March 31, 2000

A need for a transitional tool is the reason for the LittleFingers keyboard from Datadesk Technologies, the world's first keyboard specially designed for children's smaller hands.

LittleFingers incorporates an abbreviated key-cap size and spacing scheme meant to allow children to easily reach all of the keys. Kids can now type using the preferred "home-row" method instead of hunting and pecking. (If Junior points out that you still use the latter method, tell him to do as you say, not as you do.)

The unit contains both a full-function keyboard and a trackball, eliminating the need for a separate mouse-and letting kids point and click without moving their hands from the keyboard. Another positive feature is that the keyboard is a true plug-and-play input device that works with Macs or PCs.

Its most attractive feature might be its Dual-Mode option. What makes it attractive is that it bypasses the problems created when one tries to switch keyboards or work with two of the same input devices simultaneously.

Normally, to switch keyboards on one PC, the user must shut down and restart the computer. And Windows usually will not recognize a second mouse or trackball. LittleFingers contains proprietary firmware and electronics that allow a full-size second keyboard to be connected and used simultaneously along with the kiddie keyboard.

Also, a second mouse can be used along with LittleFingers' built-in trackball. Naturally, this opens up all kinds of possibilities for side-by-side teaching or playing between adult and child.

Other nifty features of LittleFingers include a built-in ergonomic wrist rest that helps antsy kids remain comfortable while typing, user-definable function keys, a single-click key that uses its wide spacebar for easy operation, and a key for click-and-drag mode. The product also leaves a small footprint (12.5 inches wide including trackball), so student and mentor should be able to work side-by-side without much problem.

The only potential downside to the product stems from the old coaches' rule that you should never let kids play with a junior-size football if you ever expect them to be able to handle the real thing someday.

The peril of a product like LittleFingers is that a full-size keyboard might look even more daunting after a period of initial learning on its Lilliputian counterpart. Maybe the solution is for the parent or teacher to have users swap keyboards with their kids on occasion so the transition from LittleFingers to a standard keyboard isn't such a shock.

That small caveat aside, LittleFingers is a great way to introduce kids to computing without making them learn too much at once about the inputting process. For preschoolers, I'd recommend letting them get the hang of the trackball first, then moving on to the keyboard.

The LittleFingers keyboard sells for about US$100. It comes with a six-foot PS/2 PC cable and an Apple Desktop Bus Mac cable. Also bundled with the keyboard is the Learning Company's Mario Teaches Typing 2, a program that introduces children to keyboarding skills. For more information, visit Datadesk Technologies.*

If you're buying a new computer for the family, especially if your family includes preschoolers, you could do a great deal worse for an add-on product.

* Note - for Australia, the software supplied is UltraKey