Kinesis Evolution KB450PC User manual

USER’S MANUAL
Kinesis® Evolution™ Fully Adjustable Keyboard
Track-mounted (under-desk), fully-articulated , programmable
ergonomic keyboard & touchpad
Models covered, PC Compatible
KB450PC (right-hand touchpad)
KB460PC (left-hand touchpad)
KB470PC (dual touchpad)
March, 2001 Edition
© Kinesis Corporation 2000-2001. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. on recycled paper.
Please recycle!
Kinesis is a registered trademark and Evolution is a trademark of Kinesis Corporation. Windows 95
is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose,
without the express written permission of Kinesis Corporation.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
#Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
#Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
#Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
#Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected
Warning
To assure continued FCC compliance, the user must use only shielded
interfacing cables when connecting to computer or peripheral. Also, any
unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the user’s
authority to operate.
INDUSTRY CANADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interface-
causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet Appareil numerique de la classe B respecte toutes les exiginces du
Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada.

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CONTENTS
Introduction........................................................................... 7
Quick tour of features.... ....................................................... 7
Installation for keyboard and touchpad ................................ 8
Adjusting and adapting to your new equipment ..................10
Ergonomic guidelines...........................................................11
Customizing your keyboard & special key actions.............. 13
Care and maintenance...........................................................15
Troubleshooting................................................................... 15
Obtaining technical support................................................. 17
Warranty information........................................................... 18
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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Kinesis Evolution track-mounted, fully
adjustable keyboard and integrated touchpad. Your new, patented keyboard was
created by medical professionals with your health and comfort in mind. The
design allows you to optimize your posture and minimize joint and muscle strain
while working at a computer.
If you follow the general ergonomic guidelines provided in the manual, you
should reduce the computer-associated stresses on your muscles and joints,
thereby directly reducing many of the know risk factors associated with
repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
Please bear in mind that many factors in your busy life can contribute to RSI.
Don’t treat your new keyboard like a magical cure for RSI. For the best results,
you must use good judgment in performing any repetitive or stressful tasks and
participate in a “wellness” program that includes regular exercise and frequent
short rest breaks.
We hope that you find using the Kinesis Evolution keyboard system is a
welcome change from your previous keyboard and pointing device.
Quick tour of features
The Evolution™ fully adjustable keyboard
provides you with important ergonomic
benefits. By allowing you to independently
adjust each keyboard half to the separation and
tilt that is most comfortable, the Evolution
keyboard lets you optimize your posture and
maximize comfort.
The retractable,
track-mounted
Evolution keyboard also allows complete control
over keyboard height and easy under-desk
storage.
When you are properly positioned, your muscles
will be relaxed and your joints will be straight,
minimizing important known risk factors for
repetitive strain injury. As you spend less energy
on unnecessary strain, you preserve more energy
for productive work.
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Installation
Required tools
Screw driver, pliers. The only tools required are a screw driver and pliers to
attach the plastic adapter plate to the under-desk track.
Installing the under-desk track
The easiest way to attach the track to the underside of the desk is to turn the
desk upside down on the floor. If this is not feasible, you will need a second
person to hold the arm in place while drilling and inserting screws. Loosely
install four screws to confirm the positioning of the arm, then install the
additional screws and tighten all of them.
The front edge of the track typically should be recessed about ½ inch from the
edge of the desk.
If you have a lip on the front edge of your desk
To deal with a front-edge lip, you may need to install a wooden “shim” under
the desk, equivalent in thickness to size of the lip. Alternatively, you may wish
to mount the track up against the inside of the lip so that the locking latch
doesn’t engage when the track if fully extended.
Attaching keyboard to under-desk track
Your keyboard is shipped pre-attached to a plastic adapter plate which mounts
to the head of the track. After your track is mounted to the underside of your
desk, lay the keyboard/plate assembly in place on top of the track head. Loosen
the knobs slightly so that the keyboard sections can be moved out of the way as
shown below. Caution: if you loosen the knobs too much, the keyboard modules
can slide out and fall to the floor.

