Need Keyboard Advice

[cabinetman]

The more I read ads for keyboards the more confused I get. I need to get a new one and would like to know what I should know and look for.
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[Daryl]

You would probably rather have an old one. IBM model "M".

[BobSch]

Unless you're a dyed-in-the-wool gadget freak, stick with a basic keyboard. I'm convinced the "touch" of a keybord is more important than extra features. YMMV.

[jziegler]

Really, not too much matters other than USB or PS/2 (and on most machines, either works just fine). Don't buy a super cheap one ($5 keyboards are usually not a bargin) and it should last OK. Logitec makes good quality products, but their function key layout is a bit different from the norm, if you use the f keys.

Jim

[cabinetman]

Unless you're a dyed-in-the-wool gadget freak, stick with a basic keyboard. I'm convinced the "touch" of a keybord is more important than extra features. YMMV.

A techie told me that the keys of a keyboard have the "mechanical" and movement tapping sound only to let us know that we hit a key. And, that the keys of a keyboard could be absolutely silent. Is that true?

I've noticed that since my fingers aren't too good, I can hit two keys at once and print two characters. That doesn't happen with my IBM Selectric typewriter (which remains unused for years).
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[Uncle Cracker]

I have to sit at this keyboard a lot for a living, and I agree that the "feel" is more important to me than anything else. I like a keyboard with a little resistance, as I think it keeps me from keying by mistake. I also like one that can take some pounding, as I tend to hit harder when I am agitated (which I often am). I have tried out some of the "ergo" layouts, and don't care for them. I have for several years been using a MS wireless keyboard/mouse combo, and it is the most comfortable I have found. I definitely enjoy the wireless feature, and it has been completely reliable. There are cheaper brands, to be sure, but they feel cheaper, too.

[shoottx]

I found this deal for you!

Oh wait you wanted a computer keyboard

[cabinetman]

I have to sit at this keyboard a lot for a living, and I agree that the "feel" is more important to me than anything else. I like a keyboard with a little resistance, as I think it keeps me from keying by mistake. I also like one that can take some pounding, as I tend to hit harder when I am agitated (which I often am). I have tried out some of the "ergo" layouts, and don't care for them. I have for several years been using a MS wireless keyboard/mouse combo, and it is the most comfortable I have found. I definitely enjoy the wireless feature, and it has been completely reliable. There are cheaper brands, to be sure, but they feel cheaper, too.

The computer in need of a board is on a wireless from a router. There is a plug in antenna (Linksys Wireless-B 2.4 GHz). Will a wireless board and mouse work right off?
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[crokett]

I do a lot of typing and like the ergonomic layout. It took some getting used to over a straight keyboard but it is much more comfortable to use. I will also never go back to wired keyboard or mouse again.

[ironhat]

The computer in need of a board is on a wireless from a router. There is a plug in antenna (Linksys Wireless-B 2.4 GHz). Will a wireless board and mouse work right off?
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I believe that it will if my memory serves me correctly from my previous experience. Back then there was a driver to install but that may be integral to XP by now. Sometimes it developed a glitch but there is a reset button on the mouse. You shouldn't have any issues.

[pelligrini]

I would suggest going to a bestbuy, frys or the like and play around with a few.

I run AutoCAD most of the day and I have a particular prefrence for my keyboards. I did switch to an ergonomic style a few years ago. I really prefer an backwards L shaped enter button, like the old big ones. The placement of the backslash & bar are pretty critical too. I really hate it when they get moved around.

I use the same model keyboard and mouse at home and the office too. There's a bunch of keys that don't have the characters stencled on them anymore. If you need to watch what you're typing don't use mine.

*edit* If you do go with a wireless keyboard, compare the ranges. There are some with lights, digital displays, and a myriad of multimedia controls. The ones with more running features, LCD displays & lights, have a shorter battery time. A couple good sets of rechargable batteries will pay off too. I use a wireless keyboard for my bedside system and a wireless trackman. It's a pretty nice setup.

[Schleeper]

I have to sit at this keyboard a lot for a living, and I agree that the "feel" is more important to me than anything else. I like a keyboard with a little resistance, as I think it keeps me from keying by mistake. I also like one that can take some pounding, as I tend to hit harder when I am agitated (which I often am). I have tried out some of the "ergo" layouts, and don't care for them. I have for several years been using a MS wireless keyboard/mouse combo, and it is the most comfortable I have found. I definitely enjoy the wireless feature, and it has been completely reliable. There are cheaper brands, to be sure, but they feel cheaper, too.

I use the MS wireless keyboard and mouse, also, and I've stuck with them the longest of any keyboard and mouse that I've ever had. I used to change them almost as frequently as my underwear, so I've either become bored with playing that game, or I'm pretty satisfied with what I'm using.

Unless things have changed since I bought mine, the wireless mouse and keyboard don't use your wireless network. There's a separate transmitter with USB cord that connects to the US port on your computer or USB hub. We also have a wireless network, and we've never had any conflicts. The only gripe I've ever had is, the mouse eats AA batteries. I think I put a new pair in about every 4-6 weeks, whereas I've only replaced the ones in the keyboard once in the years I've been using it.

[LinuxRandal]

I would also go look at some used pc places. You can compare some of the older, true IBM type to the newer other brand. I tend to be pretty happy with Logitech, but I REFUSE to use a wireless keyboard, after using my relatives (eats batteries). I have only found one wireless brand that appealed to me, and no bargain.


That said, maybe you should email Dud, or some of our jokesters, and see when your getting your replacement for all the pop spits.

[Uncle Cracker]

On my MS wireless combo, my mouse goes 8 months or so between batteries, and my keyboard gets a year or more. The combo comes with a little receiver module that sits out of the way and plugs into a USB port on your computer. From there, there are no wires on either the keyboard or the mouse.

[BobSch]

If I'm not mistaken, most wireless keyboard/mouse combos are infrared for communications, so no chance of confilicting with a wireless LAN connection witch is RF.