Building a Keyboard

Mac’s are pretty attractive machines.  Their sleek design and white and black color pallet make them both clean and noticeable, but sometimes it’s nice to be a little original.  Sometimes it’s just fun to be able to tell your computer from everyone else’s.

Beyond laptop cases and and case decals now even your keyboard can take on a personalized look.  Etsy now offers keyboard decals in the style of lego bricks.  Your keyboard won’t only be colorful but it will also be usable.  Making this whole personalization even more appealing is the fact it will only set you back $5.

For the ultra-germaphobe

Vioguard has released its new self-sanitizing keyboard just in time for flu season.

The keyboard uses UV light to destroy germs that cause H1N1, MRSA, and more.

Vioguard’s product incorporates a standard keyboard and touchpad and requires no software or special hardware to function. The Vioguard system automatically retracts the keyboard and touchpad into its clean, light tight enclosure where it is flooded with germicidal ultraviolet light to safely disinfect the keyboard and touchpad surfaces after every use.

This would be a really great idea for businesses where multiple people use the same keyboard or public areas such as libraries where lots of people are touching the keyboard througout the day.

The system is $899 and will be available via Amazon.

Computer Health

Computer keyboards are less than the cleanest surfaces in your home, or anywhere for that matter.  Well, it looks like someone has finally started down the road to a solution.

Vioguard (though aimed at hospitals inparticular) is designed to douse a keyboard with UV rays to kill germs.  The keyboard retracts, gets zapped, and is ready to go.  Hospitals definitely seem like the best starting place but I would definitely also suggest colleges and public libraries as a great ground for change as well.

iClean

I know I could be much neater, especially around my work space, which is why quick cleaning tips always peak my interest.  As clean as I wish I could keep my computer time is not really on my side.

One of the largest problems always centers around my keyboard.  Crumbs, dirt, and who knows what else likes to lodge itself between the keys and live there until the end of eternity.  While compressed air has been relatively helpful in the past I’m a fan of technological change, and I think the tech cleaning process should evolve as well.

With that in mind here are two of the more useful products I’ve come across recently:

Cyber Clean – I just read about this stuff and I like the idea.  It’s kind of like Silly Putty, or Gak, except useful.  The goo claims to clean cavities other cleaners can miss and kill germs (always an incentive).  Just press the Cyber Clean against whichever surface it’s meant to be cleaning and dust (as well as germs) will be absorbed.  It’s a nice idea in that it’s quick as well as amusing.

iSkin – Simplicity is bliss.  The iSkin is basically a cover that you lay over your keyboard to prevent debris from falling under your keys in the first place.  I can attest to its ability to prevent cookies, chocolate, and all manner of snack related crumbs from reaching those depths.  (It’s particularly useful in dorm rooms or any shared living space where others may not be as careful as you).