Opinions on external keyboards?

So with the knowledge that my nc8430 is on it's way, I figured I would look for a wired KB that I can just plug into my docking station and leave in the keyboard drawer of my desk. For several years I've been a big fan of Microsoft peripherals (mice especially). My friend has one of their 'wireless desktop' sets and I think it's very nice; I like all the various hotkeys it has.

Anyway, I was thinking about this one. Anyone have experience with their 'Natural' keyboards, or in fact, any of their later-model ones? I"m trying to figure out their obsession with "zoom" as opposed to "scrolling." I don't care about the zooming, especially since I'm gradually moving away from Microsoft software towards free stuff (firefox, OpenOffice etc), and only their stuff supports their zoom. Is there any way to remap the zoom slider to be a scroll function? Again, my friend's older set has one of their 4-way mouse scroll wheels built into the keyboard.

Any other suggetions? I'm not interested in wireless, and I'd like to keep it under $75. Multimedia buttons are a big plus.

 

Well I got a wireless set from Microsoft for a pretty reasonable price, must have been around $80. It's been with me for 2 years now, and never had a problem . Comes with MM buttons.

 

I personally prefer Logitech, I just got a set of BT mouse and keyboard with a seperate number pad with mm buttons.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/MENA/EN,CRID=2158,CONTENTID=10777
I chose not to use the mouse since I have the G7 Logitech gaming mouse and really find the the mouse charger annoying.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/MENA/EN,CRID=2464,CONTENTID=10716
It's really a joy to use and easy to hide.

 

Well, thanks for your suggestions, but I already have a mouse that I like very much (Microsoft Intellimouse Exploerer for BT) and I'm interested in a corded keyboard.

 

I have the Microsoft Natural 4000 keyboard you linked to on my desktop; owned it for 10 months now. Great keyboard at first, but I am not at all impressed with how it has held up. It felt like it was wearing out a few months ago; the keys definitely do not feel the same, but rather cheap now. Worn out.

If you are looking for a smaller corded keyboard, then consider this, I use it with my laptop setup:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823155003
I really enjoy typing on it. It is wired, very slim, has laptop-like keys (with longer keystroke); check out some of the customer reviews on Newegg. My only con is that it does not have a launch Internet browser button. It has a decent amount of multimedia buttons.

Another neat keyboard is the Saitek Eclipse II:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823175001
Not that many media buttons though . . but looks/feels great.

 

Best corder key board that I've been able to find is the Logitech G-15. Its pretty big but its an awesome key board. Has all the media buttons, and has about 15 more hotkeys that you can set for whatever you want. Its a great gaming keyboard. It has back-lit keys so you can see them in the dark(Theres 3 settings: off, medium, and bright). And it comes out to about $75 on newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823126179

 

I have this keyboard. Been using it for over 18 months now, and it's as tight and durable as the day I bought it. Nice price, too, and free shipping.

 

I have this logitech http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823126178
and feel wise i'd say i prefer the keys on this and type faster than i do on a g15, though if you need the extra hotkeys and screen, then get it. I also like the logitech "zero tilt" or whatever that makes the keyboard practically flat.

 

The Microsoft Natural Keyboard puts B on the left hand side. I guess it's the correct way, bu I've always used my right index finger for that key, so it was awkward for me.