Keyboard Question: USB?

[Brangwen]

Fellow KeyBoarders:

I am interested in buying a keyboard that has English and Hebrew markings on the keys. Here's my question: My keyboard sits literally 6-7 feet away from my motherboard, so I require a long cable. Presently I'm using the classic IBM clunker with removable keys for cleaning and the (real long) coiled cord that snaps into the keyboard like an RJ45 connection.

My choices with the dual language keyboard I'm considering buying is "regular" plug in interface and a USB flavor interface. The USB would be handy because I would not have to worry about the cable reaching a long distance as I have a hub atop my desk. (My computer is on castors on the floor - tall tower.) My concern: Will a USB keyboard operate in DOS mode or even Safe-Mode? For example, if I have to perform a clean install of the OS, can I expect the USB keyboard to function during the procedure? I do not think so, but that's why I'm double checking with you all.

Given the convenience (only short cable/cord needed) with the USB, that seems the best choice ... I suppose were it necessary to clean install or perform a similar non-windoze function, I could re-hook up my trusty IBM ...

Any thoughts?

Thx.

Brangwen


Using - Win2KPro

Well, my laptop has a USB Mouse and it works during OS setup --in DOS mode. Also works when I boot to Safe Mode.

Newer MBs have this feature.

Dunno your hardware but if it fully supports USB perepherals, I'd choose USB over OPS/2 providing you have sufficient free USB ports.

A USB 2.0 PCI card with 6 ports is under $15 nowadays.

[Brangwen]

shahani:

I have not seen you around recently ... In any event, my mobo is about as old as the XP 1900+ CPU. An IWill XP333-R board with PC2700 DDR SDRAM. I am going to swing with the USB. Relatively new equipment I'm running and I can always switch keyboards if any trouble.

Thx for the feedback.

Brangwen

Hey Brangwen? Long time. You still in Mass?

With those specs you should have no problem with USB. Since USB is a newer technology as compared to PS/2, I feel its better to use USB devices --whether mice or keyboard.

Opinions differ and I guess its up to the individual to decide what's best for her/him. Its not that its an irreversible decision. just that there are no hard and fast rules.

I always use USB devices - even my external hdd is on a USB 2.0 port.