I too seem to wear out key caps, that is, the paint wears off
them. This is kind of OK, since I am a touch typist...
I typically have been purchasing upper end Logitech
keyboard/mouse combos that use the USB dongle. Why? because I
connect it to a KVM switch so that they switch between the
machines I am using (up to 4) on my desktop.
I would love to find better keyboards. Thankfully I don't drink
carbonated beverages that contain sugar or acids, so when I get a
spill, I can grab a can of compressed air and blow it out
quickly. But still, I have to replace the keyboard about every
other year. I had track balls, but can't find one now that I
really like. I want them wireless because I had so many wires
running across my desk, it was becoming a problem, even with a
KVM switch (I have other stuff, like VOIP desktop phones, and
speakers...
And I too have the problem of, productivity = being able to work
from home. I am much more productive here than in an office with
continual interruptions.
So, anyone know of a good keyboard mouse combo, you have my
attention.
Steve Thompson
On 7/4/2023 8:08 PM, Farley, Peter wrote:
+1 from me. I am completely converted to using the MS "Natural 4000" style of
"ergonomic" keyboard (curved, split keyboard but normal 102+ keys), I find it far more
comfortable for the large amount of typing I do for work and play.
I tend to wear out the keycaps long before the rest of the keyboard gets old
and cranky. Replacement keycap stickers work for a while, but I wear them out
too.
I'm on my fourth (or maybe fifth?) version of that keyboard, and IMHO the
under-US$60 cost is a reasonable amount to pay for my typing comfort. 1.5-2
years is a reasonable ROI for me.
I never saw the attraction of "mechanical" keystroke sound and feeling. It
never really did anything for me, though I remember it very well from the real-iron 3270
hardware I used. I am told gamers love those sounds and feelings though.
Peter
-----Original Message-----
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> On Behalf Of
Steve Smith
Sent: Tuesday, July 4, 2023 7:27 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Programming Hardware
imho, investing in the tools of my trade is a no-brainer. For us, it's far
cheaper than many professions. A mechanical-switch keyboard is worth it, even
if it only lasts for a year. (I (so far) haven't ruined one with a spill, and
both are going strong after several years. Decent ones can be had for $60-80.
Another option is old mechanical-switch keyboards from the '80s... if you
happen to have an old IBM PS/2 one laying around, check eBay for how much
they're worth. DIN/USB converters are cheap.
The one thing Microsoft does well is mouses. Logitech is also good. The ones
I use average around $60 each. I usually use wired for the best in precision,
and just to avoid battery changes... but it's a fine line, good wireless mouses
seem to have imperceptible lag these days.
I have a 32" 2K monitor. I didn't really go high-end on that, maybe $500.
My paycheck depends on my productivity, and these not only directly help with
that, they make me feel better. Quality matters, and compared to the fact that
my work takes up 1/3 of my time, 1/2 my energy, and provides my means of
living, the costs are trivial.
When I have to use a laptop as-is, it's always a grind... maybe half-speed.
And that's if I have a mouse handy. If I'm stuck with touchpad/eraserhead,
maybe half of that.
sas
On Tue, Jul 4, 2023 at 5:50 PM Bob Bridges <robhbrid...@gmail.com> wrote:
...
But, oh boy, do I miss tactile feedback! IBM's software is famously
hard to use, but their hardware is reliably exceptional. Heck, I
liked the old Selectrics, too.
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