Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
090604 Paul Hartman wrote: 4) Cable so short it can't even reach the computer. I have a keyboard with an 18-inch cord. It is barely long enough to reach from one side of the keyboard to the other! Absolutely useless. Mine is theoretically extendible -- stretch of curled-up cord -- , but to reach the computer I have it plugged into a KVM switch, which is the only use the latter has in real life. It seems that USB extension cords are commonplace, but keyboard ditto non-existent. Then again, I believe current keyboards are USB. -- ,, SUPPORT ___//___, Philip Webb ELECTRIC /] [] [] [] [] []| Cities Centre, University of Toronto TRANSIT`-O--O---' purslowatchassdotutorontodotca
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Fri, 5 Jun 2009 02:05:18 -0400, Philip Webb wrote: Mine is theoretically extendible -- stretch of curled-up cord -- , but to reach the computer I have it plugged into a KVM switch, which is the only use the latter has in real life. It seems that USB extension cords are commonplace, but keyboard ditto non-existent. PS2 extension leads do exist, I've used one with a mouse. -- Neil Bothwick We can sympathize with a child who is afraid of the dark, but the tragedy of life is that most people are afraid of the light. signature.asc Description: PGP signature
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On 5 Jun 2009, at 07:05, Philip Webb wrote: 090604 Paul Hartman wrote: 4) Cable so short it can't even reach the computer. I have a keyboard with an 18-inch cord. It is barely long enough to reach from one side of the keyboard to the other! Absolutely useless. Mine is theoretically extendible -- stretch of curled-up cord -- , but to reach the computer I have it plugged into a KVM switch, which is the only use the latter has in real life. It seems that USB extension cords are commonplace, but keyboard ditto non- existent. I did think of replying to Paul's original message saying, well, at least you can plug it into an extension lead of your preferred length. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=408509CatId=75 http://www.cablesnmor.com/ps2-extension.aspx Stroller.
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 11:14 AM, Alan McKinnon alan.mckin...@gmail.comwrote: IBM system M keyboard ... best keyboard ever made. Truer words are rarely spoken. And you can pick them up on eBay for about USD $20 (or rummage sales for next to nothing). The only uncertainty in my mind is whether I prefer my Model M or my Omnikey Ultra. Having the function keys in their rightful left-side two-column configuration and Caps Lock out of my way is magnificent, but the key-travel and action really is a bit better on IBM's side. I think the tipping point will come when I'm forced to decide between an Avant Stellar and a Unicomp custom model. User-defined hardware macros or a completely perfect layout? Say, while we're on the topic, don't suppose anyone here knows where I'd be able to pick up a Space Cadet? I've been halfheartedly looking off and on for years now, but have never gotten any leads. Cheers, Wyatt
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Thursday 04 June 2009 19:19:50 Daniel da Veiga wrote: 3) Absence of the pads used to lift the back of the keyboard (I can't believe some people don't use them). You should. -- Rgds Peter
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Fri, Jun 5, 2009 at 5:38 AM, Wyatt Eppwyatt@gmail.com wrote: On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 11:14 AM, Alan McKinnon alan.mckin...@gmail.com wrote: IBM system M keyboard ... best keyboard ever made. Truer words are rarely spoken. And you can pick them up on eBay for about USD $20 (or rummage sales for next to nothing). The Unicomp customizer and edurapro keyboards are direct descendants of the Model M, using the patented IBM buckling spring technology, and also including modern features such as USB and windows keys... well, whether the latter is actually a feature or not is up to you :) I've read that the voltages on those old AT-style model M keyboards are not the same as newer PS/2 keyboards, so some people have to do mods to the keyboard to make it behave the way newer computers expect.
