6 May
2012
6 May
'12
10:52 a.m.
On May 5, 2012, at 11:02 PM, Lance Lyon wrote:
-----Original Message-----
From: cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org]
On Behalf Of Mouse
Sent: Sunday, 6 May 2012 2:12 PM
To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
Subject: Re: What's the point of USB keyboards+mice = Re: EPROM and EEPROM
I agree. All keyboards and mice (from original PC) had a micro controller in them
(original was 8048). So arguing that USB *requires* more intelligence (as in the AT/PS2
keyboard/mouse doesn't) is wrong. OK, the stack is a little more involved but hard
coding a stack for a simple device isn't all that hard.
What USB does do, is (and what Apple and other MFR's have followed suit albeit more
slowly) that there isn't a proliferation of connectors on the PC. Sourcing,
stocking,
managing multiple parts is expensive. Reducing the number of parts reduces costs.
The other thing that USB allows, is that (especially in the case of Apple) if the
keyboard
has a hub, you can plug the mouse (or what ever) into the keyboard. I then only need 1
cable winding its way to the machine. USB memory sticks are convenient to plug into the
keyboard. Don't have to reach down and find a spot for it on the back of the
machine.
And as many have mentioned previously, you don't have to explain to folks that the
mouse
and keyboard connectors while they look the same have to be plugged into different
sockets.
The crap about "well users should know better" is just that?crap. Good
design/engineering
doesn't require the user to make up for the shortfalls/short sightedness of the
design.
TTFN - Guy
>> I agree with him. USB is great for
hardware makers, since it
>> enforces obsolescence, thus ensuring a stream of new sales [...]
> No more than any standard does. USB has been around for a long time
> now, the Molotovs and placards are a bit on the late side.
But the discussion isn't how long USB has had
a spec, or how long it's
existed on the lab bench. It's about its appearance in mass-market
machines, and, more specifically, its being imposed (ie, no alternative
provided) for the connection of low-speed HCI devices such as keyboards
and mice.
USB is fine, in ts place. But I'm with tony
in that I think that that
place does not, possibly excepting some ridiculously space-constrained
designs, include keyboards and mice.
What the USB naysayers haven't said though is exactly why USB is not
suitable for keyboards and mice.