New Standard Keyboards Announces Alphabetical Keyboard That Offers User-Friendly Benefits and Quick Data Entry for All Levels of Users

SANTA MARIA, CA -- Dec. 15, 2004 -- New Standard Keyboards will debut a new patented design in computer keyboards at the CES show that the company claims has been 130 years in the making.

The new company will launch its first product -- the New Standard Keyboard -- at the 2005 International CES Show, January 6-9, 2005 in the Innovations Plus Room (IP534). This 53-key alphabetical-oriented keyboard with USB support for IBM-compatible systems is a long-awaited solution to the qwerty keyboard, which has haunted typists for 130 years, according to New Standard Keyboards.

The keyboard is the invention of John Parkinson, an electrical engineer who also holds a degree in psychology with an emphasis on industrial psychology and ergonomics. Parkinson set up training programs in a typewriter factory prior to branching off to develop the New Standard Keyboard, which has been patented in the USA and UK.

Parkinson’s keyboard is a bold departure from current designs and will compete directly with standard qwerty models as a replacement keyboard for users who value user-friendliness over arbitrary standardization. The keyboard has only 53 keys instead of 101 or more, so they are all within easy reach of the home position. It also takes up much less desk space, measuring just 12.5-inches wide x 5 inches deep x 1-inch thick.

The keys are arranged alphabetically so there is no learning curve for hunt and peck typists as well as senior citizens who have never had a computer because they are challenged by the difficult basic keyboard. The keyboard can be learned at a glance, and differs from other manufacturers failed attempts at alphabetical-based designs because it is also efficient for high speed typing.

The New Standard Keyboard has several functional and ergonomic advantages over qwerty keyboards, which Parkinson believes will make it a desired accessory for new system buyers and those wishing to upgrade or update their keyboard.

The advantages include: the alignment of the keys with natural movements of fingers to insure proper posture while typing; alphabetical letters can be easily found and keys are color-coded; all keys can be easily reached from the home position; shift keys are centralized and shift characters can be easily typed one-handed; editing keys are integrated; the keyboard has a smaller footprint, which allows the mouse to be placed right next to the typing keys; and there are only half as many keys to learn.

The New Standard Keyboard also eliminates “the typing on concrete” feel experienced on many laptop and desktop keyboards. Parkinson’s design uses a new, short-travel key (2mm) that has its snap point very early in the travel distance to produce a positive click action with minimal finger movement while still providing a softer feel.

The New Standard Keyboard will be sold to distributors and resellers and has a suggested retail price of $69.95. It is compatible with all systems running Microsoft Windows 95 and above. It will ship in April 2005.

About New Standard Keyboards

New Standard Keyboards is headquartered in Santa Maria, California. For more information contact the company at 805-925-2998, nskb@verizon.net.

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John Parkinson

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New Standard Keyboards

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