- Ergonomic keyboard for use with WinXP and Dell
- Posted by Steven O. on April 22nd, 2006
The (relatively) short version: I need to get an ergonomic keyboard
-- the kind that's curved, and with the keys split into two groups,
one on the left, and one on the right -- for use with WinXP. Besides
being ergonomic, the crucial requirement is that I don't need to
install any special drivers, other than those which WinXP might
install automatically. (In other words, no drivers from a CD.) The
keyboard will be connected to a Dell desktop computer which does not
have a PS2 port, only USB connections, so I need a USB keyboard.
Suggestions for brands -- preferably something I can pick up at
CompUSA or BestBuy -- would be appreciated.
Extra info: I've just started a job at a new company. The won't
provide an ergonomic keyboard without a doctor's note, but they say
it's okay if I bring in my own. However, like many companies these
days, they are hyper-concerned about anyone installing any software on
the computer without ten signatures from the SysAdmin staff. So,
that's why I need a keyboard that doesn't try to install any extra
drivers or software.
(I'm not even sure I have privileges to install any software or
drivers. The computer already has a standard Dell keyboard attached,
so if the new keyboard ran off the identical driver that's already in
use, that would be ideal.)
At home I use an ergonomic keyboard which I purchased from CompUSA
some years ago -- it was the store brand in fact. I really like it,
but it uses a PS2 connection. I have an extra keyboard just like it.
As a test, I tried using a PS2 to USB adapter, and connected it to the
home computer (which uses Win2000, not XP). The lights on the
keyboard flashed a few times in some funny pattern, indicating it was
getting power, but it would not function when I tried typing. I'm not
going to risk trying it at work.
So, I'm seeking suggestions for other ergonomic keyboards that can
connect to USP under XP, and that will be trouble-free in terms of
software installation. If anyone has actually used the CompUSA
keyboard that they sold a few years back (not sure if they are still
selling it now), I'd love to find a keyboard with a similar feel,
shape, and layout.
All feedback is much appreciated.
Steve O.
"Spying On The College Of Your Choice" -- How to pick the college that is the Best Match for a high school student's needs.
www.SpyingOnTheCollegeOfYourChoice.com
- Posted by Ronnie Vernon MVP on April 22nd, 2006
"Steven O." <null@null.com> wrote in message news:ihel425lknlehmp74gou9ab7v8udj5pkji@4ax.com...
Why not simply visit Compusa and see if they have the same or similar keyboard? Most keyboards sold today have an optional USB connection and do not require additional drivers.
--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User
- Posted by Steven O. on April 23rd, 2006
On Sat, 22 Apr 2006 16:41:23 -0700, "Ronnie Vernon MVP"
<ronv@mvps.org> wrote:
OP: The last time I looked -- which was not recently, I admit -- but
CompUSA was not carrying their store-brand keyboard anymore, or at
least it was out of stock. Maybe there were in the process of
changing the design or something. (Probably it was an OEM keyboard
that they stuck their label on, and maybe it's not even made any
more.) I will in fact check again, but I thought that before going
shopping, I want some other recommendations in hand.
"Spying On The College Of Your Choice" -- How to pick the college that is the Best Match for a high school student's needs.
www.SpyingOnTheCollegeOfYourChoice.com
- Posted by Glen on April 23rd, 2006
How about a Microsoft one? It worked on mine without using any install CD
"Steven O." <null@null.com> wrote in message
news:ihel425lknlehmp74gou9ab7v8udj5pkji@4ax.com...
- Posted by Tonyo UK on April 23rd, 2006
I'm English, but even I know of Staples, Ofice Depot and Circuit City. I bet
they all have keyboards.
"Steven O." wrote:
- Posted by Gene K on April 23rd, 2006
Many stores have the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 [wired] plus
the wireless versions of several others.
--
Gene K
- Posted by Plato on April 23rd, 2006
Steven O. wrote:
I like the MS Natural Keyboards.
--
http://www.bootdisk.com/
- Posted by David Candy on April 23rd, 2006
Most drivers supplied with keyboards are need for only certain keys to be usefull. Standard keys AZaz09 etc don't require anything extra.
--
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to lose a war in Iraq
http://webdiary.com.au/cms/?q=node/1335#comment-48641
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"Steven O." <null@null.com> wrote in message news:cfhl42djb33kgij7e5vfnb4chtelflstil@4ax.com...
- Posted by GHalleck on April 23rd, 2006
Steven O. wrote:
<<snipped>>
Get the Doctor's note as an added precaution. If you are in
the US (and maybe elsewhere), there are regulations and laws
that may require the company to provide you with an ergonomic
keyboard. This mitigates the need for you to obtain your own
compatible keyboard (and at your cost?) and also to install
it properly.
- Posted by Thomas Wendell on April 23rd, 2006
Any ergo keyboard you can find. The drivers are usually just for the extra
keys, multimedia, office etc......
--
Tumppi
=================================
Most learned on these newsgroups
Helsinki, FINLAND
(translations from/to FI not always accurate
=================================
"Steven O." <null@null.com> kirjoitti
viestissä:ihel425lknlehmp74gou9ab7v8udj5pkji@4ax.c om...
- Posted by paulmd@efn.org on April 26th, 2006
Ronnie Vernon MVP wrote:
Even if you do have one of the USB keyboards that have drivers, the
dirvers are for extra programmable buttons and things. THere is no real
need to install the software for one of those type of keyboards.