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Use the four provided machine bolts with self-locking nuts to attach the adapter
plate to the head of the under-desk track.
Positioning keyboard cables
You may loop the keyboard halves interconnecting cable over the track
head as shown above, or use the self-adhesive clips (provided) to clip the
cables to the underside of the track. Avoid placing the cables where they
can be pinched or damaged when adjusting the keyboard or stowing it
under the desk. For the main cable, avoid placing it where you might step
on it or roll over it with your chair.
Connecting keyboard and touchpad to your computer
Shut down your computer and attach the keyboard and mouse to the same
locations that your previous keyboard and mouse were attached. Be careful that
you do not swap positions! If your mouse and keyboard ports are PS/2 style
(round, 6-pins), you will need to install the provided adapter cables. The
keyboard does not require a driver. For your touchpad, do not install any drivers
until you have tested the touchpad to evaluate if they are needed.
Initial testing of the touchpad
Turn on your computer. When a mouse cursor appears during the bootup
process, try the touchpad to see if you can move the cursor. Use only very
gentle pressure. You can use the buttons to click, or you can tap very gently on
the touchpad surface to click. If you haven’t used a touchpad previously, you
will want to install and use the touchpad tutorial which is installed when you
install the cirque drivers (below).
Initial testing of keyboard
The cursor keys should move the keyboard cursor around the desktop. Run a
text editing application and test every key for functionality. If one or more keys
do not perform their expected act, reset the keyboard’s special memory chip as
explained under “Customizing your keyboard & special key actions.”
Using a serial port for your touchpad (Windows 95/98/ME)
While most PCs will allow you to connect two pointing devices at once, it is
simpler if you start out by disconnecting your previous pointing device and
attach the cable from your touchpad (labeled “mouse”) to the same port.
Connecting the touchpad to your serial port.
If you wish to connect the touchpad to your serial port and you have been using
a PS/2 port with your old mouse, turn off the computer and attach the 9-pin
connector (labeled “mouse”) from your keyboard to an available serial port
connector on your computer. Leave your old mouse attached to the PS/2 port!
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Activating your serial port
Start your computer and test the touchpad. If it is not working, use the “add
hardware” option in the control panel and have it search for new hardware.
When it finishes searching, select “Details” to confirm that a “standard serial
port” was detected. Then select “Finish” and restart your computer as instructed
by Windows. For some computers, you may have to follow this procedure twice
to get the touchpad to work correctly on the serial port.
Installing the Cirque driver and tutorial
Once you know that the touchpad is active, you can install the Cirque drivers
and tutorial if you wish. Insert the diskette provided, click on the Start, then
Run, and then type a: and browse to find the installation file. Double click to
run this program. The driver will be installed and the tutorial will begin.
Touchpad tutorial
If you have not used a touchpad extensively, it is a good idea to practice with
the Cirque tutorial. Practicing with the tutorial will rapidly improve your
comfort and efficiency with this pointing device. After you have installed the
Cirque driver, the tutorial will automatically run every time you reboot until you
deselect this property in the tutorial’s startup screen. Remember that your
touchpad is very different than a mouse. Constant force is not required to
activate either the pointer or the “tap-to-click” action.
Customizing your touchpad
After installing the Cirque driver, you can adjust sensitivity and even customize
button actions using the “Mouse” icon in your control panel (click Start, the
Settings, then Control Panel).
Adapting to your new computing environment
When adjusting to your new keyboard, please follow these suggestions:
!Don’t type “hard.” Relax!
!Make small changes and try them for a while before changing again
!Carefully review the ergonomic guidelines below.
Preliminary adjustment of keyboard
Loosen both adjusting knobs on one side while supporting the keyboard. When
making adjustments to the keyboard, be gentle so that movements don’t cause
damage to the adjustment mechanisms. If adjustment seems difficult, further
loosen the adjusting knobs.
When the keyboard section is approximately where you want it, gently tighten

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the knobs and repeat the process with the other side.
