Hard Light Productions Forums

Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: kasperl on April 03, 2004, 03:01:24 am

Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kasperl on April 03, 2004, 03:01:24 am
i currently use my laptop for everything, including forum posts and chatting and stuff.

this make my fingers used to a laptop keyboard, and it works like a dream. Untill i have to use my desktop off course. Now, the question is, where can i get a laptop (like) keyboard for my desktop?
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: Grey Wolf on April 03, 2004, 03:47:16 pm
Not sure. I've heard about some keyboards being laptop-like both in size and response, but I can't quite remember which ones. Try skimming through some of the hardware sites for an answer.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: an0n on April 03, 2004, 03:53:15 pm
You tool.

Typing with any keyboard is like riding a bike. A few minutes with the old one and you're back to your best. Unless you've got rickets. You don't have rickets, do you?
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: beatspete on April 03, 2004, 03:54:49 pm
If you were bored / an electronics whizz, you could make your own...

Though yeah, try buying one first.
I have a "cut down" keyboard, its really just rearranged so the Insert, Home, Page Up etc keys are only available on the num pad (fine if you dont use them much). It saves a good bit of space, excellent if you've got a busy desk.

It still handles and feels like a standard keyboard (it is really) so I guess that donest solve your problem.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kode on April 03, 2004, 04:28:42 pm
search for "hacker keyboard" on google.
or thinkgeek.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: mikhael on April 03, 2004, 10:39:37 pm
"Happy Hacking Keyboard" is the one I recommend. :)
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kasperl on April 04, 2004, 03:50:06 am
happy hacking keyboard first gave me some links in japanese or something, and then something with normal key hight but no numpad.

and thinkgeek only has the one from Logitech, at 30 bucks above the logitech price......
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: WMCoolmon on April 04, 2004, 04:06:12 am
Why settle for cheap imitations when you could buy a real laptop and rip out the keyboard? ;)
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kasperl on April 04, 2004, 04:11:03 am
i already have a laptop, and i like that keyboard right where it is.....

and having a real numpad is rather nice, IMO.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: mikhael on April 04, 2004, 06:00:27 pm
Quote
Originally posted by WMCoolmon
Why settle for cheap imitations when you could buy a real laptop and rip out the keyboard? ;)


Because, generally, you can't.

First, the keyboard mesh on most keyboards is unique to the brand and/or model. This isn't usually a problem since most keyboards have the controller built into the keyboard. However, a laptop keyboard doesn't. Its built on to the motherboard of the laptop.

You COULD take the laptop keyboard out and put it in an enclosure, and wire it to the controller from some cheapy keyboard. For this, though, you would have to do a custom cabling job hooking up the key mesh to the controller PCB.

In the end, its really far more work than its worth.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: Bobboau on April 04, 2004, 06:04:30 pm
but then you could bost that you did it. :)
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kasperl on April 05, 2004, 04:50:09 am
i'd rather have a fully working set up, thank you very much........
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: WMCoolmon on April 05, 2004, 05:50:03 am
Er, that post was somewhat tongue-in-cheek...if you actually did it I would be awed at your geekdom, however. :D
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kasperl on April 05, 2004, 06:24:52 am
dunno, i could ask the company i bought the laptop from for a spare keyboard or something, but i most sincerely doubt i'd get it to work.

that, and i want a real numpad.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: Grey Wolf on April 05, 2004, 04:51:33 pm
That's the hard part. Most pseudo-notebook keyboards lack a numpad.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kode on April 05, 2004, 04:55:35 pm
well, he could get a stand-alone numpad if he really wanted to.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kasperl on April 06, 2004, 04:48:52 am
ah, i could, off course, do that.

now, i already checked the logitech site, and got nothing but 1 200 dollar Bluethooth thingy with wireless mouse and speretable numpad with built in calculator and winamp remote. this is nice, though more then just slightly over my budget. any other, serious, suggestions?
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: Grey Wolf on April 06, 2004, 06:31:07 pm
Here:
One laptop-like keyboard, $15.39:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=23-134-021&depa=1
And one USB numpad, $12.19:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=23-119-118&depa=1
Enjoy.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: Taristin on April 06, 2004, 08:46:13 pm
...I always wondered if a cheap $10 keyboard, and the PS/2 to USB plug I have that came with my mouse would let me use it via USB...

Assuming there are generic drivers I can find.
Title: laptop keyboards for desktop computers
Post by: kasperl on April 07, 2004, 04:25:48 am
GW: that looks nice, really. i'll get my local computer shop to order it.