Germ Busters

Why our keyboards are so sweet!

2007-11-06T09:10:00.001-08:00

Our keyboards are sweet. Wanna know why? Because of years and years of paying attention to our customers and listening to their suggestions and comments. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for the fact that we care about what people think about our products, and we learn from the mistakes of others. What others? How about this list of The 10 Worst PC Keyboards of all time! Man & Machine not only designs and manufactures top quality keyboards and mice, we also devote a lot of time and energy in making sure that our customers have the best experience they can with our products. We have a passion for our keyboards and mice and it shows!

The news is in!

2007-10-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hope you didn't think we forgot about you! Plenty of new and exciting things are going on at Man & Machine. We're going to participate at this year's Medica expo in Europe next month. So come on out to the expo to check out our European line of stuff!

Also, it looks like the whole superbug thing is finally getting some mainstream attention. It's a shame that so many people had to die before people started to care about superbugs.
But it doesn't have to be that way. With keyboards and mice from Man & Machine, healthy environments can stay healthy! Stay tuned for more exciting news from Man & Machine.

Check out this germ quiz!

2007-10-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

Wanna know just how many germs are living on your keyboard at any given moment? Then check out this quiz!

MAN & MACHINE TO ATTEND 148TH ADA WORLD MARKETPLACE EXHIBITION

2007-09-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAN & MACHINE TO ATTEND 148^TH ADA WORLD MARKETPLACE EXHIBITION

LANDOVER, MD (September, 5) – Man & Machine Inc. is proud to say that we will be attending the American Dental Association’s 148^th Annual Session and World Marketplace Exhibition, later this month in San Francisco.

Man & Machine will be attending the expo, in booth 234, to introduce our waterproof keyboards and mice to the dental community.

MMI products are liquid-proof and provide the ultimate in infection control and patient safety, two of the most important things dentists deal with in their offices. The “Really Cool” keyboard will feature prominently at the MMI booth during the show. Its superior, non-porous, latex-free construction, ergonomic design and accompanying options and features make it one of the best medical grade keyboards on the market. Our keyboards and dentists; they are a perfect fit.

The expo is expected to bring leaders of dental practice, research and academics together from September 27-29 at the Moscone Convention Center, for classes, symposia and exhibits from companies from all over the world.

The last time the ADA World Marketplace Exhibition was in San Francisco, in 2003, more than 47,958 dentists, hygienists, assistants, students, exhibitors and others were present. This year’s event should do just as well.

“Be sure to look for the guy with a keyboard on his head,” said Clifton Broumand, the “Big Cheese” at MMI.

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Another satisfied customer!

2007-09-05T09:46:00.001-07:00

Tired of me tooting the Man & Machine horn? Then allow me to send you here. This is a story that was featured in the National Center for State Courts Courttechnologybulletin. A judge, the Honorable Michael Marcus, found one of our Slim Cool Keyboards and found it to be much to his liking! Too lazy to click on the link? Then allow me to copy and paste the story below. Enjoy!

The Search for a Quiet Keyboard

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Author: Jim McMillan - Email author

A problem arose when my laptop was replaced with a thin-client computer [1]with a detached keyboard. I found that keyboards that are not part of laptops tend to be enormously noisy in the courtroom. They are distracting and impaired my ability to hear on the bench. And this is especially a problem for me because I've taken notes via a keyboard since first taking the bench.

The IT department's first answer to the noise problem from the clerk's keyboard was to slap a mushy vinyl splash guard over it. This “solution” in my opinion makes for a terrible keyboard feel and hampers fast typing.

So I then started looking for a quiet keyboard for my bench. I've used a small keyboard with a short stroke that is pretty quiet at home and in chambers but couldn't duplicate it because it has been discontinued. In addition, this older keyboard is not compatible with my new thin-client workstation since it has a PS/2 style keyboard connector instead of the newer USB connector – and adapter/converters are hit and miss..

So having tried all the versions our IT department had to offer and having bought a few reasonably priced but ultimately unsatisfactory keyboards, I finally discovered one designed for the medical industry. This line of keyboards includes several versions; small and large, with and without function keys, numeric pads, touch-pads, and so on. All versions are available in black and white colors, and are waterproof or, more importantly, coffee-proof. What I bought was a "Slimcool model," which is small (about 12" wide) without separate number pad, touch pad, or function keys that I don’t use. My requirement was that I needed the additional space on my bench and that I liked the quiet, short stroke as well as the feel. The keyboard is absolutely horizontal, so I added some stick-on small vinyl bumpers to the back to elevate it to the incline I've become accustomed to with other keyboards. I find that it is fast and quiet, and the touch suits my requirements (though preferences on the feel of keyboards vary tremendously).

