What Kind of Keyboard is This?

Apple released a new iMac yesterday, but also a new keyboard, or rather a pair of keyboards. I wonder about how good these keyboards are, at least for people who type a lot. I currently use a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard, as I find it puts less strain on my wrist. So the idea of such a flat keyboard as the new Apple model seems, at first glance, to be the anthithesis of what I would want.

However, the idea of having a small wireless keyboard, to use as a second keyboard, interests me. I like writing when leaning back in my chair, sometimes, such as when using a program that lets me write in full screen view. The fact that the wireless model (shown in the photo above) has no number pad, makes it ideal for lap use. Wireless keyboards with number pads are asymetric; the center of the keyboard is not in the middle of the letter keys, but a few keys to the write, so, when typing, you either have to have the keyboard pushed to the right of your lap (if your chair allows) or your hands twisted toward the left.

Even though I don’t like the keys very much, that small size is very tempting. My son is getting one of the full-sized models, so I can try out the keys on his before ordering. (In any case, there is a 3-5 week wait for the wireless model, at least here in France.)