on 6/9/04 6:44 AM, Larry le Mac at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> From: chris <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> I figured I'd reply to my own email since I didn't get a really definite >> answer, and now I know. >> >>> Does anyone know if a USB to PS/2 converter can be used to get a PS/2 >>> style PC keyboard and mouse to work with an iMac? >> >> Why yes, yes it can. > > What about the cheapy adapter that comes with PC mice, i.e. USB mouse > and an adapter that allows it to be plugged in to a PS/2 port.
Since those have a Male PS/2 port and a female USB port, you'd need a gender changer on each side to get it plugged into a Mac USB port and a PC mouse. If you wanted to use it for a mouse AND keyboard, you'd also need some kind of splitter to get two PS/2 ports. All these extra cables and adapters would certainly add to the cost. And having so many connections between your computer and keyboard is just multiplying your chances of a bad connection developing. Even if you had the right gender changers and I don't think it would work. First, why would the manufacturer of the mouse include an adapter that works backwards? Why would they include an adapter that works for a mouse AND a keyboard? Those extra features would just jack up the price of the mouse for no good reason. I have a hunch (though no proof) that the USB to PS/2 adapter that comes with those mice don't actually have any conversion circuitry in them, and that they just physically change the shape of the connection. I think it's the mouse itself that detects whether it's attached to a PS/2 port or a USB port, and becomes either a USB mouse or a PS/2 mouse. This seems like it would be simpler for the manufacturers, since all the circuitry would be in one place, and would cut down on production costs. Just a guess, I'd love to know the truth. > I know this is the other way round, but it's really simple and the reverse > at $30 sound steep.. You can get brand new adapters that promise to work with Macs, and that already have the right gender connectors, and two PS/2 ports, for $6.99 (plus $4 or so shipping) http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Mac+USB+PS/2+Adapter&scoring=p Here's another new one for 99 cents, plus $6.95 shipping and handling: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3485623634 -- The iMac List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | - Epson Stylus Color 580 Printers - new at $69 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> iMac List info: <http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/imac-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> --------------------------------------------------------------- >The Think Different Store http://www.ThinkDifferentStore.com ---------------------------------------------------------------
