of the keyboard.
It was hinged at the top, allowing the user to adjust the angle between the right and left sides of the keyboard. The split came between the key pairs: 5/6, T/Y, G/H, and B/N. The space bar floated midway between the two parts. Although the keyboard addressed several ergonomic problems, it was reviewed poorly due to using a large amount of desk space, mainly because of the optional palm rests.
Keyboard (computing)
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
introduced by Apple Computer in 1993 for the Macintosh personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
s at a retail price of US$219. The keyboard attached to the computer via the Apple Desktop Bus
Apple Desktop Bus
Apple Desktop Bus is an obsolete bit-serial computer bus connecting low-speed devices to computers. Used primarily on the Macintosh platform, ADB equipment is still available but not supported by most Apple hardware manufactured since 1999....
(ADB). The last Apple computer released compatible with this keyboard without using a USB to ADB adapter was the Power Macintosh G3 (Blue & White)
Power Macintosh G3 (Blue & White)
The Power Macintosh G3 series was a series of personal computers designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer Inc. as part of their Power Macintosh line...
, as it was the last one with the Apple Desktop Bus.
It aimed to solve repetitive stress injuries resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an entrapment idiopathic median neuropathy, causing paresthesia, pain, and other symptoms in the distribution of the median nerve due to its compression at the wrist in the carpal tunnel. The pathophysiology is not completely understood but can be considered compression...
, after several computer keyboard manufacturers were sued for poor design . The Apple Adjustable Keyboard came with contoured plastic wrist rests, and a separate keypad
Keypad
A keypad is a set of buttons arranged in a block or "pad" which usually bear digits, symbols and usually a complete set of alphabetical letters. If it mostly contains numbers then it can also be called a numeric keypad...
with function key
Function key
A function key is a key on a computer or terminal keyboard which can be programmed so as to cause an operating system command interpreter or application program to perform certain actions...
s and arrow keys. This was the third and last time Apple offered a separate numeric keypad. Unlike its predecessors, it was not sold separately. The keyboard also included volume buttons and a record button on the right side of the keyboard.
It was hinged at the top, allowing the user to adjust the angle between the right and left sides of the keyboard. The split came between the key pairs: 5/6, T/Y, G/H, and B/N. The space bar floated midway between the two parts. Although the keyboard addressed several ergonomic problems, it was reviewed poorly due to using a large amount of desk space, mainly because of the optional palm rests.
External links and references
- Apple Adjustable Keyboard Service parts at Sun RemarketingSun RemarketingSun Remarketing was a retail company, located in Cache Valley, Utah, that specialized in reselling old Apple Computer software and hardware, including Apple II and Apple Macintosh parts such as motherboards and peripherals...
- Apple Adjustable Keyboard TidBITSTidBITSTidBITS is an influential electronic newsletter and web site dealing primarily with Apple Computer and Macintosh-related topics.-Internet publication:...
article - Apple Adjustable Keyboard keymap diagrams
- Apple Adjustable Keyboard photos
- Apple Sued For Ergonomic Keyboard TidBITS article