Preliminary adjustment of chair
Refer to the instructions for your chair if you are not familiar with its adjustment
mechanisms. First adjust the seat height and tilt, with your feet flat on the floor,
to make yours thighs level with the floor, then adjust the height, depth, and tilt
of the backrest.
If your chair has armrests, adjust their width and height so your arms are
comfortably draped at your sides. Your forearms should be parallel to the floor
when supported by the arm rests.
Final adjustment of the keyboard
Now refine the adjustments of your keyboard. Adjust one side at a time, being
careful not to use force which might damage the keyboard mechanisms.
Loosen the keyboard adjusting knob directly under the arm rest to adjust the
keyboard for your forearm length and shoulder width. Then loosen the knob
under the keyboard to set the amount of “tenting” (lateral slope; see figure).
Important warranty note: Damage to the keyboard caused by careless use,
such as by forcing the keyboard to move without adequately loosening knobs , is
not covered by your warranty.
Ergonomic guidelines: Posture and your Health
The Kinesis Evolution fully-adjustable keyboard was designed to improve
keyboard operator comfort and at the same time, increase productivity.
Remember that there is no one right position as long as your follow certain
general guidelines: keep joints straight, muscles relaxed.
Posture while keying is known to be one of the contributing factors for RSI.
Finding a position that is right for you will require some initial time
experimenting with adjustments. Does the chair feel right? Have you tried the
adjustment levers? Below we discuss ways in which the Kinesis Evolution
track-mounted keyboard can help you achieve your comfort objectives.
Back
Your back should be resting against the chair back. Adjust your chair back and
seat tilt accordingly. The forward flexion of the trunk while working at a desk or
on the keyboard can contribute to low back problems.
Shoulders
Working on a conventional keyboard with hands and arms in front of the trunk
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encourages rounding the shoulders This undesirable shoulder rounding is not
desirable as it decreases circulation into the extremities and puts strain on the
upper back. The Evolution keyboard relaxes the shoulder area into a neutral
posture and improves circulation into the extremities.
Head and Neck
The conventional keyboard encourages the user to crane both head and neck
forward to see the keyboard and screen. The Evolution keyboard facilitates an
upright posture for the head and neck, positioning them in proper alignment
over the shoulders. The use of the arm rests to gently supports the arms further
assists in properly aligning the head and neck with the trunk. Resting the palms
on the integrated, padded palm support relaxes and reduces muscle tension in
the head, neck, and shoulders.
Arms/Elbows
The Evolution keyboard provides support for the upper extremities in their
natural position, by your sides. Your arms are likely to be most comfortable if
they are positioned shoulder width apart, with your forearm resting naturally on
the padded arm of the chair. The height and width adjustments on the arm rests
allow the user to adjust for upper arm length and body type.
Hand/Wrist
The most relaxed resting posture for the forearm and hand is the "handshake"
position. However, this is not the most effective position for typing, because
your hands will tend to fall off the keys and you won’t be able to see the keytops
to reposition the hands. A slight central elevation (“tenting”) of a split keyboard
(10-20 degrees elevated from horizontal) has been shown to be optimal for most
people to allow typing with relaxed forearm muscles. The Evolution track-
mounted keyboard addresses this aspect of keyboard ergonomics by providing
infinitely tenting adjustments.
Adjusting your keyboard and chair
Once you are comfortable in your chair, you can start adjusting the keyboard.
While you are seated comfortably in your chair, your arm should be straight
from the elbow to the fingers with no twist of the wrist. Adjust the keyboard so
your forearm is resting on the arm pad and your palm is on the palm rest. Try
adjusting the keyboard to different angles, and don't be shy about trying several
positions until you find one that works for you.
Note About Force
It is not necessary to press each key to its end point for activation. The harder a
key is pressed, the greater the pressure on the fingers, hand and wrist. Repeated
extra hard depressions put a user at risk for pain and discomfort.