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Sun, 31 May 2009, Adrian wrote: It's finally getting worn out, keys are sticking pretty bad. I would like to get a new one, but the company I purchased it from (via the internet) seems to not exist any more. Some google action has not resulted in locating any similar keyboards. About once a year, I wash all my keyboards (no, seriously). Dishwasher, quick wash, cold, then leave somewhere warm to dry for a couple days. Afterwards, the tactile response feels like new :-) -- A
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
Ajai Khattri wrote: On Sun, 31 May 2009, Adrian wrote: It's finally getting worn out, keys are sticking pretty bad. I would like to get a new one, but the company I purchased it from (via the internet) seems to not exist any more. Some google action has not resulted in locating any similar keyboards. About once a year, I wash all my keyboards (no, seriously). Dishwasher, quick wash, cold, then leave somewhere warm to dry for a couple days. Afterwards, the tactile response feels like new :-) When I was working on computers, I used to clean them with pure alcohol then lay them on top of the A/C condenser, you know, the hot part. It would dry real good in a couple hours. Heat plus the large volume of air works very well. Be careful that the air doesn't blow the keyboard off tho. Some A/C systems can blow huge amounts of air. That was mostly done on IBM XT/AT and Wyse 50 terminal keyboards by the way. I'm not sure about some of these new keyboards with the little rubber pad thingys. Those old keyboards sure did click loud tho. lol Dale :-) :-)
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Thursday 04 June 2009 16:39:39 Dale wrote: Ajai Khattri wrote: On Sun, 31 May 2009, Adrian wrote: It's finally getting worn out, keys are sticking pretty bad. I would like to get a new one, but the company I purchased it from (via the internet) seems to not exist any more. Some google action has not resulted in locating any similar keyboards. About once a year, I wash all my keyboards (no, seriously). Dishwasher, quick wash, cold, then leave somewhere warm to dry for a couple days. Afterwards, the tactile response feels like new :-) When I was working on computers, I used to clean them with pure alcohol then lay them on top of the A/C condenser, you know, the hot part. It would dry real good in a couple hours. Heat plus the large volume of air works very well. Be careful that the air doesn't blow the keyboard off tho. Some A/C systems can blow huge amounts of air. That was mostly done on IBM XT/AT and Wyse 50 terminal keyboards by the way. I'm not sure about some of these new keyboards with the little rubber pad thingys. Those old keyboards sure did click loud tho. lol IBM system M keyboard ... best keyboard ever made. They were so loud the switch construction even got given a name : buckling spring :-) -- alan dot mckinnon at gmail dot com
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
090604 Alan McKinnon wrote: On Thursday 04 June 2009 16:39:39 Dale wrote: Ajai Khattri wrote: About once a year, I wash all my keyboards (no, seriously). Dishwasher, quick wash, cold, leave somewhere warm to dry couple days. When I was working on computers, I used to clean them with pure alcohol then lay them on top of the A/C condenser, you know, the hot part. IBM system M keyboard ... best keyboard ever made. I'm still using the keyboard which came with my Sanyo XT in 1989 : lives on dust + crumbs, never cleaned, works as well as when I got it. Secret ? -- actually made in Japan ... (grin) -- ,, SUPPORT ___//___, Philip Webb ELECTRIC /] [] [] [] [] []| Cities Centre, University of Toronto TRANSIT`-O--O---' purslowatchassdotutorontodotca
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
Philip Webb wrote: 090604 Alan McKinnon wrote: On Thursday 04 June 2009 16:39:39 Dale wrote: Ajai Khattri wrote: About once a year, I wash all my keyboards (no, seriously). Dishwasher, quick wash, cold, leave somewhere warm to dry couple days. When I was working on computers, I used to clean them with pure alcohol then lay them on top of the A/C condenser, you know, the hot part. IBM system M keyboard ... best keyboard ever made. I'm still using the keyboard which came with my Sanyo XT in 1989 : lives on dust + crumbs, never cleaned, works as well as when I got it. Secret ? -- actually made in Japan ... (grin) Secret, it actually has a switch instead of some touchy crap. While that switch is not completely sealed, it does keep out most stuff. Of course, Coke will upset it's tummy pretty quick. Jeez, I liked those keyboards. Dale :-) :-)