While I have absolutely no interest in this company, or in anyone buying keyboards from them, I just thought others might find theirs to be as welcome and rare a solution as I have.

The website is http://www.man-machine.com/

The Hon. Michael Marcus is a Judge in the Circuit Court of Multnomah County, Oregon.

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Man & Machine will be at the next ADA expo!

2007-08-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

It's true. Man & Machine will be at the American Dental Association 148th Annual Session and World Marketplace Exhibition in San Francisco, from September 27-29. Come by our booth to check out our wares.

See, our waterproof keyboards and mice aren't just for hospitals and doctors, dentists also benefit from having germ-resistant keyboards. In fact, dentists need that stuff even more. They spend all day wandering around people's mouths, poking and prodding, then they have to go type stuff. Infection control is vital.

So, this expo will be a great opportunity to let dentists know about our products. When you're in San Fran, come over for a spell and hang with us.

Just in case you forgot

2007-07-31T08:04:00.001-07:00

Germs are still out there. And they want you dead! Don't believe me? Check this out!

Yet another reason to use a waterproof, dustproof and germ-resistant keyboards and mice from Man & Machine.

Oh, and our keyboards aren't just germ-resistant they're also silent. Tired of hearing the clickity-clack of keyboards at work? Do you work in a place where silence is golden? Are you a librarian? Are you a superhero who lost his sight in an accident and gained heightened abilities in his other four senses, therefore the sound of people using their keyboards is louder than a caterwauling Celine Dion? Then you should buy one of our keyboards.

Are you Aquaman and do a lot of underwater home shopping? Are you an Elvis impersonator who likes to spend a lot of time in the bathtub eating entire buckets of fried chicken and playing online role-playing games? Then you need one of our keyboards because they're completely submersible.

Are you an obsessive-compulsive detective who lives in San Fransisco and solves crimes for the police department while trying to touch as few things as possible? Are you a reclusive billionaire who never leaves his penthouse apartment and wears kleenex boxes on his feet? Then you need one of our keyboards because they can be disinfected and cleaned quickly.

There's a million and one reasons to buy one of our keyboards. Check out the Man & Machine website to see our many fine wares.

Man & Machine speaks and people listen

2007-07-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

The excitement never stops around Man & Machine. Last week was our Presidential visit and health insurance discussion (check out the blog from last week). The President was able to make all of the points that he wanted to, without really giving a chance for the other small business owners to say what they wanted to. Man & Machine Big Cheese Clif Broumand wanted his chance to respond to what Bush said. He got that chance in a follow up Washington Post article. Man & Machine is a family, we care about our products and each other. Our passion is apparent in all of our keyboards and mice. Our competitors can't say that!

Pictures of President Bush's Visit to Man & Machine

2007-07-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

As stated in the last entry, President Bush visited Man & Machine last week, for a roundtable discussion on health insurance for small business owners and to tour the facility. Here are the pictures:

Here President Bush observes the Man & Machine cleanroom, where LCDs are enhanced.

President Bush watches Casey Reeves glue a touch pad together on one of our waterproof keyboards.

President Bush and Man & Machine Big Cheese Clif Broumand watch Gelacio Cabrera repair an LCD.

President Bush enjoys the flexibility of the CoolMIR, a foldable keyboard that can be attached to a Blackberry to make data entry and email writing much faster and easier than just using thumbs. Man & Machine employee Angela Williams looks on.

President Bush sees for himself just how waterproof our keyboards are as he types a message and views it on a monitor. Even completely submerged, the keyboard still functions, which is something you can't say for any of our competitors, especially Seal Shield.

Man & Machine owner and Big Cheese Clif Broumand shows President Bush a fully functioning Blackberry created by the Man & Machine engineering team.

The Man & Machine family watches the rountable discussion taking place.

President Bush and Clif Broumand talk during the roundtable on health insurance.

Man & Machine hosts a round table discussion featuring the president

2007-07-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

That's right everybody. President Bush and other members of the government held a round table discussion at Man & Machine Inc here in Maryland. The purpose was to discuss the rising cost of health insurance for small businesses and what we could do to fix it. Don't believe me? Check this link, it's got pictures and everything!

Man & Machine Inc. manufactures waterproof keyboards and mice designed to limit the spread of harmful microbes and infections in health care environments. Man & Machine’s sealed keyboards and mice are sold to hospitals, laboratories and dental offices across the country where patient safety is of utmost importance. We are a leader in the health care industry, making environments safer, with an unmatched passion for our products.

