USB keyboard?

[Dusty Chalk]

So, either what's the best "value" keyboard that I should get, or how much should I consider spending, if they're all the same? Basically, I need to get an add-on for a laptop that I've been using more frequently, and everything I have is PS2. $10? $25? Should I get this? Or should I just get the cheapest thing I can find with full-size keys (currently, the price to beat appears to be US$10)? Or should I get one of those roll-away ones? I'm asking for experience from people who've gotten keyboards for their laptops as well as advice on price-setting.

[Fungi]

I used to use a regular $15ish Logitech keyboard that was great, until I found mechanical switch keyboards (definitely not value keyboards). I hear the flexible keyboards are quiet, but just poor for regular use. My roommate uses that Saitek (well, a very similar model) and it's just a standard "gamer" style keyboard.

[Fitz]

I'm pretty sure I have a Happy Hacking keyboard stuck away somewhere that I don't need anymore.

[Dusty Chalk]

what kind of key mechanism do you prefer?

There are different types of mechanisms? Yes, I am that ignorant. What are most of them? That's what I'm used to. Or proximity capacitive touch sensor "mechanisms".

What's so special about the happy hacking keyboard? Will it make me happy to hacK? See, I'm already doing it. Are all the hip script kiddies using it? No, seriously, what's so special about it?

[Knuckledragger]

Pah. There is only one keyboard. I have been using it for over 20 years.

[Knuckledragger]

Definitely. You beat back a horde of zombies with it, and then type of a recount of your ordeal.

[Fitz]

Sadly it is not very effective against velociraptors, despite it's good qualities in regards to zombies.

[luvdunhill]

Pah. There is only one keyboard. I have been using it for over 20 years.

me too

[Knuckledragger]

you know, i've probably got 200 Model Ms of various vintage in storage where i work.

You could do a brisk business selling them. Replace them at work with generics, no one would notice the difference!

[Dusty Chalk]

Yeah, I probably have a couple Model M's lying around -- so you're saying I should just get a couple USB->PS2 adapters, then? Have one at work and one at home, and then I don't even need to "tote" them, except on special occasions (being at a friend's house, having car worked on, etc.). Yeah, that might actually be a good idea.

[Knuckledragger]

I dunno a Internal Asset Utilization from a TPS Report, but can you put me down for half a dozen? I like the PS/2 vintage, but any 102-key version will do.

Yeah, I probably have a couple Model M's lying around -- so you're saying I should just get a couple USB->PS2 adapters, then? Have one at work and one at home, and then I don't even need to "tote" them, except on special occasions (being at a friend's house, having car worked on, etc.). Yeah, that might actually be a good idea.

EDIT: Dusty = smart.

[MrSlacker]

like i said, they are in storage, and university rules prevent outright sales, i could only offer them at an internal asset utilization sale and, given the amount of Model Ms that never sell there, they aren't real popular.

Cant you just get a few friends to buy them all for really cheap?

[blessingx]

Pah. There is only one keyboard. I have been using it for over 20 years.

Well, the closest you can get....

Customizer 104/105 (though I'd recommend their SpaceSaver to save space - same internals). Big fan of Unicomp (current licensers of Mod M). Otherwise Microsoft 4000s come up on sale frequently ($30-40). Get the Unicomp though.

[GPH]

Well, the closest you can get....

Customizer 104/105 (though I'd recommend their SpaceSaver to save space - same internals). Big fan of Unicomp (current licensers of Mod M). Otherwise Microsoft 4000s come up on sale frequently ($30-40). Get the Unicomp though.

I've been thinking about buying an external keyboard to use with my MacBook because I hate the flat keys and I've been considering those Unicomp keyboards. Got any experience with them?

[grawk]

The unicomp would be problematic because it's missing the command keys, tho I suppose judicious remapping could fix that.

[GPH]

The unicomp would be problematic because it's missing the command keys, tho I suppose judicious remapping could fix that.

Yeah, I think remapping works because I know of Mac users who Windows keyboards at home. Remapping is a must because I don't want to relearn finger muscles memory.

[ingwe]

My wrists were saved when Microsoft introduced their first ergonomic kb. Not quite the brick of the 'M' series, but solidly made.

[GPH]

While we're talking about ergonomy, anybody have a suggestion for a good comfortable mouse? My very basic Logitech 2-buttons + scrollwheel is dying on me and I'd like to buy a new mouse with at least two more buttons for back/forward while browsing. I don't care about the size or if it's wired or wireless.

[Salt Peanuts]

GPH - are you lefty or righty?

[GPH]

Righty.

[Fungi]

You should get some mouse gestures going for your browser, or get one with them built in

(I use the Logitech MX518, which is wildly popular and goes on sale for $35 occasionally)

[Salt Peanuts]

I second MX518 - it's comfy (for a mouse - trackball-user here) and inexpensive.

On the expensive side, I like MX Revolution but I can't vouch for it's long-term comfort/durability since I've only used it on my friend's computer.

[blessingx]

I've been thinking about buying an external keyboard to use with my MacBook because I hate the flat keys and I've been considering those Unicomp keyboards. Got any experience with them?

Yeah, the SpaceSaver is my main keyboard (both MacBook and ThinkPad - yes, I map). After being disappointed after a trial with the Matias Tactile Pro and a side trek over to Matias HalfKeyboard, I settled with a Unicomp. Doubt I'll ever switch. Loud as hell, so not appropriate for many situations including most office (where the Microsoft 4000 comes in), but I find it much preferable in situations it does work with. Everything else feels so cheap and inexact in registration. Only other warning I'd give is Unicomp is doing near zero innovation. So if you're holding out better ergonomic key layout (which is hard to return from once you've adjusted) or a mouse driver to scroll with their Endurapro model - it ain't happening. They pretty much produce existing old designs only. Otherwise, best $70 I've spent on computers and been a great year.

Also if you order and tell them it's for a Mac they'll send additional blank keys to pop off the Windows button if you want.

While we're talking about ergonomy, anybody have a suggestion for a good comfortable mouse? My very basic Logitech 2-buttons + scrollwheel is dying on me and I'd like to buy a new mouse with at least two more buttons for back/forward while browsing. I don't care about the size or if it's wired or wireless.

I alternate between using the Vertical Mouse and Kensington ExpertMouse. The latter shows up on sale occasionally and its scroll wheel (around trackball) is a huge plus.

[grawk]

Do you still have the half keyboard? I've been tempted to try those...

[blessingx]

Nah, I returned it within a few weeks. I was hoping to save time by keeping one hand on the keyboard and one on mouse, but I stopped believing in the end it was really going to save time (and probably cramp the hand far more often). Their 508 Keyboard is probably a better compromise if you have the space for a conventional keyboard. Will say learning to type one-handed was surprisingly easy (I'm sure especially compared to the FrogPad) as the keys are just reversed.