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Miniature Keyboards for Linux
Hello, everyone.
I have decided to stop dual-booting (between Linux and Windows) and use the 2.0-GHz Pentium-4 system that I built myself some time ago for SuSE Linux 10.1 (when it is released), and eventually adding other distributions.
I recently purchased a used Dell Dimension 8300 (3.0-GHz Pentium 4) on which I plan to run Windows XP Professional and a free copy of the corporate version of Windows Vista that I will get sometime in 2007 (whenever Vista is released); this machine will be a Windows dual-boot computer.
I have a PS/2 Zonet KVM switch that I plan to use, and I will be ordering a parallel printer A/B switch box to share a laser printer.
My computer workstation's built-in keyboard/mouse shelf has limited space. I had to cut one-third of a mouse pad off in order to get a standard PS/2 keyboard and optical PS/2 mouse to fit on this shelf, and there is still very little space.
Can anyone recommend a miniature PS/2 keyboard for use with Linux (and Windows) that does not have some of the awkward key layouts that I have seen in the mini keyboards by BTC, Adesso, and the Happy Hacker?
I remember finding miniature ADB keyboards for pre-G4 Power Macintosh computers -- with key layouts that were basically the same as a full-sized keyboard; they simply lacked the numeric keypad. I have not, however, during hours of Web searching, found a miniature PS/2 keyboard that I consider to have a "natural" key layout.
I would be grateful for any recommendations or suggestions, or any comments based upon personal experience (such as whether a particular keyboard is a high-quality, durable product).
Thank you very much, in advance, for your help!
Cordially,
David
--
<http://ddickerson.igc.org/ >
Linux Distribution: Debian GNU/Linux (Desktop & Server)
Registered Linux User # 315892
* * *
< http://ddickerson.igc.org/>
"In a world of absurdity, we must
invent reason; we must create
beauty out of nothingness."
-- Elie Wiesel
Gary Arthur Weaver: 18 July 1942 - 29 December 2006
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I have no idea about the keyboard, but don't plan on easily dual booting vista:
http://www.theregister.com/2006/04/27/schneier_infosec/
It's all about the lock-in.....
Need help in realtime? Visit us at #linuxnewbie on irc.libera.chat
Few of us will do as much for our fellow man as he has done.
--Andrew Morton on RMS
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Ah, but if you format the drive ahead of time it'll let you install it on a NTFS or FAT partition. At least so says Slashdot...
As to the keyboards, I don't know. Have you tried looking on Thinkgeek or Newegg?
Edit: Scratch Thinkgeek, nothing there. How about
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823111005
at Newegg?
Last edited by Wurm; 05-01-2006 at 01:07 AM.
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Re: Miniature Keyboards for Linux
Originally Posted by Wurm
Ah, but if you format the drive ahead of time it'll let you install it on a NTFS or FAT partition. At least so says Slashdot...
As to the keyboards, I don't know. Have you tried looking on Thinkgeek or Newegg?
Edit: Scratch Thinkgeek, nothing there. How about
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823111005
at Newegg?
Hello, Wurm.
I'll try to find that Slashdot article, although I am not sure exactly to what it replies. We've covered quite a bit of material in this thread.
Thanks for the URL for the keyboard, but it has a trackball and appears to have some Windows "hot keys."
Another problem I am finding with most keyboards coming out now is that they all have Windows "hot keys," which I doubt would have any use with Linux. (I have not searched this forum.)
Aside: I remember the days of the metal IBM keyboards. They were built like tanks! I actually found a box of grungy ones at my local Computer Renaissance store a few years ago, and I should have bought one. I don't think they'd ever wear out (but they were definitely not "miniature").
Thanks.
Cordially,
David
Linux Distribution: Debian GNU/Linux (Desktop & Server)
Registered Linux User # 315892
* * *
< http://ddickerson.igc.org/>
"In a world of absurdity, we must
invent reason; we must create
beauty out of nothingness."
-- Elie Wiesel
Gary Arthur Weaver: 18 July 1942 - 29 December 2006
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Re: Miniature Keyboards for Linux
Hello, je_fro.
Originally Posted by je_fro
Actually, I am not sure that BitLocker Drive Encryption applies to my situation.
I got sick of dual-booting between Windows XP Profesional and SuSE Linux, so I bought a second PC. I will be running Linux distributions only on the computer I built myself, and Windows on the other computer, until I can eventually dump Windows.
In other words, I will be dual-booting Windows XP Pro and the copy of Vista that I am receiving as payment for a Linux Web advertisement that I wrote (ironic, is it not?).
I plan to use my self-built, original PC as a separate Linux box, but keep Windows around, because I am a technical writer and, unfortunately, most companies for which I work standardize on Windows tools.
To save desktop space, however, I was planning on using a KVM switch, but the BitLocker Drive Encryption in Vista may prevent me from doing so, and I don't have space for two monitors and two keyboards on my big workstation. (My small workstation has a Power Mac on it.)
Ironically, my larger workstation has room for two computers and one 21-inch, CRT monitor, but I am cramped for space with a standard PS/2 keyboard, even though I have a neat "Linux keyboard" (with Tux instead of the Windows logo). I barely have room to move my mouse with a full-sized keyboard.
Thanks!