Clifton Broumand, The Big Cheese of Man & Machine, has that same passion about providing health insurance for his family of employees. In his opinion, the current healthcare system is broken. His health insurance costs have increased 73% in the last four years. The lack of choices when it comes to finding fair and quality healthcare coverage, coupled with being forced to pay more money year after year without any additional benefits has forced Broumand to choose between expanding his business and providing for his employees. Broumand considers this unfair to small businesses.

He feels there is another way. Broumand advocates that everyone: individuals, employers, hospitals, heath care workers, insurance companies and local, state and federal government, be involved in fixing the system. Strong incentives to entice everybody to get health insurance would help. By having more healthy people covered health care would become more affordable for those who need it. Develop a medical home for everyone. This will help people to take care of themselves in a cost-effective way. Broumand also wants insurance for all children. If the family’s income is not sufficient, then let the government help pay.

Another way to fix the system is to promote preventative health care. Paying for wellness programs and preventative health care would lower the cost because people’s health would be better maintained and early diagnosis and treatment would avoid higher costs in treating more advanced disease. If private insurance companies can be more efficient than the government, then they should handle coverage. But that doesn’t preclude the government from being a partner in the system.

The bottom line is that everybody should have health insurance and the cost should be fair. When that happens, then the health care system would be healthier and equitable.

“Whether Republican or Democrat, we all have the same goal: the best health care for all Americans,” Broumand said.

That’s the Man & Machine philosophy.

Any questions?

Things Going On

2007-06-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

Don't feel abandoned. We update when we can, or when I find things I feel the need to share. I don't want every post I do to just be a blatant ad for all of the great products and stuff we've got at Man & Machine. That's way too easy and way to redundant. But I just wanted to take the time to tell you all that we've got some great things developing here at Man & Machine. We announced the introduction of the U Cool last week, and there's more to come. It's exciting.
This upcoming August will be the 25th anniversary of Man & Machine Inc. That's 25 years of great service, passion and commitment to our loyal customers, (and the non-loyal ones too, we don't discriminate!) We've been in the business longer than just about everyone. And that's saying something. Look for a full article about the history of Man & Machine and the future of our company. Not to mention all of the waterproof, water-resistant and dustproof keyboards and mice we offer, that stuff will be in the story too.
Get ready!
-Product Buddha

New Press Release!!! New Man & Machine product!!

2007-06-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAN & MACHINE INTRODUCES NEW WATER-RESISTANT KEYBOARD

LANDOVER, MD (June 21, 2007) – Man & Machine Inc., introduces the washable “U Cool” Keyboard as the answer to organizations with limited budgets that need a standard style, water-resistant keyboard.

“The market has spoken and we have developed a product to compete with Unotron,” said Clifton Broumand, the “Big Cheese” at Man & Machine.

While not considered a medical-grade keyboard for infection control purposes, the U Cool is less expensive than our disinfectable keyboards. Unlike similar keyboards offered by our competitors, the U Cool has drainage holes on the bottom of each key pocket, to allow liquids to drain out during washing and cleaning.

Our new keyboard has tactile feedback and standard layout and can be adjusted to suit a variety of typing angles. It can even be dropped from three feet without ruining the keyboard.

Just like all of our other products, the U Cool comes with the passion and commitment to quality that people expect from Man & Machine. We offer a three-year limited warranty with the U Cool keyboard.

Man & Machine Inc., established in 1982, is an international innovator and manufacturer of computer accessories designed to limit the spread of harmful microbes and infections in health care environments. Ever since the introduction of the first MMI designed water-resistant keyboard in 2002, the company has been leading the industry in manufacturing ergonomic, high quality and fairly priced keyboards and mice. Man & Machine sells lines of waterproof keyboards and mice for every budget, from the high-end Really Cool line, to the more economical priced Simply Cool and U Cool keyboards, and we also have the Drape, a universal keyboard cover. MMI has offices in Maryland, the Netherlands and Shenzhen, China.

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As if I needed to tell you all this

2007-06-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Check out this article, I don't think I really need to add anything. But, in case you still haven't gotten it, keyboards are germ havens! Protect yourself! Get a keyboard from Man & Machine!

Will a spray in the nose take care of all our problems??

2007-06-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

Probably not. Check out this article about a scientist who's working on some kind of spray to go in your nose to kill bacteria. Sounds pretty science fictiony and a bit far-fetched to me. And even if they do prefect the spray, it won't be ready for testing for at least another two years. As antibiotics lose their punch, researchers use old idea and cutting-edge science to control bacteria
Two years in the future? How does that help us now? It doesn't. Which is why you need to work on infection control now, with all the tools available. And what's better than the waterproof, dustproof and hygienic keyboards from Man & Machine? Nothing is! So go check out the website now! Because what makes more sense when it comes to infection control, something you spray in your nose, or a seamless, non-porous, latex-free keyboard? Pretty obvious, I think.

