New (old) keyboard is on the way.

  • Thread starter Thread starter turbo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Keyboard
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around frustrations with modern computer keyboards, particularly their lack of tactile feedback and key travel, which can be problematic for users with arthritis. A participant shares their experience of investing nearly $100 in a high-quality keyboard, reminiscent of the old IBM models, to alleviate typing discomfort. The conversation shifts to the challenges of using older peripherals, such as PS/2 keyboards, with newer computers that lack the necessary ports. There is a mention of Windows 7 and its user interface, with some expressing a preference for the simplicity of Windows XP. Participants also discuss the transition from command-line interfaces to graphical ones, reflecting on the evolution of computer usability. Overall, the thread highlights the ongoing search for comfortable and functional typing solutions amidst technological changes.
turbo
Insights Author
Gold Member
Messages
3,157
Reaction score
57
After years of complaining (which accomplishes nothing) about the crappy keyboards that ship with newer computers, I have dumped almost $100 to get a real keyboard, with tactile feedback and enough key-travel to allow my arthritic fingers to type without unnecessary pain. I loved the old IBM keyboards, and certainly hope that this one has the same touch and feel.

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
turbo said:
After years of complaining (which accomplishes nothing) about the crappy keyboards that ship with newer computers, I have dumped almost $100 to get a real keyboard, with tactile feedback and enough key-travel to allow my arthritic fingers to type without unnecessary pain. I loved the old IBM keyboards, and certainly hope that this one has the same touch and feel.

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/

Dang. I could have sent you my old PS2 keyboard.

BTW How's Windows 7 treating you now?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
dlgoff said:
Dang. I could have sent you my old PS2 keyboard.

BTW How's Windows 7 treating you now?
Thanks, Don! I really need a USB keyboard, though. This new Dell doesn't even have the PS2 female jacks for keyboard, mouse, etc. That interface has been abandoned, or I might have been able to source a used keyboard locally.

I'm still not a fan of Win7. I much prefer the XP look and feel. There is so much stuff in Win7 that is buried in unexpected places... Of course, I was not a big fan of ditching the command-line in favor of Windows many years back. When I bought my first IBM PS2 model 50, Windows was included for free. It was a very stripped-down graphical interface, and I ditched it immediately because it was a resource-hog and did nothing useful.
 
You can pick up a PS/2-to-USB converter for a few bucks at any electronics store, or order one through Newegg...

But just because a keyboard is old and has a PS/2 connector does not mean it is actually a mechanical keyboard with tactile feedback. Cheap bubble keyboards were in common use before USB become popular, I'm pretty sure.

You'll really enjoy the new keyboard, though. I dropped about $100 on a Das Keyboard a few months ago, and within a few days I decided it was well worth it.
 
Thanks, Ben.
 
turbo said:
Thanks, Don! I really need a USB keyboard, though. This new Dell doesn't even have the PS2 female jacks for keyboard, mouse, etc. That interface has been abandoned, or I might have been able to source a used keyboard locally.

lol. How soon we forget. I was wanting to load up a couple of old programs from 3½" diskettes and had to borrow a USB floppy. Then I found out the old 16bit programs can't be ran with these "new" processors.

Of course, I was not a big fan of ditching the command-line in favor of Windows many years back. When I bought my first IBM PS2 model 50, Windows was included for free. It was a very stripped-down graphical interface, and I ditched it immediately because it was a resource-hog and did nothing useful.

Same here, but oooh so glad there's graphic interfaces now.
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
13K
Replies
1
Views
10K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top