13 14
Customizing your keyboard & special key actions
Your new keyboard is fully programmable, using a non-volatile memory chip
which retains the keyboard settings indefinitely even when the keyboard is
without power. The Scroll lock key serves as a special “Program” key when
used in combination with certain other keys on your keyboard, as described
below.
Resetting keyboard memory
If the keyboard ever behaves strangely, the first thing to try is a memory reset..
Two procedures are available:
(1) Press and hold the Scroll lock key, then one of the Ctrl keys, and finally add
the F10 function key so that all three keys are depressed. The lights on the
keyboard should begin flashing. Release the keys and when the flashing stops
in several seconds, the keyboard’s memory has been reset.
(2) Hold the F7 key briefly while turning on the power to your computer. After
releasing the F7 key, the keyboard’s lights will flash for several seconds,
indicating a successful memory reset.
Remapping (moving key actions)
Hold down the Scroll lock key and tap F12, then release both keys. The
keyboard’s lights will begin flashing rapidly. To move a key, first tap the
“source” key whose action you want to copy somewhere else. The lights will
begin flashing slowly. Now tap the key where you want the new action to
appear. You can then repeat this key sequence with a different pair of keys or
exit from remapping mode by holding Scroll lock and tapping F12.
You cannot lose a key action through remapping because when you are in
“remapping mode,” the default layout is always present for “source” actions.
Remapping example 1. Remap the left Space bar as Backspace.
1.1 Hold Scroll lock and tap F12, then release both keys. The keyboard lights
will be flashing quickly.
1.2 Tap the Backspace key. The keyboard lights will begin flashing slowly.
1.3 Tap the left Space bar. The keyboard lights will return to flashing rapidly.
1.4 Hold Scroll lock and tap F12, then release both keys. The keyboard lights
will stop flashing.
Remapping example 2. Return a remapped key back to its factory setting
2.1 Hold Scroll lock and tap F12, then release both keys. The keyboard lights
will be flashing quickly.
2.2 Tap the key in question. The keyboard lights will begin flashing slowly.
2.3 Tap the same key a second time. The keyboard lights will flash rapidly.
2.4 Hold Scroll lock and tap F12, then release both keys. The flashing stops.

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Creating a stored keyboard macro (sequence of keystrokes)
Hold down the Scroll lock key and tap F11, then release both keys. The
keyboard’s lights will begin flashing rapidly. First select a “trigger key” (the key
or combination of keys that will initiate playback of the macro). The lights will
begin flashing slowly. Now type the key or keys that will comprise the body of
the macro. When you have finished, hold the Scroll lock key and tap F11. The
lights should stop flashing (if not, you have added F11 to the end of your macro
and you should exit and start over).
Modifier keys and macro trigger keys
Macros may be triggered by a single key or by a combination with Ctrl or Shift.
If you use Alt as part of a macro trigger in Windows, your macro may not play
correctly (to play correctly, you must tap and release the Alt key once before
performing the Alt + letter macro trigger combination). The “Windows” keys
will not work as modifier keys to trigger macros.
A modifier key (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) may not be a trigger key unless combined with
another (non-modifier) key.
Activating or disabling stored macros
Each time you restart your computer your macros will be turned off (but still
stored in the keyboard). To activate stored macros, hold down the Scroll Lock
key and tap F10. No lights will flash but any stored macros will be activated.
To disable stored macros, use the same key sequence.
Macro example. Program Ctrl-c to output Constitution
1.1 Hold Scroll lock and tap F11, then release both keys. The keyboard lights
will be flashing quickly.
1.2 Hold either Ctrl key and tap the “c” key. The keyboard lights will begin
flashing slowly.
1.3 Type “Constitution” exactly as you normally would, including any
corrections to correct typographical errors.
1.4 Hold Scroll lock and tap F11, then release both keys. The keyboard lights
will stop flashing.
Key repeat setting
You can set repeat rates from the keyboard, or by using the Windows control
panel as before. To use the keyboard, hold Scroll Lock and tap F9. While the
keyboard’s lights are flashing, tap a function key (F1 through F12). where F1 is
very slow (1 cps) and F12 is very fast (300 cps) repeat rate.