All around the world, it's the same song

2007-06-18T09:40:00.001-07:00

Everyday infection-control is becoming more and more vital in hospitals and other healthcare environments. In the 21st century we have a lot of things to worry about: WMDs, terrorists, Tila Tequila and reality television. Why add more to our troubles? Infection control doesn't have to be hard, it doesn't require you to put a polka-dotted ribbon magnet on your car to show your support for busting germs. All it takes is knowledge, in the form of research on the subject. Check these articles:

Simple Hand washing could reduce hospital infection rates

Q & A Superbugs

That's some wild stuff.
Once you've got the proper knowledge you will see that one of the best things you can do to help with infection-control is to use waterproof, dustproof and very hygienic keyboards and mice from Man & Machine.
For the safety and health of your friends and family, stay on top of infection control!

News From Around the World

2007-06-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

People! No matter where in the world you are, you're not safe from germs. Not even in the hospital!!!
Check out this article. Diseases Caught in Hospital are Growing Threat Super bugs are a growing problem. Waterproof and germ-resistant keyboards and mice from Man & Machine are definitely a step in the right direction! Infection control at its finest.

MRSA in the news

2007-06-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

Don't think that germs are a big issue? I don't want to make everybody turn OCD, but check these stories out. The first one is from an Indian newspaper, but it's about urban areas in Chicago. You know MRSA has gotta be bad if a newspaper halfway across the world is covering the story!

MRSA, the Super Bug Spreading to Urban Poor in US

The second story is just to let you know how big of a problem MRSA is becoming. Don't be afraid, just be prepared.
Drug-Resistant Staph Infections up Sevenfold

I found these two stories online without really even trying. Go ahead and google "MRSA" and see how many news stories will show up, and how many are being written every day! I will keep you all informed and include articles that suit my fancy whenever I see them.
Never before has infection control been so important. in hospitals, dentist offices, even your own home. You need to make sure that you do everything you can to stay healthy and safe. And what better way than with germ-resistant keyboards and mice. From the Germ Busters at Man & Machine!

Keyboards so clean people can't wait to get their hands on them!

2007-06-04T07:54:00.001-07:00

Click on pictures to increase size. We've got what you're looking for, so check our products out!

REALLY COOL KEYBOARDS AND MICE ARE EN/IEC 60601-1 CERTIFIED

2007-05-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REALLY COOL KEYBOARDS AND MICE ARE EN/IEC 60601-1 CERTIFIED

LANDOVER, MD (May 23, 2007) – Man & Machine Inc. announced this week that its line of Really Cool keyboards and Mighty Mouse is now certified to EN/IEC 60601-1 standards.

“EN/IEC 60601-1 is the guideline for general safety for medical electrical equipment,” said Geraldien de Louwere-Schasfoort, head of the MMI European office, where the testing took place. “The goal of the guideline is to protect patients against all sorts of risks involved with being close to electrical equipment, including those patients that are, for instance, undergoing a heart operation. For keyboards in general, there are some potential risks.”

It is imperative that electrical medical equipment used near patients be considered safe and does not pose a risk of additional danger. That level of security is something hospital administrators look for in equipment. To meet EN/IEC 60601-1 standards, keyboards cannot pose a bacteria hazard and must be shockproof.

“We want our customers to be assured of the performance of our keyboards under the stringent conditions found in the hospital environment. This certification is proof of what we claim: We offer a true medical keyboard,” Louwere-Schasfoort said.

As part of the testing, the keyboards and mice were successfully submerged in 15 cm (6 inches) of water for 24 hours. Water did not penetrate inside the keyboard and it still worked perfectly.

Man & Machine’s line of Really Cool and Slim Cool keyboards and Mighty Mouse are also rated IP65 and IP68 and are compliant to the European Restriction of Hazardous Material Directive (RoHS.)

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New Options avaible!

2007-05-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Man & Machine introduces new medical keyboard options

LANDOVER, MD – Man & Machine, Inc. is pleased to announce the development of three new options for their waterproof, medical keyboards that maximize patient safety and infection control.

These new features, currently patent pending, SCOP, MAGFIX and backlit keyboards, will be available on the Really Cool and Slim Cool line of keyboards, including keyboards with the Meditech layout.

