iGrip Ergonomic Keyboard by AlphaGrip

by Alphagrip

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 6 inches ; 11.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000O8AOO0
• Item model number: AG-5.1
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 10, 2007

Product Description

The iGrip Ergonomic Keyboard by AlphaGrip looks and feels like a game controller but has all the functionality of a full-size keyboard and mouse. The secret to its hi-speed capabilities is the group of 8 rocker buttons on the back of the device which enable 16 single-finger-single-press keystrokes on full-size keys. AlphaGrip combines the 10-finger control benefits of a keyboard with the freedom and versatility of a game controller. For general computing activities including net surfing instant messaging blogging note taking book writing graphic design and computer programming to name a few there is nothing more liberating than using an AlphaGrip. With your hands and arms resting in your lap while you lean back in a relaxed position computing is as comfortable as watching TV. Don't even think about taking your hands off your AlphaGrip to reach out for a mouse (as you must with a keyboard). Pointer control is a breeze with the AlphaGrip's integrated hi-speed trackball. See for yourself as the AlphaGrip is demoed by a teen in a recliner on a laptop outdoors gaming on a flat screen TV and literally on the run. Typing speeds in these demos reach 70 words per minute.Looks like a game controller acts like a keyboard. Get a Grip. AlphaGrip.International Shipping available

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Every Penny!, September 26, 2009

By 

Topher (lv, nv) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: iGrip Ergonomic Keyboard by AlphaGrip (Personal Computers)

Introduction
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I spend almost all of my awake time on a computer. It's my primary duty at my current job, as well as what I enjoy doing at home. I have a side business that involves a lot of time on the computer. (I design/hand code websites; Photography and Video creation too.)

Spending all this time on the computer has really started to cause pain with my wrists and especially in my right hand (little & ring fingers). I needed something that could change up my posture so that I can work for longer without pain.

I had tried everything I could find...different keyboards, different mice (trackballs too), nothing was working. After 30mins or so, my right hand would start to go numb and my wrists would hurt.

I bought the iGrip on a whim, not expecting much, as a last resort. I have had it for two days now, and here are my first thoughts...


Pros
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Incredible build quality
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It's built like a tank. Proud to call it mine and sure it will hold up for a long time (track ball feels a bit cheap, but it works so well...not sure how long it will last).
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Easy to install
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There are no drivers needed for windows 98 and up. Plug and play!
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Typing Comfort I've never felt before
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There is nothing like sitting back in a recliner and having this type of control. Virtually EVERY keystroke you could do with a regular computer is doable with this set up. (I'm still learning how to touch type, so I'm not sure how easy hand coding websites will be <--I'll update you when I'm at that point)

I have used it while editing video in Sony Vegas Pro...WOW! I mean, it was so much faster. Having everything (mouse, keyboard) in one place. It will only get better the more I get used to it.
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Mouse & Keyboard in one
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This is fantastic, I keep finding myself taking my right hand off of the controller to search for the mouse. It's all right there in one spot. Very nice!

I really love the way one hand controls the mouse, the other hand controls the clicks. (It's so natural, and works very well! Better than one handed operation for sure!)

Even if you don't use this device to 'type' much, the way the mouse works is GREAT for general internet surfing (sitting back on the couch or laying in bed, etc.).
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Long USB cable Provided
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Most companies would forget something this important, and give you some 4ft cable and expect you to buy something longer if you want that kind of reach. (This comes with 9ft, which is just right. Any longer and it would get in the way)
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Great Game Controller
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I don't play computer games, but I have heard that the iGrip is SO much better when playing 1st person shooter games. I'm tempted to get it for my father, he's nuts about all of them!
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Great Key Layout
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At first I was concerned about the designers choice of button positioning. Typing on this keyboard doesn't feel natural at first. I felt 'lost' - I've never tried to type on anything but a standard (flat) keyboard. After using it for a while, the keys start to become familiar and they feel like they are right where they should be.

All the muscle movements need to be learned. It reminds me when I first learned to play the guitar or piano. It feels weird at first, your brain doesn't know where to put the fingers - then time goes by and you adapt and it feels natural.

Overall...Fun!
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I'm seriously excited about this keyboard and mouse. It's small, convenient and fun too. I really enjoy learning how to use it, and with each step I take toward memorizing the all the keys, I see myself using this in place of my standard keyboard in most cases.

Although I haven't used it for long, I have been using it as much as possible, and I don't feel the pain I feel with a standard keyboard and mouse. In 2days, I've used it for a total of 12hrs (6+ hrs a day on my days off).