Repeat delay settings
Setting repeat delay can only be accomplished in the control panel. This is the
time delay before keys begin repeating when a key is held down.
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Note for USB adapter
If you are using a PS/2-to-USB adapter, the keyboard’s on-board repeat rate
setting is disabled. Use your computer’s normal repeat rate controls (e.g.
Windows Control Panel).
Care and maintenance of your keyboard and touchpad
Keyboard
The Kinesis Evolution adjustable keyboard uses mechanical switches. While
providing low force and very long life, mechanical switches can be damaged by
liquid or solid debris that gets inside the switch mechanism. Avoid eating or
drinking while using your keyboard. Periodic vacuuming will help remove dust
that might otherwise work its way inside the switches.
Touchpad
The Cirque touchpad is a precision, solid-state device which has no moving
parts other than the mechanical buttons. The surface of the touchpad is
extremely durable and requires no maintenance other than occasional wiping
with a damp cloth (after turning off your computer).
Periodic cleaning will help ensure the long life of your keyboard. Use vacuum
rather than compressed air, which could blow external dust inside the switches.
For the most effective cleaning, remove keycaps before vacuuming, using a
keycap removal tool (available from Kinesis or your Kinesis dealer).
Liquid spills
If a liquid spill does occur, immediately unplug your keyboard and touchpad
from the computer. Often the effects of liquid spills can be reversed by rinsing
the keyboard with water, then shaking the keyboard sections firmly to remove
all water droplets. Allow the keyboard t dry with good ventilation (e.g. in front
of a fan) for several days before testing it for normal function. Damage from
spills is not covered by your warranty.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is intended to differentiate between three possible sources of
problems, and thus lead to a likely solution. Possible problems included (1)
improper setup, (2) defective devices, and (3) incompatible devices. If your
Evolution keyboard is new and has never worked successfully with your
computer, all three problem sources are possible. However, if your
keyboard/touchpad has previously worked on the current computer (and you
have not recently upgraded it or installed new software), you can rule out
incompatibility.

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For new keyboards, the most effective troubleshooting is accomplished if you
can largely rule out incompatibility by testing your new keyboard and touchpad
on a different computer, and also check a different keyboard and mouse on the
first computer.
The touchpad doesn’t work at all
1. PS/2 adapter cable might be defective. Try installing the touchpad on your
serial port, which doesn’t require the adapter.
2. On computers having two PS/2 ports, mouse and keyboard connections
might be reversed. If the ports are not clearly labeled on your computer, check
your computer’s User’s Manual
Keyboard keys create the wrong output
Your keyboard has a memory chip which is can store customized settings
including macros and layout changes. Sometimes static electricity can scramble
the memory even if you haven’t intentionally programmed the keyboard. Try
one of the memory reset options: (1) hold down the Scroll lock key, then add
Ctrl and finally add F10. The LEDs will flash rapidly for several seconds during
a keyboard memory reset. If that doesn’t happen, shut down your computer and
hold the F7 function key as you turn on the power to start up again. After a few
seconds, you can release the F7 key (the LEDs will flash for several seconds).
When the computer finishes booting, test to see if full function is restored.
A single key on the keyboard seems dead
Reset the keyboard memory (see above). Alternatively, turn on “remapping
mode” by holding Scroll lock and tapping F12 (see “Customizing your
keyboard and special key actions”) and tap the key in question. If the key is
electrically active, the lights will flash more slowly. Tapping it again will speed
up the flashing. Then exit from remapping mode by holding Scroll lock and
tapping F12 again.
If the problem isn’t fixed by resetting the memory , or if the speed of flashing
lights doesn’t change after tapping the key while in remapping mode, the key is
probably electrically defective and will need servicing. The most common
cause of such a problem in a new keyboard is a bad solder joint.