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 12:49, Dale rdalek1...@gmail.com wrote: Philip Webb wrote: 090604 Alan McKinnon wrote: On Thursday 04 June 2009 16:39:39 Dale wrote: Ajai Khattri wrote: About once a year, I wash all my keyboards (no, seriously). Dishwasher, quick wash, cold, leave somewhere warm to dry couple days. When I was working on computers, I used to clean them with pure alcohol then lay them on top of the A/C condenser, you know, the hot part. IBM system M keyboard ... best keyboard ever made. I'm still using the keyboard which came with my Sanyo XT in 1989 : lives on dust + crumbs, never cleaned, works as well as when I got it. Secret ? -- actually made in Japan ... (grin) Secret, it actually has a switch instead of some touchy crap. While that switch is not completely sealed, it does keep out most stuff. Of course, Coke will upset it's tummy pretty quick. Jeez, I liked those keyboards. I have an ancient Dell QuietKey keyboard. I cleaned it (yeah, removed all keys) and its the best for my work. I is kinda heavy to press, but that avoid lots of problems, like accidental key presses. I also have a Logitech Dinovo Edge at home, connected to my HTPC, and for that purpose, its the best. I guess it all depends on how you'll use it. What I hate most about some keyboards are: 1) The damn layout changes (like FN key at the left side of the BACKSPACE, and backspace not a double size key, or right shift also not double size, ENTER is another one sometimes manufacturers screw around). 2) Useless keys inserted in the middle of the layout (like sleep, standby and power down above INSERT, HOME and PAGE UP). 3) Absence of the pads used to lift the back of the keyboard (I can't believe some people don't use them). -- Daniel da Veiga
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 1:19 PM, Daniel da Veiga danieldave...@gmail.com wrote: What I hate most about some keyboards are: 1) The damn layout changes (like FN key at the left side of the BACKSPACE, and backspace not a double size key, or right shift also not double size, ENTER is another one sometimes manufacturers screw around). 2) Useless keys inserted in the middle of the layout (like sleep, standby and power down above INSERT, HOME and PAGE UP). 3) Absence of the pads used to lift the back of the keyboard (I can't believe some people don't use them). 4) Cable so short it can't even reach the computer. I have a keyboard with an 18-inch cord. It is barely long enough to reach from one side of the keyboard to the other! Absolutely useless.
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Thu, 4 Jun 2009 15:19:50 -0300, Daniel da Veiga wrote: 3) Absence of the pads used to lift the back of the keyboard (I can't believe some people don't use them). Some clam that raising the back of the keyboard increases the risk of RSI, and that you should raise the front if anything, to reduce the amount you bend your wrists. -- Neil Bothwick Time is an illusion but never so much as when you're using a modem. signature.asc Description: PGP signature
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 3:04 PM, Neil Bothwick n...@digimed.co.uk wrote: On Thu, 4 Jun 2009 15:19:50 -0300, Daniel da Veiga wrote: 3) Absence of the pads used to lift the back of the keyboard (I can't believe some people don't use them). Some clam that raising the back of the keyboard increases the risk of RSI, and that you should raise the front if anything, to reduce the amount you bend your wrists. I think this is an area where people with good posture have worse typing conditions in general. A person who slouches in their chair (like me, for example) has a very natural typing angle even when the rear of the keyboard is raised. :) My elbows are well below the plane of the desk... maybe my spine will look like a Lacrosse stick someday, but I am comfortable for now.
