keyboard layouts

[theTAO]

In my experience, pcguide.com the fussiest web site of its kind...which I say as a huge compliment, and is exactly why I'm posting here. ;-)

I'm building a Linux box, on which I'll also be running other non-Windows OS's, and am trying to get components and peripherals that best suit this environment. The only place I'm getting stuck is the keyboard. I'm trying to buy a 104-key USB keyboard without any of the gimicks (multimedia buttons, power buttons, hubs, wireless support, integrated touchpad/trackball, etc.), which I'm finding is almost impossible. A number of sites say they still sell these beasts (like the Belkin F8E206-USB), but when I pressure them, the result is always that their description is wrong. A Mac keyboard might do, but I'm not keen on paying $50+, nor do I like that big, ugly power button. Two questions:

1) The PCGuide keyboard section dates to pre-Win98 days, before the 107-key layout. Would anybody tell me what a 105-key keyboard might look like? I picture either a European-style keyboard, a Mac-like keyboard with that power button, or a Mac-like keyboard with a regular-sized + key on the keypad. The Belkin keyboard I mentioned once came in a 105-key variety (Belkin changes their designs while keeping the same model number).

2) Would anybody recommend some web sites where discontinued keyboards go to die? ;-) I know a bunch of dealers who sell things like closeout hard drives, but closeout keyboards aren't usually a hot item.

Thanks!

Todd

[YODA74]

http://www.cyrillic.com/kbd/norwegian.gif
This keyboard follows the standard 105-key layout used in Norway.

or>>>>>>>//I think IBM makes these key boards? I do have an old IBM keyboard in the attic it's been there for years I think (if i can remember)
It is a 6-pin PS/2-style?105 key I'd have to drag it out to see,scarry place the Attic. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif if you want I will look to make sure what it is take a picture of it E-mail you the pic if you want it just pay for the S&h.

http://www.cyrillic.com/kbd/uk.gif
This keyboard follows the standard 105-key layout used in the U.K.

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Death has come to our windows.

-- Jeremiah 9:21
(undoubtedly a Biblical reference to a Microsoft product!)

YODA74@carolina.rr.com

[This message has been edited by YODA74 (edited 03-06-2002).]

[ozasaurus]

Would you mind posting the sites you use for close-out hardware?

[mjc]

Actually I am currently using one of those old, indestructable IBM beasts (104 key)....I like the feel and the sound it makes (just like somebody took an IBM Selectric and threw away the rest of the typewriter), but it is PS/2 (as matter of fact, you can't very much more PS/2...I have the rest of the IBM PS/2 it came with to go with it..... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif, no not currently in use...it needs a new drive), plus it weighs about a ton and a half, so when I put it on the desk it stays put.

For older, closeout hardware I usually use CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com/)

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[Jumby]

Hey mjc, I just want to tell you what a visit that was in your post, mentioning Selectric typwriters. Way back when, I used to sell office supplies and was the king of ribbons. I knew every number for every ribbon anybody wanted. The Selectrics, Selectric II's, III's, etc. Man, I hadn't thought about that for years. Thanks for the memories.

[Paleo Pete]

I'm using the exact same keyboard as mjc, we've discussed them on IRC at times, and I love it. Been using this one for about 5 years now. It's outlasted about 6 new keyboards. I went through that many before I found out about these, I get them at resale shops now and then. The IBM I'm using was made in 1993, and was dropped on the sidewalk before I got it home, built like a tank and is apparently indestructible. Works on anything I've found so far from 286 up, with an AT adapter or as PS/2.

If you don't like the "clicker" type like this one, (as mjc said just like the old Selectric typewriters, I used to have one...) you can also find "soft touch" keyboards but usually only used ones these days. Check resale shops, garage sales, flea markets. The occasional computer shop may have a couple too, if you can find one that deals in used parts. CSO has been known to carry them at times too, you never know what they might have. Call their 800 number and ask, describe what you want and they might be able to tell you if they have that type.

I don't miss the Windows key at all, [Ctrl]+[Esc] opens the Start menu, so I really don't need it either...

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If your nose runs and your feet smell...
You're built upside down!
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