It may be 30 degrees outside, but here at Keytools we’re all managing to cope with the heat in different ways.

Most of us are happy with a cold drink and a blast from a fan, whereas Adam, our resident fashion guru (or Gok as we now call him), has gone for the brave new look of "business-beach" wear.

So if you're getting hot and bothered with regards to ergonomic or assistive technology, give us a call and we'll do our best to help you out and keep you chilled.

Not sure we can help with fashion advice though.

With Swine Flu reaching pandemic status and the UK recording over 4,000 cases, we've compiled the below advice about computer hygiene.

Even before Swine Flu, there were shocking reports that computer keyboards harbour more germs than a toilet seat!

As computer hygiene experts, Keytools has a range of solutions to help:

Do nothing...
A Which survey found that 11% of respondents never clean their keyboard, and the majority clean it less than once a month.

Dr Wilson, a consultant microbiologist, told BBC Radio that sharing a keyboard could be passing on illnesses among office workers.

"Should somebody have an infection in your office, you're very likely to pick it up from a keyboard."

Microban
Microban keyboards and mice fight the growth of bacteria with built-in antibacterial protection, offering an added level of protection against germs ... see Microban range


Washable
The Unotron range is fully washable and can be held under a running tap or immersed in antibacterial solution ... see washable range


CleanKeys
A super smooth surface makes CleanKeys one of the world's easiest keyboards to clean and extremely resistant to bacterial growth. With no nooks and crannies to harbour bacteria, CleanKeys greatly reduces the risk of the spread of infection ... see more

You can call Keytools on 023 8029 4500 to discuss your hygiene requirements.

Following a landmark Government report, more teachers are to be trained in the identification and support of children with dyslexia.

A recent review of the English primary school curriculum, said as well as £10m funding, parents also need to be made aware of the help available.

Children's Secretary, Ed Balls, has said "I have met many parents who have struggled to get the right support for their children … every child's reading needs will be monitored, those who need extra help will receive one to one support, and children with severe literacy difficulties will have the help of a specialist dyslexia teacher."

He went on to say “We are going to say loud and clear today, through Jim Rose's report, that dyslexia exists, it is a condition where there should be help for every child in every school. We are going to make sure that every teacher gets some basic training to recognise the issues."

As experts in dyslexia, we think this is fantastic news. For 20 years, Keytools has supported teachers and students with a range of products to help with learning difficulties, including dyslexia. If you would like to discuss the options available call us on 023 8029 4500 or go to our website www.keytools.co.uk.

Thinking about purchasing Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional? Then hurry! There are some massive savings to be made in June!

Dragon Professional standard price £647
Education Edition £239
Buy before the 30th June and pay £149!

Why Dragon?
Because Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional is the world’s best-selling speech recognition software.
* It gives you the power to create documents – by using your voice!
* It's the perfect solution for students with literacy challenges such as dyslexia
* It can be added to your network - making it available to anyone, anywhere
This incredible limited offer is only available to students and staff within education.

Hurry, before we run out of stock
This limited offer is only available until 30th June or while stocks last. Call the Education Business Unit on 023 8029 4508 to take advantage today. Or why not order yours now here?

P.S. There’s more … Nuance Speech Recognition Suite for Medical Students is also available at a massively reduced cost of £199 – a saving of £1100! This special offer includes: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional, Medical Vocabulary, Headset and Digital recorder. This limited offer is available to students only.

The revamped HandshoeMouse (previously called Horse) has been reviewed by Which? magazine.

Which? acknowledged that the HandshoeMouse "aims to reduce the risk of RSI (repetitive strain injury)" due to its ergonomic design.

They also found that "you'll soon find the HandshoeMouse feels more natural."

While they admit that "the HandshoeMouse is an innovatively designed mouse that will certainly help eliminate some mouse users' bad habits," Which? believe that the the mouse is a costly investment.

We think that £90 is a fantastic price for such a well designed, ergonomically sound mouse. After all, what is the cost of any of us developing repetitive strain injury? Even one day’s sick leave would cost a company more than the cost of this mouse.

And if you’re after value for money – we’re currently offering a HandshoeMouse and the Goldtouch keyboard for under £200. More info here

Be kind to your body
If you spend a lot of time at your computer then ergonomic computer equipment will make your life much easier. And this month, we've made it ergonomics even more affordable ... so why not give your body a treat?!

You deserve to be comfortable
Using a standard keyboard and mouse can cause RSI, poor posture and head, neck and back pain. Now, that’s not very productive is it?!

When you take care of your body during work hours - you get more done, you’re far more comfortable and you’ll have a much better day!

Amazing June Offer!
The best-selling Goldtouch Keyboard (that's the one which is split in the middle) and brand new HandshoeMouse (the updated version of the Horse Mouse) are available together at a special price during June.

Buy both now for just £199.95, saving you £29.05.

Don't miss out
Get your ergonomic essentials on our website www.keytools.co.uk or call us on 023 8029 4500 today!

This elegant and highly ergonomic mouse has changed its name.

The mouse previously known as Horse is now called the HandshoeMouse. It was felt that a change was needed due to the lengthy explanation needed regarding how the mouse resembled a saddle for the hand.


But what does handshoe mean? Well the mouse was developed by ergonomic boffins in the Netherlands, and they discovered that this mouse offered such comfort that it actually fitted like a glove. And the Dutch for glove is … handschoen.


The HandshoeMouse is designed to prevent excessive gripping and stretching of the fingers. The shape allows for the hand to continuously rest on the mouse in a relaxed fashion. As a result, the risk of developing RSI in the hand, arm, neck and shoulders is reduced.

It now comes in a variety of colours (including transparent), sizes and there is also a wireless version.

You’ve got to hand it to the Handshoe.