Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (
More info?)
Mason,
All we have around our office and house are computers with old IBM 101-key
clicky keyboards. Whenever I have a spare moment (almost never), I clean them
up and sell them with all brands of refurb gear. I use one to test new
brand-name computers, and to work with all the computers loaded with spyware and
browser hijackers that show up here for repair. But every so often, a computer
refuses to work with the IBM keyboard. I have not kept track of exactly which
brands and models, but $#it happens.
My best guess still remains that HP has somehow departed from a long-time
standard with the 505n. Another reason not by an HP? Because it won't work
reliably with non-HP keyboards? Go figure... Ben Myers
On Wed, 26 May 2004 20:35:17 GMT, Mason A. Clark <masoncNOT@THISix.netcom.comQ>
wrote:
>On Wed, 26 May 2004 12:41:19 GMT, ben_myers_spam_me_not @ charter.net (Ben
>Myers) wrote:
>
>>Maon,
>>
>>PS/2-to-USB adapters are inherently simple devices. A small IC converts the
>>signals from one interface to the other. Except for the larger, more
>>complicated and more functional USB hubs, there is no need for more
>>sophisticated technology here.
>>
>>No driver is required for any basic 101-key or 104-key (Windows!) keyboard. The
>>keyboards with all the silly buttons on the top like the so-called internet
>>keyboards and the other keyboards with special function keys and gizmos are the
>>ones which require drivers to handle the new wave of great functionality. Gag!
>>
>>As a previous posting noted, there is something else going on here. I can't put
>>my finger on it without fingering an actual system and keyboard. My guess is
>>that HP has made a fundamental change in the keyboard circuitry and/or BIOS to
>>lock people into their brand of keyboard. If so, here we go again with yet
>>another attempt to lock people into proprietary garbage! It's the history of
>>the computer industry... Ben Myers
>>
>
>However, right now I'm typing on a (squishy) Kensington keyboard on the HP
>Pavilion 505n. I have only had failure with the 1992 IBM M and an older similar
>Keytronics. The IBM is working perfectly on my old P1 200Mhz ASUS Win 98
>computer.
>
> Mason C
>\
>>On Wed, 26 May 2004 08:00:17 GMT, Mason A. Clark <masoncNOT@THISix.netcom.comQ>
>>wrote:
>>
>>>On Sun, 23 May 2004 04:25:39 GMT, ben_myers_spam_me_not @ charter.net (Ben
>>>Myers) wrote:
>>>
>>>>Mason,
>>>>
>>>>I'm with you on the clickety-click 101-key old IBM keyboard. Hardware
>>>>designers seem to be messing with the chip that handles the keyboard, departing
>>>>from the old standard IC.
>>>>
>>>>Two suggestions:
>>>>
>>>>Try a PS/2-to-USB adapter and plug in the IBM keyboard that way. Let me know if
>>>>it works. The days of the PS/2 "legacy" keyboard connector are numbered.
>>>
>>>I tried a simple five-buck adapter. I suspect a more sophisticated
>>>adapter would be needed. But also assume I'd need a driver -- not
>>>to be found. Maybe I'll explore the local Weird Stuff junk warehouse
>>>for a good keyboard. Buy a dozen for $12 and try them all.
>>>
>>>Or put a new motherboard in my P1 200Mhz and hope.
>>>
>>>>
>>>>Try a newer IBM keyboard. Not nearly as sturdy, but not a bad touch. Dell
>>>>keyboards are decent, too. Not sure about the schlock you find in the retail
>>>>stores... Ben Myers
>>>
>>>I tapped on the local schlock and got the best I found -- it's pretty bad.
>>>
>>>Isn't there some worker's safety law against these things?
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks for the suggestions,
>>>
>>> Mason C
>>>>
>>>>On Sun, 23 May 2004 03:06:04 GMT, MasonC <masonc@ix.netcom.xyz.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>It's time to ask again.
>>>>>
>>>>>My wonderful old IBM clickclack will not work on my HP 505n Pavilion.
>>>>>I tried three keyboards, none worked. They were a blue-label by
>>>>>Lexmark, the old IBM-M, and old Keytronics. All worked on
>>>>>my friend's HP Pavilion 764n. None work on my 505n.
>>>>>
>>>>> My motherboard failed recently (in warranty) and HP replaced it.
>>>>>They took 8 weeks but the good keyboards still don't work.
>>>>>
>>>>>I've tried "everything" including adding recommended two
>>>>>pull-up resistors.
>>>>>
>>>>>Anyone have any idea? My wrists can't stand modern keyboards.
>>>>>
>>>>>Can I turn the IBM keyboard into a wireless USB connection?
>>>>>Can I rewire it?
>>>>>Is there a "modern" good keyboard?
>>>>>
>>>>> Mason C
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>
>