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Where Can I Find Keyboard Reviews?
PhilLong asks: "I have a friend that is using an IBM keyboard from 5+ years back, the kind that didn't use rubber domes and had an emphatic "click" when used. I'd like to get him a new one so that he's not lost when the current one slips a key, and so he can use the ... ummm ... extra meta key. Where can I find such a keyboard, or more generally, where can I find keyboard reviews (subjective as I know they must be)?" Keyboard reviews? Now that's a neat idea...
I'm not aware of a dedicated keyboard site, but alt.comp.periphs.keyboard might be a good place to start. I found it at deja.com, but your ISP may carry it as well on your local newsserver. I believe deja.com will also let you set up your own discussion on a topic.
There was also a great discussion of keyboards and keyboard features in the recent Slashdot poll "Most Important Part of a Keyboard", but most of the past polls are missing all of the comments. Does anyone know if this is a normal thing? I seem to remember past polls keeping the comments at one point in time.
Don't get rid of that IBM keyboard!! I love those things. They are built like tanks. They can almost take a direct nuclear strike and keep on clicking! They're great!
Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati
I do not believe there is such a beast anymore as the good old-fashioned IBM keyboard. This is sad. I hope someone shows me I'm wrong, though!
I know this is slightly off-topic, but I hope that it helps you.
I can give you some good sources for finding "new" used IBM keyboards. The best one is to find someone who works in IT for a large company. Large companies often hold onto obsolete equipment for way too long, so they are still now giving away these keyboards.
BTW: the *BEST* IBM keyboard is the RS/6000 units. On the "newer" (Post 1990) RS/6000s, they used what looks really close to an AT keyboard, with the three differences being:
1) Right Ctrl key labled "ctrl/act"
2) Speaker in bottom (doesn't do anything on a PC)
3) Super-long cable
But, even if you can't find one of these goodies, an old AT keyboard will work. I have the sad feeling, though, that these are going to get hard to find. I'd buy the "happy-hacker" keyboard if only it made a real click...
www.google.com turns up quite a few reviews if you search for "keyboard review computer" (minus thea rdware.asp?SearchString=peripherals&Search String2=91) a ult.asp
quotes).
http://www.reviewbooth.com/ is a meta-review site, that links to recent reviews all over the web. (check the peripherals at this link:
http://www.reviewbooth.com/hardware/pr_review_h
Also Thresh's firing squad has a really good keyboard review (imho anyway). Check it out at:
http://www.firingsquad.com/guides/keyboards/def
Hoe that helps.
Blessed are the pessimists, for they have made backups.
Well, since your friend likes IBM keyboards enough to be using one for more than five years, it's probably a good idea to get him a new one of the same or similar type.
I picked up two genuine IBM keyboards (with the clicky keys!) at Unicomp (www.pckeyboard.com), which is located in Lexington. At the time, I paid $49 for each, which might seem a little expensive, but these things last forever.
Be warned that Unicomp's home page can be unavailable; the easiest way to order from them is through Yahoo. Try looking here for the classic IBM keyboard, or check out their whole range from the top page here.
I can't believe the Linux Cool Keyboard wasn't mentioned already and I'm really surprised more linux vendors don't sell this thing as standard. PS2 style, it has tactile feedback, L-shaped Enter key, inverted-T arrow keys, wake, sleep, and power keys, removable keyboard cover, NO WINDOZE KEY (107 total), in fact it has two Tux's and one "linux key" instead, and only $34.95 at Linuxmall.com . In fact, the price just went down. I just bought one 2 weeks ago there for $37. Has 1 year warranty and has the feel of the original IBM keyboards. If you dual boot into windoze, the Tux key functions the same as the Jolly Roger, er I mean the windoze flag key. This keyboard is outstanding, and it's certainly cheaper than those "Hey I've got an idea, let's put the arrow keys in one tiny cross pattern to torture our customers" that you find in horribly overpriced MS_Carpaltunnel Keyboards®
Here is a good review of one of the old IBM keyboards www.dansdata.com/ibmkeyboard.htm. It includes a good discussion on why keyboards are still important, good for sending to potential givers of gifts to you:). It also has discussion of the technology behind the old IBM clickety-klackety 'boards, and several sources for keyboards will that old IBM tank 'board feel.
A local computer auction that I frequent sells the old-style IBM keyboards brand new in retail packages, with detachable cables, internal speaker on the bottom, etc. I just picked one up 2 days ago for $2. Seems that most people don't like them anymore. They dont know what they're missing!
If youre in eastern PA, check out this page for a schedule of auctions.
The following store may have IBM keyboards like the one described in the post. However, I must note that: 1. The store is a secondhand dealership that might often make use of questionable business practices, (I might have worked there in the past, I may know what makes the place tick) and 2. The owner might have spent time in a Georgia "shock camp" for a felony conviction on possession and sale of stolen computer equipment. If the above two potentialities fail to dissuade, then said IBM keyboards may be acquisitable at: The Park Avenue Trading Post Rochester, NY (14607? 14620? 14613? check Big Yellow or the like)
I am, therefore you think.
The following store may have IBM keyboards like the one described in the post. However, I must note that:
1. The store is a secondhand dealership that might often make use of questionable business practices, (I might have worked there in the past, I may know what makes the place tick) and
2. The owner might have spent time in a Georgia "shock camp" for a felony conviction on possession and sale of stolen computer equipment.
If the above two potentialities fail to dissuade, then said IBM keyboards may be acquisitable at:
The Park Avenue Trading Post
Rochester, NY (14607? 14620? 14613? check Big Yellow or the like)
I am, therefore you think.
- Mike
Somebody mentioned this, but didn't provide a url so here goes: www.pfuca.com One of the two versions evidently has some sort of ibm-style tactile feedback, but I'm not sure if there's an actual clicky-noise. I hope not, I hate
that damned noise.
Ok, good try with the windows keyboard relabelled idea. But explain the misplacement of the pause/etc... buttons, and the extra 3 wake sleep and power buttons then...