Like many people, I have invisible accessibility needs. I’m not in constant barely bearable pain these days (I used to be!), but certain movements c

Microsoft’s Adaptive Accessories are a tradeoff

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2023-02-07 16:00:13

Like many people, I have invisible accessibility needs. I’m not in constant barely bearable pain these days (I used to be!), but certain movements come at a physical cost: sustained reaching, hunching over a laptop — things like that.

The complicating factor is that I hate using computer accessories marketed for “accessibility.” Too many accessibility tools have a user experience tradeoff — either in functionality, comfort, or simplicity.

Consequently, I’ve become set in my ways when it comes to my work setup. I use a well-placed touchpad (with a wrist rest) in lieu of a mouse, and I keep a keyboard in my lap so I can sit back in my way too pricey ergonomic chair without reaching forward. Still, it’s not the most convenient thing in the world. So if there’s a better way, I’m game.

Recently, I had the opportunity to test four new and long-awaited accessories from Microsoft: the Adaptive Hub ($59.99) the Adaptive D-pad Button ($39.99), the Adaptive Mouse ($44.99), and the Adaptive Mouse Tail and Thumb Support ($14.99). 

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