GREAT GADGETS

Hot keys make browsing a breeze

The Natural Keyboard Pro streamlines surfing.

Keyboard shortcuts have always existed for tasks like cut, paste, copy and save, but these pedestrian moves pale in comparison to what you can do with the powerful multimedia and Internet launch pad you'll find on the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro ( www.microsoft.com ).

The latest in Microsoft's line of full-size, ergonomic split keyboards, the $74.95 Natural Pro features a unique double-pronged cord that gives you the choice of connecting to either a PS/2 or a USB port on your PC. Two USB ports on the back side are perfect for connecting USB peripherals like scanners, digital cameras and joysticks. (If you're not into the split key layout, the $54.95 Internet Keyboard Pro, due out in March, has the same extras on a standard keyboard.)

The best reason to swap out your old keyboard for a Natural Pro is the 19 new shortcut "hot keys." Eight Internet hot keys launch your favorite e-mail application and take you to favorite Web sites with the push of a button, while eight multimedia keys let you play CDs or video clips, skip through tracks, and pause, mute and adjust the volume on demand. Two hot keys can be customized to launch favorite applications or documents stored on your hard drive; the last is to put the PC to sleep.

If your old keyboard is about to bite the dust, or you've been thinking of upgrading to an ergonomic model, the Natural Keyboard Pro puts more power at your fingertips than any other in this class.

—Eric Griffith