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 12:03 PM, Jacob Todd jaketodd...@gmail.com wrote: Did you check craigslist? On Sun, May 31, 2009 at 02:14:04PM -0600, Adrian wrote: Greetings; Many moons ago I purchased a Linux Cool Keyboard. The great thing about this keyboard is that a. it has great tactile response and b. it has a cover which folds down to protect the keyboard when not in use. It's finally getting worn out, keys are sticking pretty bad. I would like to get a new one, but the company I purchased it from (via the internet) seems to not exist any more. Some google action has not resulted in locating any similar keyboards. Anyone know where I might find such a keyboard? Thanks much. Adrian -- On The Fly Photography -:- Creation From Chaos On The Fly Photography: http://204EastSouth.com Purchase from On The Fly: http://204EastSouth.com/OTFStore.htm The Cynical Libertarian Society: http://www.204EastSouth.com/cls -- Jake Todd // If it isn't broke, tweak it! Only reference to it I can find is that Atipa Linux Solutions (now Atipa Technologies, they offer MS products as well), were bundling it with all their systems at one time. You *might* be able to get in touch with them about getting your hands on a new one, but it's a long shot. http://linuxpr.com/releases/596.html http://www.atipa.com/ContactUs.php -- Poison [BLX] Joshua M. Murphy
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On May 31, 2009, at 1:14 PM, Adrian wrote: Many moons ago I purchased a Linux Cool Keyboard. The great thing about this keyboard is that a. it has great tactile response and b. it has a cover which folds down to protect the keyboard when not in use. I had one too. :-) Had to replace it with a unicomp keyboard. Their website seems to have moved from before. looks like its here now: http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/keyboards.html
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Tue, Jun 2, 2009 at 4:24 PM, Keith Dart ke...@dartworks.biz wrote: On May 31, 2009, at 1:14 PM, Adrian wrote: Many moons ago I purchased a Linux Cool Keyboard. The great thing about this keyboard is that a. it has great tactile response and b. it has a cover which folds down to protect the keyboard when not in use. I had one too. :-) Had to replace it with a unicomp keyboard. Their website seems to have moved from before. looks like its here now: http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/keyboards.html I have Unicomp customizer and endurapro and both are awesome (if loud) keyboards. The built-in mouse on the endurapro is awful, though. I thought it would be convenient to have (because reaching over to the actual mouse is so hard, you see), but it's so bad I never even touch it -- except for when I'm typing and I hit that stupid little nub every time I try to type the letter G. :)
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
On Sun, 31 May 2009 14:14:04 -0600 Adrian linux...@204eastsouth.com wrote: Anyone know where I might find such a keyboard? Thanks much. One can usually find pretty much anything on ebay, if you haven't checked it already. -- Mike Kazantsev // fraggod.net signature.asc Description: PGP signature
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
Mike Kazantsev wrote: On Sun, 31 May 2009 14:14:04 -0600 Adrian linux...@204eastsouth.com wrote: Anyone know where I might find such a keyboard? Thanks much. One can usually find pretty much anything on ebay, if you haven't checked it already. I froogled it and it didn't find anything, ebay included. I wanted to see what was different about this thing. Dale :-) :-)
Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
Did you check craigslist? On Sun, May 31, 2009 at 02:14:04PM -0600, Adrian wrote: Greetings; Many moons ago I purchased a Linux Cool Keyboard. The great thing about this keyboard is that a. it has great tactile response and b. it has a cover which folds down to protect the keyboard when not in use. It's finally getting worn out, keys are sticking pretty bad. I would like to get a new one, but the company I purchased it from (via the internet) seems to not exist any more. Some google action has not resulted in locating any similar keyboards. Anyone know where I might find such a keyboard? Thanks much. Adrian -- On The Fly Photography -:- Creation From Chaos On The Fly Photography: http://204EastSouth.com Purchase from On The Fly: http://204EastSouth.com/OTFStore.htm The Cynical Libertarian Society: http://www.204EastSouth.com/cls -- Jake Todd // If it isn't broke, tweak it!
[gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard
Greetings; Many moons ago I purchased a Linux Cool Keyboard. The great thing about this keyboard is that a. it has great tactile response and b. it has a cover which folds down to protect the keyboard when not in use. It's finally getting worn out, keys are sticking pretty bad. I would like to get a new one, but the company I purchased it from (via the internet) seems to not exist any more. Some google action has not resulted in locating any similar keyboards. Anyone know where I might find such a keyboard? Thanks much. Adrian -- On The Fly Photography -:- Creation From Chaos On The Fly Photography: http://204EastSouth.com Purchase from On The Fly: http://204EastSouth.com/OTFStore.htm The Cynical Libertarian Society: http://www.204EastSouth.com/cls
