ps2 keyboard won't work

[Guest]

I just got a new Dell computer with windows vista and it only has usb ports
in it which is fine. I want to use my old keyboard which has a ps2 connector
so I got an adapter but the keyboard doesn't work. I tried a couple other ps2
connector type keyboards and they won't work either. I'm disabled and require
a certain type of keyboard so I can't just go out and buy any usb keboard.
Any solutions?

 

[Malke]

don't talk crap. Dell is selling NEW computers with PS2 ports right now!

*You* are the one who is talking cr*p. Most new consumer-level Dells
only have USB ports for keyboard/mouse. A few business-level models and
servers still have ps/2 ports, but that's all. It would be very easy for
an end-user ordering a new Dell to not notice that it didn't have ps/2
ports.


MJP - Unfortunately, you can't use the adapter with your keyboard. You
will need to either find a usb keyboard that meets your needs or contact
Dell for return/replacement of the computer. Explain that you have
special needs and make sure the computer you order has ps/2 ports.


Malke

 

[Steve Urbach]

*You* are the one who is talking cr*p. Most new consumer-level Dells
only have USB ports for keyboard/mouse. A few business-level models and
servers still have ps/2 ports, but that's all. It would be very easy for
an end-user ordering a new Dell to not notice that it didn't have ps/2
ports.

Correct. T
When was the last time you saw a Notebook with a PS/2 port? A SERIAL
port? Many don't even have a LPT port.
OTOH: LAN, USB, S-Video,Fire-wire are now common.

 

[David Sommers]

I ran into the same issue; adapters didn't work, though I am not restricted
to a certain keyboard. I solved the problem by going out and getting a new
keyboard that was USB. I suggest a letter to Microsoft and Dell that their
products are unfriendly to a disabled person.

Bye.

 

[Bruce Jacobs]

There are different levels and qualities of USB to PS2 adapters. The ones
that are very small and look just like some small plug have never worked for
me even on XP or Linux.

after seeing your post, I grabbed the one I have from my laptop bag,
plugged the keyboard I am using now into it and then plugged it into my USB
port. After a minute Vista Ultimate found it and I was ready to rock. I
wish it had a model number on it

It is about 10 inches long, black except for the ps2 connectors, adapts for
both mouse and keyboard and has a bulge in the middle where the cables for
the keyboard and mouse split. I can go back to the store at the end of the
month and look for the model number. It will probably cost about 20 USD.

Good luck
Bruce Jacobs

 

[Guest]

A new keyboard is not so much more expênsive than a good adapter.

 

[Steve Urbach]

A new keyboard is not so much more expênsive than a good adapter.

Except there are old keyboard layouts (and "feel") that people are
used to or "love".
There are no "Standard" keyboards, because there is no "Standard"
layout AND spacing.
10? keys = Yes
But where?
/Most/ have the same arrangement, but the distance from the "home row"
to the number pad "*" varies.
Return (Enter) keys vary (and surrounding keys are displaced
elsewhere). even the placement of the "Inverted T" keys moves.

If you are a "keyboardist", this matters. If you grab the "Rodent" for
most operations, you probably don't care :/
There are old "AT" style keyboards in use in a few MS offices in Mt
View (I have moved them).
I can't figure how the can use it without the "windows and Menu" keys,
but it is "Their" keyboard and the check does not bounce <G>.
BTW My personal "favorite keyboards" are early IBM 104 key ("windows")
or similar Dells.
Heavy, but the keys "feel" rather than "mush" when pressed.