Review on Microsoft LXM 00001 Ergonomic Keyboard by Bob Novitsky

I wanted this keyboard to be my favorite - after all the good reviews, I really did! I just can not. I switched from the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 and my rating is based on a comparison of the two keyboards. Both use the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center for customization. Both have dedicated buttons for searching, activating the calculator, muting or adjusting the volume, programming macros or activating programs or links, and play/pause functions. One of the biggest issues with both keyboards is the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center (MMAKC) software. macro key control. When one of these buttons is pressed, the link (or program or macro) runs in the background instead of in the foreground. I don't know whose brilliant idea it was to make this change - these things used to work in the foreground - but it was a bad idea. If you want to call up a browser page or your e-mail program, it is because you want to see and use the information at that moment. Nobody intentionally slows down their computer by running programs in the background because they do NOT need this information! (And yes, I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling MMAKC. It didn't help. And no, I didn't call Microsoft support about the issue. I don't know about you, but I don't have 4 Hours time Your tech support staff will search my computer remotely while they guess what could be causing the problem before finally referring me to a level 2 technician 2 more hours of your time before being routed to level 3 . Rinse. Soap. Repeat.) DIFFERENCES + The LXM-00001's wider palm rest (did they really need that many zeros?) is more comfortable than the 4000's palm rest - The LXM (I'm sick of the zero key) only has 3 macro keys compared to 7 on the 4000. - LXM has no space between function keys and other keys. The 4000 does this, making it less likely that you'll accidentally press a function key. - There is no dedicated zoom button in LXM. - There are no "Back" and "Forward" special keys in LXM. - Application button (menu button) moved to LXM. from the traditional position on the Every Single Other Windows keyboard. Now it's next to the left Ctrl key that's too easily confused with the Windows key. Added Office key to LXM; It's located next to the right Alt key where the application key used to be. It's pretty much useless to me - when I want to open a Microsoft Office program, I just press the Windows key and start typing its name. - LXM added an emoji key; it's sandwiched between the Office key and the right Ctrl key. According to Microsoft, this helps people "be more productive”. Yes, because emojis are very difficult to create with a keystroke. The LXM has an optional lift that clips onto the bottom front of the keyboard, but there's no way to lift the back of the keyboard. The 4000 is also equipped with a front lift AND snap feet for the rear lift. The LXM does not have a function lock button. This eliminates all of the 4000's alternate function key functionality. In LXM, the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators have been moved to separate keys. The 4000 has all of these indicators arranged in a single row down the center of the palm rest, allowing users to see at a glance how their keyboard is set up. The price of 4000 has gone up significantly at Revain, and it's also less. The LXM looks to be Revain's new favorite as it's priced lower than the 4000 and is more affordable. After trying LXM for two weeks I decided to go back. If you want to find great deals on 4000s, visit Microsoft's own online store. You can buy it there for $49.95 plus tax and it will be FedEx to you on day 2 for free!