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Cons
====

Wish it were Wireless
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I don't have much of a problem with the cable coming from this device. It's not much of an issue if you don't plan on moving much.

It can be a bit annoying since this device has so much potential without a cable. I hope I can find something that can turn it wireless (if you come across something, please let me know!!)
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Not easily Adjustible
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I've heard complaints about this device's universality (usability with different sized hands).

I think that I have the perfect hands for this device (fairly long, slender fingers seem to work best), just like with the piano.

Does it mean that it WON'T work for you if you don't have this type of hand? No, it could be more frustrating and not as comfortable..but I think you'll get used to it!

Should this device be adjustable? Maybe, but I think it would cost too much $$. They do have ways you can adjust it on their website by manually super gluing foam to certain places.


Outrageously LONG learning CURVE
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I just want to reiterate, the iGrip isn't for someone who doesn't have a lot of patience when learning new things (I've gotten a bit frustrated with it a few times because my brain just doesn't know what buttons to push).

You MUST be prepared to RE-Learn to type. Nothing is the same. The keystrokes you're used to don't exist on the iGrip. The placement of the keys are different. NOTHING is familiar (except the mouse if you've used a trackball before)

Do you usually finish what you start? Do you have pain when using a standard keyboard that would force you to keep trying when you want to give up (so that you can type comfortably)?

If so, you'll probably be fine.

If not, you may find that it sits on your desk collecting dust because you didn't give it the time to truly perform for you.

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Conclusion (and a few tips for new users)
==========

This is an incredible piece of electronics. I wish I had known about it before. It would have saved me a TON of pain. Do you spend a LOT of time on a computer? Even if you don't experience pain yet, I suggest you get one of these so that you can split up your time using each keyboard. That way you hopefully will never have pain.

Should you buy this product? YES, any one who has the willpower to over come the learning curve should. It is life changing. It's fun, it's functional, it's freeing to NOT be strapped to a desk. I expect to be MORE productive with it than with a standard keyboard because I don't have to go from keyboard to mouse to keyboard...any more.
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TIPS
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1. I accidentally push buttons when I don't want to...

The key to holding this device is to NOT depend on your fingers to carry the weight. You should put pressure against the device using the palms of your hands. - I.E. - You should be able to hold the iGrip using ONLY pressure from your palms (fingers straight out). Then you curl your fingers & thumbs into position.

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2. How can I memorize the keys faster?

Use a typing tutor to get you started (there are plenty of FREE ones online. Search for 'typing tutor' in Google). It's helped me so much. I can type around 10wpm, which isn't too bad in 2 days.)

Be patient, take it slow. Your brain will learn MUCH faster if you only press the key when you're sure it's correct. So, take a second and picture where the key is in your head before you press it (at least until it's memorized).


FYI - Did I use the iGrip to type this review?

NO WAY, it would have taken me 2 days at the speed I currently type. I'm just not that patient! 80wpm vs 10wpm....??

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent idea and innovative design, December 7, 2007

By 

andycted - See all my reviews

This review is from: iGrip Ergonomic Keyboard by AlphaGrip (Personal Computers)

This innovative keyboard has all you need for comfortable typing on a sofa or anywhere else where balancing a keyboard on your lap isn't the best option. Moreover it's as fast as a full keyboard once you get used to it. But probably one of the best aspect of this product is customer support and the active community which is devoted to it.
Maybe it's not for people void of patience because it requires a bit of commitment at the beginning in order to learn using it, but the reward of resting comfortable on the chair/sofa/bed while having keyboard and mouse on your hands like a joypad, easily outbalances those first couple of weeks.
If you have huge hands like me you'll find out that patching some foam on the sides will make it even more comfortable.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alphagrip AG-5 USB keyboard and mouse combo, March 26, 2008

By 

William Sims "Doug" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: iGrip Ergonomic Keyboard by AlphaGrip (Personal Computers)

Ergonomic USB Computer Keyboard & Trackball Alternative
I've had my first alphagrip for well over a year and have a second one for home now. I love it and use it literally everyday. Most of the day at work I'm stuck behind a computer and this keyboard has improved my productivity tremendously. Typing speed is faster and mouse to keyboard transitions don't exist anymore.
My favorite part is the extra desk space I have now, and the ability to sit back and relax while working and typing. Also, if you have an xbox360, then it will work as a USB keyboard for it as well.
It took me about a week of use to get the buttons memorized and another week to improve my speed with it. This is a great product and a reasonable price for a combination keyboard and mouse.