Touchpad surface works, but one or both buttons don’t work
Try wiggling the buttons to the left and right. Remember that tapping gently on
the touchpad surface can substitute for button clicking. If the touchpad drivers
are installed, tapping in the upper right corner substitutes for the right mouse
button. Also check the “Mouse” icon in the control panel, since the Cirque
drivers allow the mouse buttons to be customized.
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Touchpad seems to be operating erratically
Shut down your computer and attach your previous keyboard and mouse. If the
problem goes away, check your Device Manager screen for signs of problems.
You can find this screen by highlighting the “My Computer” icon, then
selecting “Properties,” or by going to the Control Panel (“Start,” then
“Settings”) and select the “System” icon.
Obtaining technical support
Contact Kinesis technical support only after you have read the entire user’s
manual and still have problems or unanswered questions. You may contact
Kinesis Technical Support by E-mail ([email protected]), fax (425-402-
8181), or phone [phone]). Technical support hours for voice phone are
8:00am to 4:30pm Pacific time, Monday through Friday.
When you contact Kinesis, be prepared to document your purchase date, as well as
your product model and serial number. Also know the brand and model of your
computer and your computer’s operating system.
Repairs by authorized repair centers only
The product may be repaired by authorized, qualified personnel only. However,
Kinesis technical support staff may authorize field repairs by the customer.
Getting an RMA number prior to keyboard repair
For any repair, whether or not it is covered by your warranty, you must contact
Kinesis to explain the problem, provide certain information, and obtain an RMA
number to write on your package. Packages sent to Kinesis without first obtaining
an RMA number may be refused and product cannot be repaired without
information and instructions from the owner.
Packaging and Shipping
If you need to ship the product, transport it only in packaging that protects it
against damage. Be sure to contact Kinesis for an RMA number and Kinesis’
current shipping address. It is advisable to insure the package since Kinesis is not
responsible for items until they are received and accepted at Kinesis repair center.

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TWO-YEAR LIMITED HARDWARE WARRANTY
Kinesis Corporation (“Kinesis”) warrants to the original retail purchaser that this Kinesis
keyboard (“Product”) is free from defects in materials and workmanship and will perform
substantially in accordance with the Product documentation for two years from the date of
purchase by the user. This Warranty does not apply to software or diskettes enclosed with
the product, which are covered by a Kinesis License Agreement. If Product fails due to
accident, abuse, or inappropriate use (e.g. careless adjustment or adjustment without
loosening knobs, or due to mechanical damage to cables), Kinesis shall have no
responsibility under this two-year Warranty.
Purchaser’s Exclusive Remedies
During the first (2) years after the date of original purchase, the exclusive remedy for a
defect in this Kinesis Product shall be, at Kinesis Corporation’s option, either repair or
replacement of the defective product. If you suspect the Product is not working properly or
if you have questions about the performance of the Product, contact Kinesis Technical
Support. If you wish to return the Product to Kinesis for any reason, you must obtain from
Kinesis an RMA number and instructions for returning the product. You are responsible for
the cost of shipping the product to Kinesis. For Product repaired or replaced under
warranty for destinations within the United States or Canada, Kinesis will ship said Product
to you by its ground carrier at no charge. Repair parts and replacement Product may be
either reconditioned or new. Kinesis retains the right to charge a service fee or return
shipping fee on Product sent for warranty repair where no repair was required.
Disclaimer of Other Warranties
The warranty and remedies set forth above are exclusive and in lieu of all others, whether
oral or written, express or implied. Kinesis specifically disclaims any and all implied
warranties, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. No Kinesis dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any
modification, extension, or addition to this warranty. Kinesis does not warrant that the
product will meet your requirements, or that operation of the product will be uninterrupted
or error-free, or that all errors will be corrected.
Limitation of Liability
Kinesis is not responsible for special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from
any breach of warranty, or under other legal theory, including but not limited to lost profits,
downtime, goodwill, damage to or replacement of equipment and/or property nor any costs
of recovering, reprogramming, or reproducing any program or data stored in or used with
Kinesis products.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages
or exclusions of implied warranties, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to
you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights,
which vary from state to state.