The SCOP (Short Cable Option) reduces the length of keyboard and mouse cables for easy management, easy removal and more thorough cleaning. It is especially advantageous in healthcare environments when the keyboard is installed on a moveable arm or mobile cart. Those are the places where cable management makes removal time consuming. When used with a USB hub, the PC cabling located inside the arm or cart does not have to be removed with the keyboard when cleaned. Currently, the SCOP is available in 23 and 11 inches for keyboards, and 20 inches for the mouse.

The MAGFIX option was designed for keyboards on trays or other areas where they could easily slip or fall. Magnets are built into the keyboards and mice to keep them in place when positioned on any ferrous surface, and they don’t interfere with other equipment. MAGFIX does not affect the cleanability of the product and is better for controlling dirt and germs than using Velcro.

Backlit keyboards are ideal for low-light environments. Because the keyboards are constructed with the lights inside, they do not interfere with the integrity of the sealed, seamless surface. Each key has at least one light embedded under it. The brightness can be adjusted to three different levels for a variety of lighting conditions.

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The new era of germ busting has begin!

2007-05-23T12:59:00.001-07:00

Attention Hospitals!
Attention Doctors!
Attention Nurses!
Attention Patients!
Attention Dentists!
Attention Librarians!
Attention Teachers!
Attention Athletes!
Attention Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines!
ATTENTION EVERYBODY!!

Got your attention yet?

Germs are everywhere. It's nothing new. Germs, bacteria, pathogens, viruses, little tiny aliens that invade through your nose and attack you at the molecular level; these are all threats that we need to guard against everyday.
Ever heard of MRSAs? Those are Methicillin-Resistant Staphlococcus Aureus. What do all those long and impossible to spell (let alone pronounce) words mean? MRSAs are germs that are always evolving and can fight off human attempts to kill them. (That's the quick definition, if I gave you the full story you'd probably go jump in a bathtub full of alcohol just to be clean.)
The worse thing about MRSAs is that they belong in a group of germs that people can catch while they are at the hospital! They can kill people. Nobody is immune. Basically you go in to get your tonsils removed, (do they still do that anymore?) and you end up quarantined in your own wing and the priest is just waiting for you to croak so he can read you your last rites and get home in time for American Idol.
And things aren't getting any better people, MRSAs and other HAIs (Hospital Acquired Infections) are starting to really multiply, (they must spend all day listening to Barry White and popping Viagra) and they're spreading. I could cite facts and figures, but that's what the internet is for, I'll just throw a few at you really quick:
In the United States, there are about 2 million cases of HAIs per year, resulting in an expenditure of $4.5 billion for treatment.
On average, there's about 90,000 HAI deaths per year in America.
(For those who care, I got the information from this source: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1619.htm)

I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here, but the fact is this, you could very well end up getting sick from going to the hospital. And how much would that suck?
Doctors, nurses, delivery men, the pediatrics clown, everybody in hospitals need to wash their hands. Same goes for dentists, their assistants and patients. It takes less than a minute and it won't hurt. In fact, it'll help.
There are other ways too.
Imagine a keyboard with no seams, no cracks or crevices. It has no nooks or crannies for germs and dirt to infiltrate. No place for pathogens to reside and multiply. No santuary. Imagine a keyboard with no moving parts, which means nothing to try and move or remove in order to clean. Imagine a keyboard with the same tactile response you've come to know and love from regular keyboards, but completely silent, (you paying attention librarians? Do I need to paint the picture for you? I think you understand the grooviness of a library without all the clickity-clack of dozens of keyboards being used) so you don't need to interrupt others as you type. Imagine a keyboard you can disinfect with alcohol, 10% bleach solutions, chemical disinfectants or plain old soap and water. Imagine a keyboard where worries about spilling coffee, food crumbs or other random dirt are a thing of the past.
You still with me here?
You know what you just imagined? The line of waterproof keyboards and mice from Man & Machine Inc. Waterproof. With some of the MMI products you can even submerge them under water, take them out and use them as if nothing happened, (why you would want to do this, I don't know, but it could help you win bar bets.) And guess what people in dry, deserty climes? (military people, I'm looking in your direction) they're dustproof too! No more grit, dirt, dust or sand to get caught under keys and screw things up. No more going through a dozen cans of spray air a week just to keep your workstation clean. It's cool right? Right.
I know it's cool. I know because all of MMIs products are cool! It says so right on them! Don't believe me? then peep a glance at http://www.man-machine.com.
Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Whether you're a doctor, dentist, Sailor, Librarian, Teacher, or just regular Joe Shmoe looking for a cool keyboard to show off to your friends, the keyboards and mice at Man & Machine are just what you're looking for. After all, it's only your health you have to look after.
http://www.man-machine.com Check it out!!!