[kasperl]

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?

[Grey Wolf]

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.

[an0n]

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?

[beatspete]

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.

[kode]

search for "hacker keyboard" on google.
or thinkgeek.

[mikhael]

"Happy Hacking Keyboard" is the one I recommend.

[kasperl]

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......

[WMCoolmon]

Why settle for cheap imitations when you could buy a real laptop and rip out the keyboard?

[kasperl]

i already have a laptop, and i like that keyboard right where it is.....

and having a real numpad is rather nice, IMO.

[mikhael]

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.

[Bobboau]

but then you could bost that you did it.

[kasperl]

i'd rather have a fully working set up, thank you very much........

[WMCoolmon]

Er, that post was somewhat tongue-in-cheek...if you actually did it I would be awed at your geekdom, however.

[kasperl]

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.

[Grey Wolf]

That's the hard part. Most pseudo-notebook keyboards lack a numpad.

[kode]

well, he could get a stand-alone numpad if he really wanted to.

[kasperl]

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?

[Grey Wolf]

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.

[Taristin]

...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.

[kasperl]

GW: that looks nice, really. i'll get my local computer shop to order it.