[gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[Adrian]

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

Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[Mike Kazantsev]

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On Sun, 31 May 2009 14:14:04 -0600
Adrian <linuxgn2@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

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Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[Dale]

Mike Kazantsev wrote:
> On Sun, 31 May 2009 14:14:04 -0600
> Adrian <linuxgn2@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

[Jacob Todd]

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!

Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[Joshua Murphy]

On Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 12:03 PM, Jacob Todd <jaketodd422@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

[Keith Dart]

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

[Paul Hartman]

On Tue, Jun 2, 2009 at 4:24 PM, Keith Dart <keith@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

[Ajai Khattri]

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

[Dale]

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

[Alan McKinnon]

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

[Philip Webb]

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

[Dale]

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

[Daniel da Veiga]

On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 12:49, Dale <rdalek1967@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

[Paul Hartman]

On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 1:19 PM, Daniel da Veiga <danieldaveiga@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

[Neil Bothwick]

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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.

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Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[Paul Hartman]

On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 3:04 PM, Neil Bothwick <neil@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

[Philip Webb]

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

[Neil Bothwick]

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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.

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Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[Stroller]

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=408509&CatId=75
http://www.cablesnmor.com/ps2-extension.aspx

Stroller.

Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[Peter Humphrey]

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

[Wyatt Epp]

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On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 11:14 AM, Alan McKinnon <alan.mckinnon@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 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

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Re: [gentoo-user] OT: buying a keyboard

[Paul Hartman]

On Fri, Jun 5, 2009 at 5:38 AM, Wyatt Epp<wyatt.epp@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 11:14 AM, Alan McKinnon <alan.mckinnon@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.