Keyboards

[Janice]

I need a new keyboard. I have cleaned mine, but it is a couple years old and the keys still stick. It is a Logitech and I like it, but are there any others out there better that is compatible to my Compaq?

Thanks, BobbySocks

[ict1523]

I had to get a new keyboard too. Mine was a Microsoft and at first when someone spilled coke over it the keys stuck but I cleaned it and then it was ok. Then I spilled iced tea all over it and that is when it screwed up. It typed giberish instead of the keys I pressed. Now I have another microsoft keyboard, and it great. Comfortable and quick to type on, it has my favorite buttons on it, and increase of volume etc., calculator button as well as the usual my pictures, my documents, web/home, mail etc. I'm sure it would be compatible with your computer and it is cheap ($29.99). I think its an IntelliType Pro 5.2.

[Persepone]

The worst keyboard gunk I know of happened to my old compaq luggable (from early 1980s).

I lent it to a friend who took it to her grandmother's house and getting out of her car, she put it on the ground--and her grandmother raises chickens... For those who remember that computer, the keyboard was on the bottom and the "mud" from the chicken yard got into the keyboard, along with some stray feathers and other unmentionable yukky stuff...

I cleaned it out, and the keyboard worked (it actually still works today in 2005) but the computer has never smelled the same....

So even if you "can" clean a computer keyboard, perhaps you shouldn't...

Probably any computer keyboard you buy today will be compatible with your computer... They are very standard items.

[HurriCat]

Shouldn't any USB or PS2 keyboard work w. your PC? I think that things like motherboards and even some hard drives might be "proprietary" to where they must be the same manfacturers' product.

I needed a small keyboard, and I LOVE the little "clicky buttons" on notebook computers. I found: ZippyWK712 keyboard for about $30. Very small, light and has a brushed-metal appearance that is way- in the blue-purple glow of the illuminated USB 2.0 mini-hub I hid under the top shelf of my PC furniture. Check out the net for other Zippy models.

For heavy-duty typing, like for work or a lot of Storm 2K'ing, the plain old Microsoft 'boards are great - especially the "wave" ones which are more hand/wrist friendly.

TIP: I put those little self-adhesive felt pads on my keyboards "feet" and legs. It now slides about easily, better for tucking away under the top shelf if I need to use pen and paper or let one of the cats aboard for a visit.

Keyboard story: I was talking to receptionist to get going on a phone repair ticket. She had just dumped a big ol' 7/11 styro-cuppa-coffee right on her keyboard. Tech-dude arrives, new keyboard under his arm. He picks up the old board and squints at it. "Did the coffee have cream and sugar?" Receptionist says yes. Tech-dude immediately twists a bit at the waist and (whee!) drops dead keyboard into the trash can. I guess they can take black coffee, unsweetened tea or just water. The sugary goo from sugar and creamers spell doom. With digital phones, forget it - any liquid gets inside and it's probably a goner. We had many KIA from 409 and other cleaners being sprayed directly onto the sets. Just dampen a clean rag instead and gently wipe the phone. It will stay happy that way.

[Guest]

Suggestion when cleaning a keyboard:

If you plan to remove keys to get the gunk from inside the device, some pointers:

1. Make an outline of where the keys go, especially the "special" keys such as Home, Delete, Insert, Control, Alt, etc. Dlelete and Insert are most difinetely important NOT to get crossed.

2. Use a specially-made key-puller. Do NOT be tempted to use a sharp pen, keys, screwdrivers, or scissors to "pluck" them out. I learned my lesson the hard way one afternoon. I had always used an object such as a key or screw without much trouble. One afternoon, I got a little into the spirit of cleaning a bit too far. I wound up puncturing the small place holder for the key to "bounce" up and down in! It only too one side out, but the button needs ALL four sides of the "base" or well to work right, or it may get stuck at times. Needless to say it was off to Best Buy to purchase a new keyboard.

[mf_dolphin]

Basic PC keyboards are universal so any one you choose will work on a Compaq. The fancier keyboards that have volume controls from the DVD/CD will come with a driver disk sometimes that you will have to install to use the non-standard functions.

[drudd1]

I went to a Logitech Internet Navigator Keyboard a while ago and love it.