29 Aug
2004
29 Aug
'04
2:29 a.m.
Hi, gang,
*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********
On 26-Aug-04 at 09:05 Mark Wickens wrote:
OK, this one is bound to get a few responses:
List the best keyboards you have ever used. You might like the feel,
number of function keys, layout (let's not forget Dvorak or more esoteric designs)
<snippety>
Youbetcha! In sequence...
--Original IBM 101-key PS/2 "clicker." Still use one, would never give it up,
still think it's the best darn unit EVER, in terms of feel, response, and reliability.
Then again, I learned to type on an old Underwood manual typewriter, which probably
explains both my heavy touch (something that pulverizes lesser keyboards over time), and
my liking for solid tactile feedback.
--The Wyse keyboards, such as those that came with the old WysePC 286. The base was just
about as solid as the IBM's, even if they didn't go 'click.'
Those are really the only two I've been able to really 'like.' I tolerate
others, simply because I'm given little choice in the matter (usually work computers,
etc.)
Keep the peace(es).
or
pure keyboard<->computer love (you might really get off on Vaxen).
My list is something like:
1. IBM Model M (original buckle-spring technology, still standing the test
of
time)
2. Unicomp PC 5250 (two rows of function keys at the top upto F24 and a
set of
10 on the left, can be bought new and 'broken in')
3. DEC LK421 (not-often-seen cut-size Unix programmers DEC keyboard)
4. Wyse WY-40 (very nice positive feel with sturdy base)
5. Early Chiconi PC keyboards (hopelessly rattly and cheap but engaging
'click' and quick to type on none-the-less)
6. My college used to have a computer room full of terminals, possibly
Adds,
which had a very nice short travel and positive click keyboard).
7. ZX81 (simply because it was my first computer).
8. Cherry high end keyboards.
9. DEC keyboards with a 'Do' and 'Help' key.
10. SUN keyboards with 'Cut', 'Copy' and 'Paste' keys.
I'm a great fan of dedicated keys, and function keys on the left. Whoever
decided to put the out of reach at the top of the keyboard needs their
head
examining!
There must have been some stonking keyboards attached to more vintage
hardware. I'd love to know about them (if that doesn't sound a bit weird!).
Mark.
--
Mark Wickens
Rhodium Consulting Ltd
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce Lane, Owner & Head Hardware Heavy,
Blue Feather Technologies -- http://www.bluefeathertech.com
kyrrin (at) bluefeathertech do/t c=o=m
"If Salvador Dali had owned a computer, would it have been equipped with surreal
ports?"