New ergonomic keyboard

TypeMatrix last week announced a new keyboard that aims to reduce the motions associated with repetitive strain injuries. The $100 keyboard has been in development for three years to address the need for a mainstream keyboard with advanced ergonomics and superior comfort, the company says.

TypeMatrix (www.typematrix.com) says the keyboard reduces finger, wrist and arm movements through three features - vertical columns of keys, an embedded number pad and the repositioning of some keys. TypeMatrix says these changes help prevent and alleviate injuries, and can increase typing speed and accuracy. The keyboard also has larger Enter, Backspace and Tab keys placed in the center of the keyboard, which lets a person use a stronger index finger for these keys. In addition, the keyboard promotes a neutral mouse placement, by letting the mouse sit 2 inches from a user's right hand, the company says.

Proxim rolls out new wireless gear for SMBs

Proxim (www.proxim.com) last week announced new wireless LAN equipment for small and midsize businesses that works with 802.11b, 802.11a and the 802.11g (prestandard) protocols.

The new equipment includes the Orinoco AP-600a, AP-600b and AP-600g access points. The 802.11g equipment includes a CardBus Card (PC Card) and access point upgrade kit. The AP-600 access points are single-radio devices that are meant for single-client environments, the company says.

Enterprise features include standard Wired Equivalent Privacy encryption, 802.1x authentication with automatic key management, and support for a range of Extended Authentication Protocol types. The equipment also includes 802.1x per-user, per-session encryption keying (for 802.11a and 802.11g products). Wireless Protected Access will be supported through firmware upgrades when the standard is finalized, Proxim says.

Management features of the AP-600 let the device be managed through a Web browser, with full SNMP support (including Management Information Bases and traps). This lets the devices be supported through standard SNMP management tools. The device also ships with an upgradable mini-PCI radio that can be replaced using the AP-600 802.11g upgrade kit, Proxim says. It also is upgradable to future 802.11a revisions, such as support for 802.11i.

The AP-600b ($400) and AP-600a ($550) are available now, the company says. The AP-600g ($500) will be available in the second quarter. Also available in the second quarter will be the 802.11g access point upgrade kit ($130), and the 802.11g PC Card ($100). Proxim also has lowered the price of its 802.11b PC Card to $80 (Gold) and $60 (Silver).

Store all your passwords on a PDA or smartphone

DataViz (www.dataviz.com) last week announced its Passwords Plus software, which can store personal information such as passwords and personal identification numbers. The software runs on a Windows PC and includes a Palm OS application to let users synchronize data with a handheld device or smartphone.

The software includes 128-bit Blowfish encryption on the PC and handheld, DataViz says. The software costs $30 and is available now.

Shaw can be reached at kshaw@nww.com.

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