--- Forwarded Message from "David Westerhof-Shultz" <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:14:35 -0500
>From: "David Westerhof-Shultz" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Keyboard trays a good thing??

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I am in the final stages of purchasing a new 65-70 position language lab. In getting down to making all the nitty-gritty decisions, I'm stumped--please don't laugh : ) at whether or not including keyboard trays at each student position is a good thing! Any thoughts??? Our existing lab has never utilized them, previously...

Personally, I'm not a big fan of them, myself. They usually feel rather "clunky," and I can never get comfortable behind one. Maybe I've never spent enough time with one to get used to it. However, as we all know, the workstation's precious space is quickly gobbled up by the technology (CPUs, monitors, cassette decks, VCRs, keyboards, mice, etc.), leaving very little room for workbooks or notebooks.

With this in mind, most (approx. 50) of my student positions will ONLY have a monitor, keyboard and mouse on the actual worksurface (if I choose NOT to have keyboard trays). But even so, I know that all remaining space is a prized commodity.

I'd be curious to hear from any of you, your preferences and experiences using keyboard trays in your own labs.

Many thanks in advance,

David Westerhof-Shultz
Director, Language Resource Center
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI