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Comfort

The most important thing to note when buying a new keyboard is if it’s comfortable or not. Comfort options on a keyboard include whether the keyboard has larger keys if needed, and if the keys it does have are easy to press. Keyboards also come in all different shapes and sizes, to accommodate the different sized hands of different people. Another common feature that comes with certain keyboards is a front hand rest that can help reduce strain during long term use. When considering all of these options, it’s most important to follow the simple advice that you must consider exactly what you’re looking for and try to match that with a desired product.

Extras and Features

“What extras and features can a keyboard have?” you might ask. Well, keyboards can feature a myriad of extra options such as volume control and even a stop and start button for your favorite MP3 program. For example, the Logitech G15 features a screen that displays the name of the song you’re currently listening to, while offering sound controls, next song, previous song, and pause options all on the keyboard! It’s also important to note if the keyboard has extra bind ready buttons. By bind ready I mean that these keys can be bound to whatever you want for use in multimedia programs and online video games. If you’re using Photoshop this bind ready button may be able to save your program with the press of a single key.

Connection

Another important factor to consider when you’re buying a new keyboard is whether or not it can fit into your desired connection. Most keyboards now come standard as USB, while some computers or old keyboards utilize ADP connections. Also always remember to question whether or not you want to deal with the hassles that come with a wireless keyboard, or if you’d rather just get a standard wired cord.

The most important thing to do when purchasing your keyboard is making sure you buy one that’s comfortable and that has any special features you may want. If you review the advice given in this article, you will make the correct choice when buying your new keyboard.

Photo Credits: splorp

Originally posted 2009-12-04 03:25:41.

Get your game on!

Video games are all about precision as well as reaction times or speed, so why not make sure that your mouse is up to snuff to deal with the competitive nature of new games? There is definitely a difference in using a plain USB mouse that costs $5 and using a quality gaming mouse with enhanced dpi that has extra buttons among other features. What’s dpi, and what extra features do some mice offer? This article will educate you on a few different mice that are considered great quality for gaming and the features that they provide.

1) Logitech G5- The Logitech G5 is an excellent choice for those looking to be competitive of those who’re simply looking for a higher quality in there mouse. The G5 offers a button in the middle that allows you to change your dpi (dots per inch) settings on the fly, which can make your mouse feel much more sensitive and responsive. It’s important to note, though, that the DPI can be turned down if you feel its set too high. The G5 also has 2 mouse buttons on its side as well as a middle scroll bar and middle mouse button. These extra keys that can be bound in games increase its functionality. This mouse even offers weighting that can change the overall weight of your mouse accordingly! The G5 can be yours for $50.

2) Razer Series- I’m posting this set of mice as a series, simply because it’s hard to narrow down to one specific mouse as many people like the different weights and feels of each specific mouse. Razer mice always offer a high dpi, and are almost always more visually appealing from a ‘cool’ point of view. If you’re a simplistic person though, the G5 will be more up your alley in regards to aesthetics. Razer mice are commended for being comfortable for use, and they come in large and small models offering you a wide array to choose from. The common complaint against Razer is their expensive price, they’re almost exclusively $50+.

3) Microsoft Sidewinder- A new series by Microsoft, the sidewinder has made a decent entrance into the world of gaming mice by offering a high 2000dpi coupled with 9 buttons, of which 5 are programmable. The mouse includes adjustable weights and even different feet for the mouse that gives a different gliding feeling. The sidewinder is listed at all different price ranges depending on the model ranging from $30 to $50.

Most gaming mice boil down to what feel you like on your mouse, and for this reason it’s very important that you try to find them in a retail store and feel them before ordering. These mice are sure to boost your performance in any online game and will be leaving you most satisfied.

Photo Credits: William Hook

Originally posted 2009-11-12 03:30:50.

Keyboard Cleaning

Things you will need

Find a very soft brush, a cleaning cloth, and a cleaning fluid that is made for computers and electronics. You don’t want to use a firm or wire brush or cleaning products that contain too much alcohol because the keys take enough wear and tear on a routine day they don’t need to have the letters scrubbed off.

Don’t be afraid to take things apart.

You can get by with compressed air and holding the laptop upside down and shaking it out for so long. Sooner or later you need to take the keyboard apart and clean underneath. Many people look at taking their keyboards out with the same fear as open heart surgery, but really this process is literally a snap.

Simple steps to follow

First turn the laptop off. Power it down and turn it off completely. Then you are going to disconnect the keyboard from the computer. Each model is different so consult your user’s manual for the best method of accomplishing this. Should you have lost the manual turn the laptop back on and search for a copy online.

Now with the laptop off and the keyboard disconnect pop the keys out. You can use a small screwdriver or car keys to do this. If you are a hunt and peck typist this could be an issue. While this might seem sort of funny, unless you have the arrangement of letters memorized you might want to do only remove a few at a time.

Soak the keys for a few minutes in warm water. Look at each one and if you find one with grime or smudges that the water didn’t affect then spray the cloth with the cleaner and rub the key until it is clean. Don’t use paper towels for this since you will find yourself chasing the smudge around and leaving tiny pieces of paper behind instead of getting much cleaning done.

Putting it back together

Wait until the keys are completely dry before popping them back in. While you are waiting use compressed air to clean out the underside where the keys attach and look for anything like dog hair or dust bunnies that can get between the connections and the keys. Anything you can’t get out with compressed air carefully pluck out with a pair of tweezers.

Return the keys and reconnect the keyboard. Turn the laptop back on and perform a check to see that everything is responding. You will really enjoy the feeling of typing without grit under the keys.

Photo Credits: footloosiety

Originally posted 2010-05-30 03:42:56.

Need a new mouse?

The mouse is probably the most essential part of many users experience with computers. Your mouse can affect the ease of browsing around the internet, or your competitiveness in online games. If a mouse is that important, what should you look for when you’re buying a mouse? This article will tell you the most important features to consider before buying a new mouse.

Size

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when purchasing your new mouse is to consider the size and the shape of the mouse. Since you will likely be using the mouse every time you use your computer, it’s very important that you find one that your hand feels comfortable on and that feels right while you’re moving it. Some mice also come with different weight settings which may offer a deeper customization for you.

Type

There are many kinds of mice nowadays; the most common now are cord and wireless mice. It’s important to mention that there are ball mice vs. optical mice, but in this day and age it’s very likely that you will be purchasing an optical mouse. What could possibly be the advantage of using a wired mouse instead of a wireless one many people ask. Wireless mice are often more responsive as they’re connected directly, and they don’t require you to recharge or buy batteries, a common annoyance of using a wireless mouse. Wireless mice are very convenient for laptop users who still need a mouse or people that simply can’t afford to run another cord around their desk.

Connection

This is probably not a major concern for people anymore, but it’s still important to realize that there is more than one connection type for mice. Besides the standard USB port, there are ADP mice that still may be a part of your computer. These mice are often more difficult to find and you may need to pay extra attention to the kind of mouse you’re buying if your computer doesn’t have a USB port. Alternatively, if you bought an ADP mouse you can also buy a USB to ADP converter.
Speed

More importantly for power users, mouse speed is a common concern for online gamers as well as those who need to tone up or down the sensitivity of their mice. Mouse speed is measured in DPI (dots per inch), which measures the speed of your mouse with a higher value appearing to be a much faster speed.

As stated, the mouse is an integral part of your computer, and should selected carefully so that your experience is comfortable and enjoyable. It’s important to consider your needs and to go to the store and try out a few different mice before buying them.

Photo Credits: HckySo

Originally posted 2009-12-05 03:27:13.