| Each key on an enhanced keyboard has the ability | | | | intrusive features like: |
| to send any sequence of characters and function | | | | - shift key |
| keys available on a standard computer keyboard. | | | | - auto repeat |
| This article will discuss some of the features to | | | | - multi layer |
| look for when choosing an enhanced keyboard. | | | | - macro buffer |
| An enhanced keyboard should plug in like a | | | | - variable transmission delay |
| traditional keyboard and be compatible with all | | | | - escape macro |
| your software. It should not require special drivers | | | | - static protection |
| or hardware interface. | | | | - and more. |
| The configuration for an enhanced keyboard | | | | Although you may never need these features, |
| should be easily created and downloaded from a | | | | they are always useful and available if you do. An |
| text file. This helps makes the configuration easily | | | | enhanced keyboard should be energy clean, that |
| duplicated for to multiple keypads. The | | | | is, require virtually no measurable power. A good |
| configuration should be locked in until you require | | | | standard is around one fiftieth of a watt of |
| changes, and keep its configuration without | | | | electricity. The enhanced keyboard should have |
| batteries. | | | | various plug option including: |
| Free up-to-date technical information and support | | | | - USB - for all applications with Windows ME, XP, |
| for configuration files should be available online. | | | | 200, and Vista. |
| Immediate assistance, and the explanation behind | | | | - DIN5 or PS2 - for DOS and early versions of |
| it, will enable you to expertly make any changes | | | | Windows. |
| you need. | | | | - RS232 - for industrial applications. |
| To assure users of keystroke success, | | | | A choice of international keyboard overlays is a |
| particularly when consecutive keystrokes are | | | | nice feature. The ability to emulate a qwerty or |
| pressed, hardware features should include: | | | | azerty keyboard will work with most western |
| - Low force membrane switches activate | | | | applications. The enhanced keyboard should also |
| keystrokes | | | | be easily adapted to other countries' specific |
| - Adjustable audio tone | | | | keyboards. |
| - Blinking LED light | | | | Finally a plastic "overlay sheet" cover needs to be |
| - Smooth to the touch | | | | included to protect the keys from dirt and grease. |
| - Prevent repetitive strain injuries by not using | | | | The overlay also allow for use of plain paper |
| steel dome keys | | | | when creating templates that label key actions. |
| An enhanced keyboard should be loaded with non | | | | |