Cordially,
David
--
<http://ddickerson.igc.org/>
Linux Distribution: Debian GNU/Linux (Desktop & Server)
Registered Linux User # 315892
* * *
< http://ddickerson.igc.org/>
"In a world of absurdity, we must
invent reason; we must create
beauty out of nothingness."
-- Elie Wiesel
Gary Arthur Weaver: 18 July 1942 - 29 December 2006
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If there's a G4 keyboard you like, can you just buy that and get an adapter for it. Inelegant, true, but might be your surest bet.
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just stumbled across this -- looks like a standard layout
http://www.casco.com/products.htm
Maybe try contacting them and see who sells their products retail.
Rick D.
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Originally Posted by rdeschene2
Don't bother. Membrane keyboards are pure crap.
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Re: Miniature Keyboards for Linux
Originally Posted by rdeschene2
Hello, Rick!
Thank you for the suggestion.
I wonder what a "scissors keycap" is?
I want to have a compact, standard keyboard that is compatible with Linux, but I'd love to have one without a Windows key.
I have researched the Happy Hacker keyboard, but I fear that I might find it awkward to use, based upon reviews by many users. I have never seen any miniature keyboard in a retail store, allowing me to try it -- which is the ideal way to shop for a keyboard.
Thanks!
Cordially,
David
Linux Distribution: Debian GNU/Linux (Desktop & Server)
Registered Linux User # 315892
* * *
< http://ddickerson.igc.org/>
"In a world of absurdity, we must
invent reason; we must create
beauty out of nothingness."
-- Elie Wiesel
Gary Arthur Weaver: 18 July 1942 - 29 December 2006
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http://www.pckeyboard.com/surfer.html
This looks neat. It at least has an integrated pointer, which I know the Happy Hacker is a lacker on. But, it's basically a laptop keyboard. In the name of space, could you live with something like that?
Registered Linux user #230403! Since March 2001! YAY.
Try doing a forum search or a google search before asking a question. And please don't use HELP! in the topic of your post... it's so lame... Please don't PM me for help-- post a question in the forum instead.
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Re: Miniature Keyboards for Linux
Originally Posted by Alex Cavnar, aka alc6379
http://www.pckeyboard.com/surfer.html
This looks neat. It at least has an integrated pointer, which I know the Happy Hacker is a lacker on. But, it's basically a laptop keyboard. In the name of space, could you live with something like that?
Hello, Alex.
Thank you for the suggestion!
I have never been able to use those integrated pointers, although the concept is great!
I came across another MightyMouse keyboard at the same site without the pointer, but the price of $99.00 US is out of my range. This is exactly the type of keyboard that I want, however, Alex -- no hot keys and it should be sturdy at that price.
I really appreciate your helpful suggestion, however, Alex!
Cordially,
David
Linux Distribution: Debian GNU/Linux (Desktop & Server)
Registered Linux User # 315892
* * *
< http://ddickerson.igc.org/>
"In a world of absurdity, we must
invent reason; we must create
beauty out of nothingness."
-- Elie Wiesel
Gary Arthur Weaver: 18 July 1942 - 29 December 2006
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Originally Posted by Alex Cavnar, aka alc6379
http://www.pckeyboard.com/surfer.html
This looks neat. It at least has an integrated pointer, which I know the Happy Hacker is a lacker on. But, it's basically a laptop keyboard. In the name of space, could you live with something like that?
Looks very much like IBM Space Saver II (nipple and all). I've tried to find one with FIN/SWE layout for some time, but no luck. I guess IBM hasn't made these for a while.
ladoga
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http://www.pckeyboard.com/pdf/Emulator.pdf
Velcro one of these to the server rack, and you're in business.
Anyway, I'll dig around in what I have in the shop...LOL...might come up with something.
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http://shop2.outpost.com/product/363...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG
That's the mini I use. Got to have USB support and all that jazz. I use this one because all my boxes that use this mini keyboard are 'legacy free'.
"There's a big difference between "copy" and "use". It's exatcly the same
issue whether it's music or code. You can't re-distribute other peoples
music (becuase it's _their_ copyright), but they shouldn't put limits on
how you personally _use_ it (because it's _your_ life)."
--Linus Torvalds
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Re: Miniature Keyboards for Linux
Originally Posted by voidinit
Hello, voidinit.
Thank you for the suggestion!
I came across this keyboard early on in my search, but my KVM switch is PS/2. (I wish that there were a PS/2 version!)
In addition, I have heard that on some Linux systems (perhaps ones that are not "legacy free," and I am not sure if mine is), one should have a PS/2 keyboard, because in certain problem situations, the USB driver won't be loaded and you end up with no keyboard access (to 'vi', for example). Does this comment make any sense?
Basically, my setup requires PS/2, because of the KVM switch.
I may have to keep using my two-thirds of a mouse pad and continue using a standard keyboard. I have very little room for my mouse, however.
There is the $100 (US) PS/2 keyboard, but it's out of my price range right now.
Oh, well... It's not the end of the world.
Thanks, again!
Cordially,
David
Linux Distribution: Debian GNU/Linux (Desktop & Server)
Registered Linux User # 315892
* * *
< http://ddickerson.igc.org/>
"In a world of absurdity, we must
invent reason; we must create
beauty out of nothingness."
-- Elie Wiesel
Gary Arthur Weaver: 18 July 1942 - 29 December 2006
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