Things to Consider When Buying a Keyboard

How To Computer — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:23:15 +0000

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Ever used a computer with just a mouse and without a keyboard? Of course you haven’t. It’s nearly impossible to use a computer without using a keyboard. Are all keyboards created equal though? This answer is no, some keyboards are of a much higher caliber than others, and this article will guide you to making a keyboard purchase that you will not regret.

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.

Cleaning Your Laptop Keys

How To Computer — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:49:23 +0000

Keyboard Cleaning

When you are the type of person who only uses your laptop at home you might not even notice the painful truth until you go outside. Those nights you have studied long and hard with only light coming from the laptop itself, or reading the news in the dim light of the morning sun filtered through the kitchen blinds didn’t prepare you for what you see in the broad honest light of day. Dog hair, dust, smears and just plain gunk on the keys all spell out the need to clean the key board.

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.

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